Brandeis University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

The campus is situated firmly in the residential section of the rapidly expanding city of Waltham. While Waltham isn’t exactly the most exhilarating place in the universe, there are supermarkets, pharmacies, cheap takeout, and other amenities necessary for college life. Moody Street, which provides many exciting distractions for Brandeis students, is within walking distance of campus. Full of ethnic restaurants, bars, a movie theater, Lizzy’s Ice Cream, and even a porn shop, Moody Street offers students many opportunities to stop studying and go do something. Bentley University is also in Waltham, and while the two schools rarely interact, there are some great partying opportunities if one dares venture off campus.

If Waltham still seems too small, Boston and Cambridge, home of Harvard and MIT, are extremely close. The Commuter Rail runs at convenient times seven days a week, as do various city buses. It is certainly worth investing in a Charlie Card to ensure hassle-free transportation. Shuttles, or “Branvans,” provide frequent free transportation Thursday through Sunday to Harvard and MIT. Boston is a legendary college town—it is home to more colleges than any other area in the country—and offers anything a student could want in the way of food, music, sports, or other entertainment. On any given night, there is something going on at Northeastern, Harvard, MIT, Boston College, or Boston University, and everyone seems to have friends at other schools. It is no secret that the party scene at Brandeis is dull and monotonous, so events at other schools are the perfect way to spice up a weekend.

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Students Speak Out

BraJa4 says: Brandeis University 2015 Natural Resources and Conservation

Waltham is a great place to go out... Waltham is a great place to go out to eat. There are every kind of restaurant all up and down Moody and Main streets. Other than that, Waltham is a fairly blue-collar town with many industrial sites. Since Waltham is right outside Boston, there is a ton of other universities and colleges around to socialize with. But, the average Brandies student won't often venture to other campuses unless they are visiting friends there. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 17, 2009 Report

BraRK says: Brandeis University 2015 Psychology

Waltham is not the best-looking... Waltham is not the best-looking town, but it has some really nice places. The Waltham Library is pretty and a nice place to study if you need a change of scenery. The other university in Waltham is Bentley, but for some reason, Brandeis and Bentley students hardly ever interact. It's kind of sad, really—combining Brandeis' and Bentley's social spheres would be a great way to increase the variety of social opportunities. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 16, 2009 Report

BraTS says: Brandeis University 2015 Math and Statistics

There's not much interaction with... There's not much interaction with Waltham-it's too difficult to get there. There are lots of good restaurants, though. Boston/Cambridge is easily accessible, and people often go there on weekends. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 16, 2009 Report

XS says: Brandeis University 2014 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences

Moody Street is about all Waltham... Moody Street is about all Waltham has going for it. On the other hand, Boston is a short shuttle/commuter rail ride away, and much of the campus goes there on weekends. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 03, 2009 Report

BraAH says: Brandeis University 2015 Law and Legal Studies

It is a classic blue-collar town.... It is a classic blue-collar town. There are very few department stores but wonderful restaurants, especially Thai and Indian. There is a lot of involvement between students and the neighboring community, and with a very large community service program, Brandeis students are very involved in Waltham. Bentley is the only other school in Waltham, but you generally won't see them unless you are going to big parties. 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 13, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Waltham:
• The name “Waltham” means “home in the woods.”
• The Waltham Watch Company opened in Waltham in 1854 and was the first company to make watches on an assembly line, which is how Waltham gets the nickname “Watch City.”
• Aerosmith had a recording studio in Waltham in the 1970s off of Lexington Street.
• Waltham houses the East Coast offices of Microsoft and is home to four Fortune 500 companies.
• The Waltham Arts Council funds free concerts every week during the summer on Waltham Common.

Famous People from the Boston Area:
John Quincy Adams
Samuel Adams
Matt Damon
Abbie Hoffman
John F. Kennedy
Edward Kennedy
John Kerry
Leonard Nimoy

Local Slang:
Bubbler – A water fountain
Jimmies – Chocolate sprinkles. Sprinkles refers to rainbow sprinkles only.
Packie – Liquor store
Frappe – Milk, ice cream, maybe flavored syrup. Milkshakes do not have ice cream.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Emily Maskas
Hometown: Sterling, MA
Major: Psychology/Art History

Emily is ambidextrous.

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