Founded in 1948, Brandeis University is one of the youngest private universities in the United States. Named for the late Supreme Court Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis the school is spread across 235 acres in Waltham, Massachusetts, just 9 miles west of the city of Boston. Brandeis is the only nonsectarian Jewish sponsored university/college in the U.S., with an increasingly diverse and international student body.
Visitor Information: Although walk-in visitors are always welcome, Brandeis recommends scheduling ahead. Visits begin at the Carl & Ruth Shapiro Admissions Center.
Transportation: The closest airport to Brandeis is Logan International Airport. Once in Boston, the MBTA subway system (referred to as the “T”) is a great way to get around. It consists of five transit lines — Red, Green, Orange, Blue and Silver, the closest “T” stops to Brandeis are the Porter Square "T" stop on the Red Line and the Riverside "T" stop on the Green Line. Amtrak, which operates a nationwide system of trains, offers services from South Station. (on the Red Line) Brandeis students often use Greyhound and Peter Pan buses. Buses also arrive and depart from South Station in Boston.
Stay: Close to campus, your best options are the Boston Marriott Newton, The Westin Waltham, Hyatt House or the Hotel Indigo Boston.
Coffee: Students love Einstein Bros. Bagels, located in the campus center, it’s the most convenient option before your tour, and a student go-to for a good bagel before class.
Breakfast: In A Pickle is within walking distance to campus on Moody Street, and it is always packed with Brandeis students and faculty. In A Pickle is the #1 breakfast restaurant in Waltham and is famous for its amazing pancakes, some filled with Snickers, Oreos or M and M’s!
Lunch: One of Brandeis students favorite lunch spots for Thai and sushi is Baan Thai located on the main street in Waltham. For empanadas, soups and salads plus traditional Cuban entrees head to Gustazo Cuban Cuisine. Moody’s Delicatessen and Provisions is on every top Boston list for classic and specialty sandwiches.
Dinner
Casual: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant has a fun vibe and delicious Mexican dishes. Masao’s Kitchen will make the vegan in your group happy. Tempo is a favorite neighborhood spot offering a creative bistro menu. Backroom is the new debut from chef Joshua Smith of Moody’s Deli fame. In addition to his signature charcuterie, there’s a full locally grown eclectic menu of seasonal dishes. There are three kosher restaurants in nearby Brookline: Café Eilat, Rami’s, and Taam China.
Late Night Snack: The Gaff is a cozy pub with live music and open-mike nights that stays open till 1:00.
Local Attractions: Visit the Rose Art Museum, right on the Brandeis campus, whose legendary first curator, Sam Hunter, built a permanent collection of works that include important works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Helen Frankenthaler, Jack Whitten and other stars of modern art. The city of Boston has much to see if you have more time. Some ideas: walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail from Boston Commons to Bunker Hill, visit Quincy Market, stroll the shops of Newbury Street, or head to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, a short drive from downtown. Baseball fans must tour Fenway Park, one of America’s most famous stadiums, home to the Green Monster. For a detailed itinerary of Boston’s best attractions see our specialized itinerary here.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BOSTON
Watch students tell you why they love Brandeis
— Quotes From Campus —
“Brandeis is a great school, everyone has a place there, no matter what your interests or strengths are. All feel welcome, and there are a ton of awesome campus activities.”
“Walking down Moody Street for dinner is fun, leave time to check out the cool thrift stores.”
“Brandeis’s proximity to Boston makes it an awesome place to spend 4 years. You get to know Waltham and the surrounding towns, and you can spend your weekends in Boston using the free Crystal Shuttle!”
DONT MISS THE BEST RESTAURANTS
IN BOSTON
BRANDEIS FAST FACTS
Established
1948
Mascot
Ollie the Owl
School Colors
Blue & White
Acceptance Rate
33%
Common Application
Common App or Brandeis App
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Decision 1 and 2
SAT
Average - 1430
ACT
Average - 31
Type
Private
Size
Small - 3,608 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(p) (781) 736-3500
admissions@brandeis.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division III
Greek Life
No
Noteworthy Alumni
Debra Messing
Mitch Albom
Nelson Figueroa
SHOP
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
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