Brandeis University - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Living off campus may seem like every college student’s dream—but probably not at Brandeis. Incoming students are guaranteed four consecutive semesters of housing, but there is housing available for most juniors and seniors who seek it, making on-campus housing much more convenient. Unless you are into sketchy frat parties, most worthwhile activities happen on campus, so there is not much improvement in your social life if you move away. If you have no luck with the lottery and are forced to go house-hunting, the options are not all that exciting. However, it is a great learning experience, and there is the amazing bonus of not having to waste money on a meal plan. Overall, most students who live off campus seem to love it, and very few students who live off campus junior year move back to campus their senior year.

There are two main problems with off-campus housing. One is that Brandeis does nothing to help people find an apartment. The few places that are available in Waltham are usually way too expensive or too far away unless you have a car. The other problem with off-campus housing is the lack of parking on campus for any student wishing to commute. For many months of the year, it is way too cold to walk to class, and there is a tremendous amount of rain, even when it is warm. But then again, many upperclassmen wouldn’t have it any other way, so living off campus can’t be all that bad.

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Students Speak Out

BraRK says: Brandeis University 2015 Psychology

Off campus housing can be as... Off campus housing can be as convenient as some of the Brandeis housing for upperclassmen. I've heard of people renting houses on South Street, the street where Brandeis is located. The people who live further tend to have cars. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 16, 2009 Report

BraHV says: Brandeis University 2014 History

Housing off campus is impossible... Housing off campus is impossible to find at a reasonable rate unless you're willing to live in a dive. My friends have had a lot of issues finding stuff. Something Brandeis doesn't tell you is if you receive financial aid and move off campus you'll lose some of your money, but they don't guarantee on campus housing after sophomore year. It's a really bad situation to be in. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 16, 2009 Report

BraDE says: Brandeis University 2013 History

It's possible, but the good... It's possible, but the good apartments get snatched up early. There are two apartment complexes nearby, but the one closest to campus doesn't rent to undergrads. Also, the Waltham shuttle is not at all convenient or reliable. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 16, 2009 Report

BraJC says: Brandeis University 2016 Other

Off-campus housing is difficult... Off-campus housing is difficult unless you have a car or are close enough to walk—in the winter this may be especially inconvenient. I would not prefer to live off campus here. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 16, 2009 Report

BraCM says: Brandeis University 2016 Social Sciences

Since Brandeis is just outside of... Since Brandeis is just outside of Boston, the apartment prices are very reasonable when compared to city prices. There is a lot of nearby housing for students. Generally, it costs less to live off campus than to live in the dorms. It is definitely worth checking out. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 03, 2009 Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

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Hometown: Sterling, MA
Major: Psychology/Art History

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