What are the housing options like at Brandeis University?

I'm starting to seriously consider Brandeis University, and I'm curious about the housing situation there. How are the dorms and residence halls? Do most students live on campus all four years, or is it common to move off-campus? Also, any advice on getting into the best dorms or making the most of campus living would be appreciated.

Brandeis University, like most residential colleges, requires all first-year students to live on campus. The housing policy states that students are guaranteed on-campus housing for all four years, which is certainly a unique feature among many universities. While living on campus all four years is a guarantee, you'll find that some students do choose to live off-campus in their junior or senior year for a variety of reasons such as desiring more independence or looking to save money. However, the majority of students stick around to keep enjoying the vibrant campus environment.

As for the dorms themselves, there are several different options depending on your classification (first-year, sophomore, etc.). First-year students are typically housed in Massell or North Quad, both of which have a variety of rooming options from singles to quads (four-person rooms).

Sophomore year, many students moved to the Charles River Apartments. These apartments come with a kitchen, so some students opt out of the full meal plan.

In your junior and senior years, more options become available including suite-style housing in Ridgewood, Rosenthal, and Ziv. These areas offer more privacy and a sense of independence while still being close to campus resources.

Starting in your sophomore year, you can also live in one of the themed communities - such as cultural houses or substance-free housing - if they align with your interests or lifestyle.

As for improving your chances of getting into your top choice, housing is typically assigned based on a lottery system so it's largely luck of the draw. However, you can increase your chances by understanding the housing application process and deadlines.

To make the most of campus living, I recommend taking part in your residential community activities and events. It's a great way to meet people in your dorm, and you'll start to feel like part of a community rather than just living in a building. Also, don't be afraid to respectfully communicate with your roommates about any shared living issues that arise - clear communication is key!

Overall, campus living at Brandeis offers a diverse range of options and experiences, and with guaranteed housing, you can transition at your own pace from fully catered dorm life to more independent apartment-style living.