So Brandeis was my top choice for many reasons (academics etc.) I was admitted as an ED student so I don’t really know what the rest of the class of 2022 is. But I’m already feelinng a trend, so I want to know what the student body is like on campus. Is it really majorly jewish? How diverse is it really? I feel like deis prides itself on being diverse, but it seems to be primarily jewish… What about the party scene? While I know there probably won’t be crazy ragers but what are the parties like? How about the dating scene? This totally isn’t a deciding factor for me, I’d still like to experience the “classic” college experience.
Brandeis is diverse. The common data set gives its statistics and it is 46% non-Hispanic white, which is less than half, so that indicates much diversity!
All religions are welcomed and many are represented, with churches built so that literally none “shadows” the others. Yes, there is a plurality of ethnic Jews, although still less than half so not a majority. I emphasized “ethnic” in that sentence because a lot of Jews are culturally Jewish but nonreligious. Brandeis was founded when Jews faced quotas at the Ivies, to be a school where people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Some Jewish students are still attracted to it because of that history.
You were admitted ED, so your choice is made. Congratulations! Great school!
I visited Brandeis but did not attend so I cannot comment on the social life. I am sure you will find parties, though! The tour guide and others with whom we spoke on campus made it sound very nice and welcoming socially.
The campus is 40% Jewish. A lot of the kids are either Jewish kids, Chinese international students, and then there is an assorted mix of students. It is not primarily Jewish, but the Jewish presence is definitely there. A lot of the kids are just culturally Jewish - think typical NE Jews from New York/New Jersey, and then Jews from California. The more religious ones tend to be in HIllel/Chabad and go to Shabbat, practice regularly, etc.
The party scene is mostly off campus, or in upper class dorms. Brandeis parties are not hardcore parties. There are frats and sororities but they are mostly off campus. They are not sponsored by the universities. I wouldn’t say they’re exactly the most reputable parties - everyone smells like BO, is drunk as heck/on some type of drug, and the guys there are really just trying to find girls to hook up with. They aren’t crazy ragers, but they’re there if you want them.
The dating scene is fine, just like any normal college. Brandeis has about 3600 students, so there are plenty of fish in the sea for you!