Is UC Berkeley located in Oakland or Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is located in the city of Berkeley, California—not Oakland. Berkeley and Oakland are neighboring cities in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, but they are distinct. The campus address, for reference, is 200 California Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720.

A lot of people from outside the area mix up the two cities because they are so close to each other. In fact, it takes only about a 10-15 minute drive (without traffic) to get from downtown Berkeley to downtown Oakland. However, they each have their own unique vibe and city governments, and UC Berkeley is firmly within Berkeley city limits.

For students, the location matters because the campus has a college-town feel with lots of cafes, local eateries, bookstores, and housing specifically for students. Berkeley is known for being a lively, walkable college city. Oakland is more urban and diverse, with its own attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods, but it's a separate environment from the campus.

When you visit, you’ll definitely want to book a hotel or Airbnb in Berkeley if you want to be walking distance or a quick bus/Uber ride from campus activities and tours. Staying in Oakland is possible, especially if you find a great hotel deal or want to explore both cities, but plan for a little extra travel to reach the university.

If you’re concerned about ease and safety, North Berkeley and Downtown Berkeley are both very student-friendly areas to stay in. Here’s an example: many families book at hotels like the Graduate Berkeley, which is only a couple blocks from the central campus, or look for hotels or short-term rentals near Shattuck Avenue, which has a lot of food and shops.

So to sum it up, UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, not Oakland. The distinction does make a difference for your hotel and overall experience. Enjoy your visit—there’s a lot to see both on campus and in the city!