Brandeis Stories

Scene at Brandeis: August 2025

September 2, 2025

By Dan Holmes and Gaelen Morse

Scene at Brandeis is a recurring feature highlighting the work of Brandeis' staff photographers. 

See more photos on Instagram and Facebook, and in the Scene at Brandeis archive.

Welcome back, Brandeisians! The fall semester is officially underway, and campus is bustling with activity once again. From New Student Orientation to the first day of classes, the Brandeis community has quickly settled into the rhythm of a new year. We’ve gathered some of our favorite images from August to share with you as the 2025-2026 academic year begins.

Move-in day brought students, families, staff and volunteers together as new and returning Brandeisians got settled into their residence halls.

A student walks along a path on campus holding two large duffle bags.
First-year student athlete Asher W. ’29 moves into his residence hall.
Two students make a bed in a dorm room.
Mia D. ’29 and Camila S. ’29 settle into their new residence hall.
A student lifts a large box on move-in day.
Three students in the move-in crew sit on the grass on campus.
Orientation leaders Daniyal N. ’28, Zumra H. ’26 and move-in crew member Ella Z. ’26 take a break in the shade during move-in day
A mother and daughter smile in front of a move-in check-in table.
Bernice W. ’29 and her mother check in during move-in day.

Undergraduate and graduate students took part in a range of orientation events — from Light the Night and University Welcome to Night at the Boardwalk and more — meeting peers, exploring campus resources and preparing for the semester ahead.

A group of students sit outside on campus and laugh together.
Zheng G. speaks with fellow students during Graduate Student Orientation.
An audience of students sits in an auditorium.
Graduate students listen to orientation leaders during Graduate Student Orientation.
A group of undergraduate students stand outside on campus holding hands during a group activity.
First-year students participate in team-building activities during Undergraduate Orientation.
A panel of speakers sit on stage in an auditorium.
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Jeffrey Shoulson addresses students during the first-year student University Welcome.
A large group of students poses for a photo in front of the "Light of Reason" sculpture.
Students attend Light the Night, an annual Brandeis tradition to commemorate the beginning of their Brandeis journey.
A group of students applaud and cheer.
Two students hold candles and take a selfie.
A large group of students stand together holding candles during Light the Night.
A group of students play a water carnival game.
Students play games at Night at the Boardwalk, a carnival-themed orientation event.
Two students ride a spinning carnival ride together.

The new academic year officially began with the first day of classes, as students and faculty returned to classrooms and labs across campus.

A group of students walk together along a path on campus.
Graduate students Malcolm H. and Emiraldo P. walk with friends on the first day of classes.
A professor speaks to a classroom full of students.
Associate Professor Scott Redenius speaks to students on the first day of Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECON 20A).
A student writes on a white board.
Ryan W. ’26 works on a project on the first day of Introduction to Design Methodology class (ENGR 11A).

Brandeis students explored the many academic and career resources available to them at the Academic Fair and the Hiatt Career Center Orientation.

A group of students speak with an Undergraduate Departmental Representative at the Academic Fair.
Students meet with Undergraduate Departmental Representatives to learn more about academic opportunities during the Academic Fair.
A large group of students gather outside on campus during the Hiatt Career Center Orientation.
Students gather on the Great Lawn during the Hiatt Career Center Orientation.
A person looks on to an audience of students wearing a shirt that reads "Rise Together."
Students participate in breakout sessions during the Hiatt Career Center Orientation.

Finally, the Brandeis community gathered for SciFest, where students showcased their summer research during a poster session in the Shapiro Science Center.

Many students present their research posters to SciFest attendees.
Students present their research to the Brandeis community at SciFest.
A student speaks with President Arthur Levine in front of his SciFest poster.
Joshua V. ’27 discusses his research with Brandeis President Arthur Levine.

To the entire Brandeis community — we’re glad to have you back on campus and can’t wait to see what this year has in store.

An aerial view of the Brandeis campus in the summer.