<p>Ooookay, I can definitely see how that could be a problem. </p>
<p>I’m a Brandeis freshman, and when I visited the school my junior year term was in full swing. I think I had more of your experience than your friend’s–I absolutely loved the school. I guess I’ll just try and help you out with some of your issues/questions:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Religion –> Brandeis has a rep for being a really “Jewish” school (and…well, yeah, we do get Passover break :P), but there really is a huge mix of religions on campus. If you’re looking for Jews, you’ll definitely find them, but if you aren’t, don’t worry about it. Religion isn’t a big deal here, but it’s always easy to get involved if you want to.</p></li>
<li><p>Smoking –> There are smokers here, obviously, but there are smokers at pretty much any college you visit, liberal arts ones moreso (because we’re “edgy” and all that jazz). But there’s a really strict no-smoking policy within (correct me if I’m wrong, other Brandeis kids) 30 feet of the buildings, and you can request a non-smoking roommate. </p></li>
<li><p>Friendliness –> I’m a midyear, and I’ve heard that on the whole midyears are a tighter-knit group from the freshman, but I think on the whole most Brandeis kids are really friendly. Or at least, no one is UNfriendly. I’m not saying you’re going to be BFF with your entire class, but everyone here (that I know, at least) is really friendly and accepting, and it’s definitely easy to meet people and make friends. The best way to do it? LEAVE YOUR DOOR OPEN, especially the first semester. I still do, and people are always randomly dropping in to say hi. :)</p></li>
<li><p>Programs –> I’m a Creative Writing/Theatre Major, so I don’t know too much about the IR or ES programs, but there are no “weak” programs at Brandeis. There’s a lot of emphasis here on academic excellence, and our profs definitely take the time to improve any programs they feel are suffering. But I’d definitely recommend looking into your program of choice, obviously.</p></li>
<li><p>Food –> Yay, vegetarians! There are TONS of vegetarian options on campus. The different dining halls always have vegetarian options, there’s a make-your-own-stir-fry station in the all you can eat dining hall, and the campus store sells lots of vegetarian-friendly food. This is definitely a pro-veggie campus. I’m a fan of salads, myself, but there’s no reason you’d have to eat them for four years. :P</p></li>
<li><p>Overall Atmosphere –> As I said, the whole school is generally really friendly and accepting. There are groups of friends that form pretty quickly, but it’s not a clique-y school, and everyone is really nice. A little awkward, maybe, but nice. Like I said–LEAVE YOUR DOOR OPEN.</p></li>
<li><p>Dorms/Living Conditions –> They’re not stellar, but they’re nice. 
It all depends on what dorm you end up in, as some have been more recently renovated, but none of them are prison-like, and like any school, it’s your room! It can either be bare and barren, or you can walk in and instantly make it your own. Up to you. Your freshman year, you’re able to choose whether you want to be on a single- or mixed-gendered floor, which is totally up to you. My floor is mixed, and I love it (not as much drama, and the guys are pretty funny :P), but it’s not for everyone. Quiet hours exist, but how much they’re enforced is dependent on the people on the floor. Generally people will respect you if you ask for them to be quiet, especially during quiet hours. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>I think that’s about it! If you have any questions, feel free to email <a href=“mailto:me--mshore@brandeis.edu”>me–mshore@brandeis.edu</a>. </p>
<p>Cheers!</p>