What is UC Berkeley really like for undergrads?
I'm a rising senior trying to build my college list, and I'm super interested in UC Berkeley. I know it's got an amazing reputation and all, but I want to know what everyday life is like there for students.
Are classes very competitive? What's the social scene like? And how do people handle the pressure, especially in tough majors like engineering or CS? If anyone could share what surprised them about Berkeley or what they wish they'd known before coming, that would help a lot.
Also, if you're from out of state or a first-gen student, was the transition hard? I want to make sure I'm getting a real picture beyond just what I see on their website or ranking lists.
Are classes very competitive? What's the social scene like? And how do people handle the pressure, especially in tough majors like engineering or CS? If anyone could share what surprised them about Berkeley or what they wish they'd known before coming, that would help a lot.
Also, if you're from out of state or a first-gen student, was the transition hard? I want to make sure I'm getting a real picture beyond just what I see on their website or ranking lists.
4 months ago
•
44 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 4 months ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley has a unique energy: ambitious, lively, and a little chaotic in the best way. The reputation for rigor is well deserved, especially in competitive majors like engineering or computer science. Classes move quickly, and classmates are extremely talented and hard-working. I loved the balance of large lectures for broad topics and tiny, intimate classes for niche interests, like small or less commonly taught languages. It made it easy to explore specific subjects while benefiting from the breadth of a major research university.
The library system was massive and an incredible resource for coursework and personal research. You felt among the best of the best, which pushed you to take your academic and professional pursuits seriously.
Housing-wise, UC Berkeley’s co-op system (run by the Berkeley Student Cooperative) is a unique alternative to fraternities or sororities, offering a tight-knit, communal environment. The BSC has 17 houses and 3 apartment complexes, each with its own culture and size. Themed houses have distinct identities, while most others feel like well-lived-in family homes. Ridge, POC, Afro House, Hoyt, Wilde, Sherman, and Davis are relatively clean; Casa Zimbabwe is known for its party scene, and Cloyne, huge and bustling, is rarely tidy. The co-ops bring community and affordability that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Intro-level classes can feel competitive, but many upper-division courses are more collaborative, with study groups helping everyone through tough problem sets.
Socially, the experience is what you make of it. There are over 1,000 clubs, cultural orgs, activism circles, and Greek life, but you have to be proactive. The city of Berkeley adds art, food, and outdoor spaces, including great hiking. Dorms often foster close friendships, but effort is required.
The pressure is real, especially in STEM, but people support each other through clubs, resource groups, and Berkeley’s green spaces. Mental health and academic counseling exist, but you must seek them out. Despite the intensity, most people are willing to help, and office hours and peer tutors are invaluable.
Out-of-state and first-gen students may find the transition tricky, but groups like the FLI (First-Generation and Low-Income) Student Center help. You need to advocate for yourself, but the independence and opportunities of a world-class university are worth it.
If you’re looking for challenge, diversity, and an environment where you’re surrounded by people determined to change the world, sometimes in quirky ways, Berkeley delivers. Just be ready to reach out, get involved, and ask for help when needed.
The library system was massive and an incredible resource for coursework and personal research. You felt among the best of the best, which pushed you to take your academic and professional pursuits seriously.
Housing-wise, UC Berkeley’s co-op system (run by the Berkeley Student Cooperative) is a unique alternative to fraternities or sororities, offering a tight-knit, communal environment. The BSC has 17 houses and 3 apartment complexes, each with its own culture and size. Themed houses have distinct identities, while most others feel like well-lived-in family homes. Ridge, POC, Afro House, Hoyt, Wilde, Sherman, and Davis are relatively clean; Casa Zimbabwe is known for its party scene, and Cloyne, huge and bustling, is rarely tidy. The co-ops bring community and affordability that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Intro-level classes can feel competitive, but many upper-division courses are more collaborative, with study groups helping everyone through tough problem sets.
Socially, the experience is what you make of it. There are over 1,000 clubs, cultural orgs, activism circles, and Greek life, but you have to be proactive. The city of Berkeley adds art, food, and outdoor spaces, including great hiking. Dorms often foster close friendships, but effort is required.
The pressure is real, especially in STEM, but people support each other through clubs, resource groups, and Berkeley’s green spaces. Mental health and academic counseling exist, but you must seek them out. Despite the intensity, most people are willing to help, and office hours and peer tutors are invaluable.
Out-of-state and first-gen students may find the transition tricky, but groups like the FLI (First-Generation and Low-Income) Student Center help. You need to advocate for yourself, but the independence and opportunities of a world-class university are worth it.
If you’re looking for challenge, diversity, and an environment where you’re surrounded by people determined to change the world, sometimes in quirky ways, Berkeley delivers. Just be ready to reach out, get involved, and ask for help when needed.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating