Emerson College Reviews

I’ve never had any problems, and...

I’ve never had any problems, and trust me, I’ve tried to get in trouble.

If I could do it all over again, I...

If I could do it all over again, I definitely wouldn't come to Emerson. It's not fun, and I go away every weekend to visit other friends because there's nothing to do on campus or in Boston if you're under 21. Emerson is pretty overrated—it's nothing special, but, if you think you know everything, then Emerson is definitely just for you.

The gym is so small—there are like...

The gym is so small—there are like eight ellipticals and eight treadmills.

There's nothing really to do until...

There's nothing really to do until you're 21.

The guys are pretty much either...

The guys are pretty much either gay or film students, and primarily show off their True Religion and Rock & Republic jeans. Girls are very artsy and trendy. There are more attractive girls than guys, definitely. Both the guys and girls think they know everything, which is so annoying—everyone thinks they're right all the time.

It's very easy—the Green Line is...

It's very easy—the Green Line is right across the street from the Little Building.

Emerson has a new policy in which...

Emerson has a new policy in which all freshmen and sophomores have to reside on campus during their time at Emerson. Moving off campus is expected after sophomore year, and Emerson has great resources on hand to help you find a Realtor or anything else you might need. There are even people on staff to read over your lease and a list of landlords you don't want.

If you're into the drug scene,...

If you're into the drug scene, Emerson will feel it has a big one. However, no one is going to push you into it. Smoking is very popular on campus, as well, and you'll usually feel as if you're walking through cigarette country on your way to class. Drinking is also popular.

I came to Emerson because it has...

I came to Emerson because it has an amazing journalism program, and I love it. The workload is intense but manageable. Added to extracurriculars and employment, most weeks it will feel as if you've worked more than 80 hours, but you get used to it. The teachers are sometimes hit or miss because Emerson uses more industry-level professionals than just regular professors. You want to impress these individuals because they still have a great deal of influence in the industry.

Emerson has everything from hockey...

Emerson has everything from hockey to Quidditch. School spirit is relatively low as far as sports go, however.

Greek life isn't too significant...

Greek life isn't too significant at Emerson. The organizations don't have houses, but they do still have parties. Don't expect to be invited to one if you don't rush or know someone who is rushing, at least not if you're a freshman. Overall, Emerson students don't really give that much thought to frats—there's always too many other things going on.

Since Emerson is a city campus,...

Since Emerson is a city campus, there is always a lot of security around. This is also where being in a town filled with college students comes in handy because every school has its own security, and I've never felt unsafe walking alone at night. There was a small rash of thefts in the Little Building dorm, so be sure to leave your door locked when you're not in a room.

Boston is a city filled to the...

Boston is a city filled to the brim with colleges, so you'll meet students from everywhere really. Boston is a nice mix of current and historical. The JFK Library, the Freedom Trail, and the Movie Tour of Boston are just some of the fun things you can do here. Boston is very strict about nightclubs and enforcing 21+ rules, so very few places have 18+ nights.

Restaurants are something that...

Restaurants are something that this part of Boston has a real handle on. CityPlace, which is directly between the two dorms, has a few fast food places like Sbarro and Starbucks, as well as a California Pizza Kitchen and P.F. Chang's. Newbury Street, Tremont, and Beacon Hill are also just minutes away, and they offer a very diverse selection. For breakfast, Finagle A Bagel is a must, and if your friends are visiting, the Cheers bar and restaurant is only minutes away.

Emerson's policies are strict...

Emerson's policies are strict about drinking, but, generally, their enforcement is less so. For example, if you're found drinking or drunk on campus, and it's your first offense, then you'll get a $50 fine, your parents will be informed, you'll have a meeting with your RD,and you'll have to go to a meeting about the harms of underage drinking. The policies are very similar when applied to drugs and other campus regulations. Eventually, if you get three offenses per semester, you'll lose your campus housing.

This is a city—don't bring a car.

The food isn't bad. There are only...

The food isn't bad. There are only three on-campus places to eat -- the dining hall, the campus center café, and the Emerson Café. I like them all equally—it depends on my mood. It just gets old having the same choices all the time.

Ethnically and economically, it's...

Ethnically and economically, it's not overly diverse, but the administration is working on a new diversity plan. Actually, it's really only sexually diverse. Everything else leans heavily in one direction.

The dorms are great. I've only...

The dorms are great. I've only ever lived in Piano Row, so I can't really say from experience which one is better, but Piano Row is newer and all the rooms are suites, which I like.

Off-campus housing after sophomore...

Off-campus housing after sophomore year is usually necessary, though we are adding some new dorms. Some people find it more inconvenient than others, and it definitely depends on where you choose to live, but it is worth it for a lot of people.

The varsity sports teams are...

The varsity sports teams are actually pretty good, although a lot of students don't follow them. They aren't really a priority for most people here. Intramural sports are few and far between.

There isn't a lot of crime, but...

There isn't a lot of crime, but you need your ID to get into all dorm buildings and all other buildings at certain times. Also, there are campus police and security everywhere.

I've never been to a party on...

I've never been to a party on campus, and there are basically no bars or clubs that let students in if they are under 21.

It's fairly strict. It is a...

It's fairly strict. It is a completely dry campus, but they just implemented a policy that allows for some leniency for people who seek medical attention for alcohol abuse.

There is no parking. It is the...

There is no parking. It is the heart of Boston—nobody has a car.