UC Berkeley is big, and the number of people can be overwhelming, but there's something for everyone here. The location is great-- downtown Berkeley is just a short walk away, and San Francisco is accessible by bus. Although the classes can be difficult, there's plenty of support readily available, and you really do learn a lot.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Be willing to work hard, but don't be afraid to ask for help as there are plenty of resources for undergrads. There is also an incredible number of opportunities for undergrads, so be prepared to seize them. Be prepared to keep an open mind as well.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Cal is a rigorous university, but it's also big enough that it's hard to make generalizations about the difficulty of the classes, as all of the departments are different. There is a student tutoring center, and it's not hard to find help, especially for the bigger and more difficult classes.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The Unit 4 (Foothill/Stern) dorm is at the highest point on campus, right on the side of a hill, and right next to the engineering buildings. If you're willing to commit to the walk-- or learn the campus bus schedules really well-- it also has the best views of the Bay from anywhere on campus except maybe the clock tower, as well as arguably the best dining hall. Unit 4 also tends to be quieter (both in terms of noise and the social scene, concert nights at the next-door Greek Theater excepted) than the other residential units; Stern Hall, a women-only dorm in Unit 4, is widely regarded the quietest residential building at Cal.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The Foothill dining hall, although a bit small, has a considerable amount of variety available; the food is good enough that becoming familiar with the local cafes is a pleasant but not mandatory pastime. Ingredients and allergens are always clearly labeled for every dish except the ice cream and salad bars, and there are halal, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan options available year-round for every meal. The on-campus cafes are all quite nice, and if you're willing to search off-campus, there are a wide variety of affordable good options in Berkeley proper, including an improbable number of boba/bubble tea shops.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Berkeley boasts a wealth of student clubs and organizations, several movie theaters in the downtown area, easy access to several shopping districts, a staggering number of just-for-fun classes (often run by students!), a robust music program, and loads of interesting meeting places. If you're bored in Berkeley, it's probably because you haven't explored enough.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
A Berkeley education can be pricey, especially if you're from out of state. The dorms are also incredibly expensive; many undergrads, even frosh and sophomores, choose to live in apartments or off-campus student collectives. However, if you're after a degree in STEM-- particularly computer science-- Berkeley is well worth your time and money.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There's a 100-year-old clock tower in the center of campus called the Campanile (camp-a-NEEL-ee). It contains more than 60 bells, which not only toll the daylight hours, but are also used to play concerts which are audible from most places on campus. It also stores the biology department's fossil collection. (No, seriously.)
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Computer science majors, left-leaning political activists, people who like a challenge, people who don't like Stanford University's football team.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There's something for everyone here. Even if the clubs don't suit you, there's probably a frosh/sophomore seminar or DeCal (student-led class) to fit your interests.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The City of Berkeley is not the safest place at night. Although the campus is a little better, it's not perfect. However, there are free night safety shuttles and even a service to walk students home safely. While unfortunately being careful is not a guarantee of safety, reasonable precautions go a long way, and there are more than a few precautions available here.
UC Berkeley is big, and the number of people can be overwhelming, but there's something for everyone here. The location is great-- downtown Berkeley is just a short walk away, and San Francisco is accessible by bus. Although the classes can be difficult, there's plenty of support readily available, and you really do learn a lot.
Be willing to work hard, but don't be afraid to ask for help as there are plenty of resources for undergrads. There is also an incredible number of opportunities for undergrads, so be prepared to seize them. Be prepared to keep an open mind as well.
Cal is a rigorous university, but it's also big enough that it's hard to make generalizations about the difficulty of the classes, as all of the departments are different. There is a student tutoring center, and it's not hard to find help, especially for the bigger and more difficult classes.
The Unit 4 (Foothill/Stern) dorm is at the highest point on campus, right on the side of a hill, and right next to the engineering buildings. If you're willing to commit to the walk-- or learn the campus bus schedules really well-- it also has the best views of the Bay from anywhere on campus except maybe the clock tower, as well as arguably the best dining hall. Unit 4 also tends to be quieter (both in terms of noise and the social scene, concert nights at the next-door Greek Theater excepted) than the other residential units; Stern Hall, a women-only dorm in Unit 4, is widely regarded the quietest residential building at Cal.
The Foothill dining hall, although a bit small, has a considerable amount of variety available; the food is good enough that becoming familiar with the local cafes is a pleasant but not mandatory pastime. Ingredients and allergens are always clearly labeled for every dish except the ice cream and salad bars, and there are halal, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan options available year-round for every meal. The on-campus cafes are all quite nice, and if you're willing to search off-campus, there are a wide variety of affordable good options in Berkeley proper, including an improbable number of boba/bubble tea shops.
Berkeley boasts a wealth of student clubs and organizations, several movie theaters in the downtown area, easy access to several shopping districts, a staggering number of just-for-fun classes (often run by students!), a robust music program, and loads of interesting meeting places. If you're bored in Berkeley, it's probably because you haven't explored enough.
A Berkeley education can be pricey, especially if you're from out of state. The dorms are also incredibly expensive; many undergrads, even frosh and sophomores, choose to live in apartments or off-campus student collectives. However, if you're after a degree in STEM-- particularly computer science-- Berkeley is well worth your time and money.
There's a 100-year-old clock tower in the center of campus called the Campanile (camp-a-NEEL-ee). It contains more than 60 bells, which not only toll the daylight hours, but are also used to play concerts which are audible from most places on campus. It also stores the biology department's fossil collection. (No, seriously.)
Computer science majors, left-leaning political activists, people who like a challenge, people who don't like Stanford University's football team.
There's something for everyone here. Even if the clubs don't suit you, there's probably a frosh/sophomore seminar or DeCal (student-led class) to fit your interests.
The City of Berkeley is not the safest place at night. Although the campus is a little better, it's not perfect. However, there are free night safety shuttles and even a service to walk students home safely. While unfortunately being careful is not a guarantee of safety, reasonable precautions go a long way, and there are more than a few precautions available here.