Is UC Berkeley located in San Francisco?
I always thought UC Berkeley was right in San Francisco, but now I'm not so sure. When I look at the map, it seems like it's a separate city, but people sometimes say they're going to school in San Francisco when they mean Berkeley.
Can someone clarify this for me? Is Berkeley its own city, or is it considered part of San Francisco in any way? I'm wondering because I'm trying to get a sense of the area, especially since I want to visit both the campus and some of the city spots if I get accepted. Anyone familiar with the public transportation between the two? I appreciate any info, especially from current students!
Can someone clarify this for me? Is Berkeley its own city, or is it considered part of San Francisco in any way? I'm wondering because I'm trying to get a sense of the area, especially since I want to visit both the campus and some of the city spots if I get accepted. Anyone familiar with the public transportation between the two? I appreciate any info, especially from current students!
6 months ago
•
255 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 6 months ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is located in California, in the city of Berkeley. Berkeley is its own municipality and not part of San Francisco, though the two are closely connected. The campus sits about 12 miles northeast of downtown San Francisco, across the Bay. On a map, you’ll see San Francisco on the western shore and Berkeley on the eastern shore, with the Bay Bridge and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) linking the two.
This is why people often say “San Francisco” when describing Berkeley’s location—it’s part of the larger San Francisco Bay Area, which also includes Oakland, San Jose, and many surrounding communities. San Francisco may be the most famous city, but Berkeley is very much a part of the Bay Area ecosystem.
For students, that location brings huge perks. Berkeley itself has a vibrant college-town vibe, with Telegraph Avenue and Shattuck Avenue full of cafes, bookstores, thrift shops, and restaurants. It feels very student-centered and walkable. Yet you can hop on BART at the Downtown Berkeley station—just a few blocks from campus—and be in downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes. Students often do exactly that: spend the day in the city for concerts, restaurants, or internships, and head back to Berkeley at night. There’s even the F-line bus that takes you across the Bay Bridge with incredible views.
At the same time, you’re surrounded by natural beauty. The Berkeley Hills are just behind campus, with trails and lookout points like the Lawrence Hall of Science offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. On weekends, students head to Point Reyes, Yosemite, or Napa Valley, making the most of both urban and outdoor opportunities.
And for those interested in careers—especially in technology and AI—Berkeley’s location is unmatched. The Bay Area is home to companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, so internships and events are within commuting distance. Being here gives you a front-row seat to some of the most important innovations in the world.
In short: UC Berkeley is in California, in its own city, but also deeply connected to the Bay Area. You get the best of both worlds—a classic college-town experience with quick access to San Francisco’s culture and career opportunities, plus the natural beauty that makes the region so unique.
This is why people often say “San Francisco” when describing Berkeley’s location—it’s part of the larger San Francisco Bay Area, which also includes Oakland, San Jose, and many surrounding communities. San Francisco may be the most famous city, but Berkeley is very much a part of the Bay Area ecosystem.
For students, that location brings huge perks. Berkeley itself has a vibrant college-town vibe, with Telegraph Avenue and Shattuck Avenue full of cafes, bookstores, thrift shops, and restaurants. It feels very student-centered and walkable. Yet you can hop on BART at the Downtown Berkeley station—just a few blocks from campus—and be in downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes. Students often do exactly that: spend the day in the city for concerts, restaurants, or internships, and head back to Berkeley at night. There’s even the F-line bus that takes you across the Bay Bridge with incredible views.
At the same time, you’re surrounded by natural beauty. The Berkeley Hills are just behind campus, with trails and lookout points like the Lawrence Hall of Science offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. On weekends, students head to Point Reyes, Yosemite, or Napa Valley, making the most of both urban and outdoor opportunities.
And for those interested in careers—especially in technology and AI—Berkeley’s location is unmatched. The Bay Area is home to companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, so internships and events are within commuting distance. Being here gives you a front-row seat to some of the most important innovations in the world.
In short: UC Berkeley is in California, in its own city, but also deeply connected to the Bay Area. You get the best of both worlds—a classic college-town experience with quick access to San Francisco’s culture and career opportunities, plus the natural beauty that makes the region so unique.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating