When does UC Berkeley's fall semester usually begin?
I'm starting to put together my college apps and trying to figure out the timelines for different schools, but I'm getting a little confused about when the semester actually starts for UC Berkeley. I checked their website and saw a bunch of different calendars and terms, which made it more overwhelming.
If anyone has been through it or is currently attending, could you tell me the typical start date for the fall semester? And does it change a lot each year, or is it usually around the same week in August? I'm just trying to plan my summer and travel for next year in case I get accepted. Would really appreciate any info!
If anyone has been through it or is currently attending, could you tell me the typical start date for the fall semester? And does it change a lot each year, or is it usually around the same week in August? I'm just trying to plan my summer and travel for next year in case I get accepted. Would really appreciate any info!
1 week ago
•
20 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 1 week ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley’s fall semester typically begins in the third week of August, almost always around mid-to-late August each year. For example, in recent years, the start date has fallen between August 21 and August 24. The official first day is called the first day of instruction, which is when classes begin, but new student orientation often happens a week earlier.
The dates don’t change dramatically from year to year, so you can usually expect the semester to start sometime between August 20 and August 25. If you’re looking at the timeline for 2024, the first day of instruction is scheduled for August 21, 2024. Orientation for new students (called Golden Bear Orientation) typically starts the week prior, so incoming freshmen usually arrive as early as mid-August.
As an example, if you wanted to plan travel and move-in, you’d likely want to be on campus at least by orientation. In 2023, orientation started around August 14th, and move-in dates were scheduled accordingly. Move-in windows and specific times are announced by University Housing, so watch for those details.
If you check the university’s Academic Calendar online, it can look overwhelming, but the main date to note is “First Day of Instruction.” Other dates—like the end of the semester and holidays—are also listed if you’re planning longer-term. For planning purposes, treat the fall semester’s start as settled in the third week of August, and you’ll be set. Best of luck with your applications and planning!
The dates don’t change dramatically from year to year, so you can usually expect the semester to start sometime between August 20 and August 25. If you’re looking at the timeline for 2024, the first day of instruction is scheduled for August 21, 2024. Orientation for new students (called Golden Bear Orientation) typically starts the week prior, so incoming freshmen usually arrive as early as mid-August.
As an example, if you wanted to plan travel and move-in, you’d likely want to be on campus at least by orientation. In 2023, orientation started around August 14th, and move-in dates were scheduled accordingly. Move-in windows and specific times are announced by University Housing, so watch for those details.
If you check the university’s Academic Calendar online, it can look overwhelming, but the main date to note is “First Day of Instruction.” Other dates—like the end of the semester and holidays—are also listed if you’re planning longer-term. For planning purposes, treat the fall semester’s start as settled in the third week of August, and you’ll be set. Best of luck with your applications and planning!
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years