<p>you ask a question about non-Jewish students at Brandeis – did you look at the thread that is just a few below yours? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/784393-non-jewish-students-brandeis.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/784393-non-jewish-students-brandeis.html</a> </p>
<p>Brandeis is barely 50% Jewish and that 50% covers an enormous spectrum from observant Orthodox students to those for whom their Judaism is little more than a family historical fact and everything in between. To assume that this 50% is a cohesive block that makes the other 50% feel “left out” is, in my mind, a little disturbing. Most Jewish college students in this country attend schools where well more than 50% of the student body is Protestant (I am using the term to include an equally broad range of observance and personal identification with Christianity), but most Jewish students are used to being in the minority. At Brandeis you will see more Jewish culture and observance than at just about any other college – you’ll see men wearing yalmulkes – more than you will elsewhere, but still only a small minority; kosher food will be readily available (which will in no way affect someone who doesn’t care about it); the fact that there are students who observe Friday night and Saturday as their Sabbath and refrain from certain activies will be evident, but they will still be a small minority of the student population; and school will be off on certain Jewish holiday. In December, Chanukah will be well evident – but there is also the annual Brandeis traditional performance of Handel’s Messiah and tree lighting. </p>
<p>If you are a member of a majority culture and would feel uncomfortable in an environment where that culture is not the predominate majority (even though it may be well represented), than perhaps you should question whether you would be comfortable at Brandeis – but not because you would be “left out” – but rather because of your own discomfort with a more diverse environment. Student life at Brandeis is very diverse and inclusive. There are Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish chaplains and student groups representing those as well as other religions.</p>
<p>Brandeis is considered a national research university because it is a national research university. It is not a liberal arts college, though it offers excellent liberal arts programs and is relatively small for a national research university. And it is my understanding that there are ample opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research, which is not always the case at research universities.</p>
<p>Brandeis is not known as a big partying school – but there are students who party. There are also plenty of students who socialize in smaller groups and many who take advantage of the large number of clubs. Whether weekends are “boring” will depend on what it is you are looking for. If you want a school where you have your choice of frat parties to attend each weekend, Brandeis may not be the place for you (there are no official frats, which doesn’t mean there aren’t parties, including ones hosted by “unofficial frats”).</p>