Brandeis University Admissions

By Jayla M. ’22

Going to college is a great opportunity for many people to find themselves. You’re really on your own for probably the first time in your life, some of us are far from home, and you’re starting your journey toward becoming a true young adult. College is a time for transformation as you learn more about your interests, what you may want to do in the future, and, most importantly, you start to find out who you truly are. I can’t promise that every day is as productive or exciting as the ones I’ve described for you below, but I can say that being a student at Brandeis means having no shortage of opportunities to make new friends, visit new places, achieve your goals, and find the real you. Please join me on a day in my life at this wonderful university that I’ve begun to think of as home.

Thursday

Sunrise from the Gosman parking lot

6:30 a.m.

I wake up early on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that I have time to get over to Gosman, our athletic complex, for a quick workout to start my day. Hearing my alarm go off at 6:30 in the morning is always a bit jarring, but I’m slowly getting used to the routine! I love the 12-minute walk from my dorm in Brandeis’ Charles River Apartments to the gym and it’s always sure to wake me all the way up (in case my iPhone’s blaring alarm somehow fails to do that!) Look at that beautiful sunrise. :)

7 a.m.

At the gym! Getting ready to conquer the day by first conquering the treadmill one step at a time. The gym isn’t too busy at this time of the morning, but I have started to recognize a few others who regularly come at the same time. Even though we don’t talk, there’s a sense of community in the room from all of us choosing to give up precious minutes of sleep in exchange for a nearly empty gym. 7:45 a.m. means that it’s time for me to head home and get ready for the day!

My introduction on Instagram

9 a.m.

After I get ready, I prepare for a typical Thursday. First, I have a work meeting over Zoom at 9. I have been so lucky to have worked with the Admissions department for the past couple of years as a social media ambassador. During our Thursday morning meetings, we go over our goals for the next week and brainstorm content ideas for the future. Led by Carly Buckholz, an amazing assistant director for the Admissions department, myself and three other student workers work on gathering content for the Brandeis Admissions social media pages. (Shameless plug of the Instagram here!)

10 a.m.

Remember the precious minutes of sleep that I so courageously gave up in order to go to the gym? I recover those minutes and then some after my work meeting, in case anyone was worried. On Thursdays, I don’t have my first class until noon so I have the perfect amount of time to get a little bit more sleep and make myself some breakfast before I have to leave. Living in the Charles River Apartments, or “Grad,” means that I have my own kitchen, complete with a fridge, pantry, sink, stove and oven, so I don’t have to go too far for breakfast — unless I’m craving an omelet from Sherman! Today I am having a bagel with strawberry cream cheese and yogurt. :)

In my Communications and Media class

12 p.m.

Starting my first of three classes for today! First, I have American Art with Professor Kalb, then St. Peter’s & the Vatican with Professor McClendon at 1 p.m., a little time to grab a quick sandwich from Louis’ Deli for lunch, and finally Human Rights in a Global Perspective at 2 p.m. with Professor Uretsky. In case my course load doesn’t make it obvious enough, I am an anthropology major and art history minor, and I love every single class that I am in this semester! My favorite class that I have taken during my studies has been Communications & Media, taught by Professor McIntosh. 

4 p.m.

After I am done with classes for the day, I head home to get started on some assignments that are due after our upcoming break. February break couldn’t have come at a better time, and I am heading to New York on Friday to stay with some friends — who also happen to be Brandeis alumni!

6 p.m.

Decided to head to Sherman Dining Hall to grab some dinner to go. Tonight I decided to have salmon, rice and asparagus from the "Simple Servings" section (my mom would be so proud that I am still eating healthy even when I’m away from home!). This is usually the busiest time in the dining hall, but the lines continue to move quickly and efficiently so I am able to get in and out.

9 p.m.

Since I worked on my assignments earlier, now I have time to just chill out at home and get ready for my trip tomorrow. Of course, I use this time wisely and catch up on Love is Blind on Netflix!

A view of Times square

Friday

7 a.m.

On the bus, headed to the Big Apple! One of the greatest things (I think) about Brandeis’ campus is how accessible public transportation is. In addition to having a commuter rail stop right next to campus, there are also several city bus routes that run through campus and into Waltham and beyond. I was able to take the commuter rail from the Brandeis/Roberts stop, just a few minutes’ walk from my dorm, into Boston, and I then transferred to the red line to get to South Station. Once I’m at South Station, all I have to do is find my bus terminal and get on board! It’s about a 4.5 hour ride from Boston to NYC, with a stop in Hartford, CT!

Lattes with friends in New York!

11 a.m.

Met up for some beautifully aesthetic lattes with several Brandeis alumni in the city! This break is the perfect time to catch up with my friends that I've made during my time at Brandeis. My favorite thing about being a part of the Brandeis community is the lasting friendships that you make during your time here. Even though some of the people that I caught up with this weekend graduated in 2020 and before, our connection is still strong due to the many wonderful memories we have from our time together at ’Deis.