Living
Q: Is there on-campus housing available to graduate students?
There is very limited on-campus housing, but priority is given to participants of the Study Abroad Program.
Q: Does Brandeis provide resources to help me find off-campus housing?
Yes, the Graduate Student Services Office offers many resources that can be used to find off-campus housing. Go to the following link for more information:http://www.brandeis.edu/studentlife/grad/offcampus/.
Other useful resources:
http://my.brandeis.edu/classifieds, http://boston.craigslist.org/, and house-hunting weekends during the summer.
Q: What areas do students typically live in?
For students without a car, Waltham and Porter Square in Cambridge/Somerville are popular choices. In Waltham, students often choose to live within walking distance of campus or close to one of the Bran Van stops. Students with a car can choose to live in any of the surrounding communities, but often prefer Cambridge or Somerville because of the large student population.
Q: Do I need a car?
While many students do have cars, it is not necessary to have one to take part in IBS activities and be an active member of the community.
Q: How do I get an on-campus parking pass?
Go to the Public Safety Office in Stoneman Building, or you can apply online: http://www.brandeis.edu/publicsafety/parking/permit_application.html
Q: How do I get a parking pass for a guest?
Contact the Public Safety Office, or see the guard in the Information Booth at the University entrance.
Q: What is the process for buying a car? Can I drive without a US license? How do I get a US license?
The best source for answers regarding International Driving Permits, International Driver Licenses and Driving Privileges for Foreign Licensed Drivers is listed here: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21317.pdf
Q: Where do students eat on campus?
There is a cafe at IBS itself, an Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Shapiro Student Center or two cafeterias - Sherman and Usdan.