What are some downsides to attending UC Berkeley?
I’ve always heard amazing things about Berkeley, but lately I’m seeing more negative stuff online and it’s kind of making me second guess my decision to apply. Some people mention bad housing, tough grading, or issues with campus culture.
If anyone goes there or has firsthand experience, can you share what problems you’ve faced or things that surprised you (in a bad way) about being a student there? I’m especially interested in student life and whether the competitive environment actually affects mental health or stress levels day-to-day.
If anyone goes there or has firsthand experience, can you share what problems you’ve faced or things that surprised you (in a bad way) about being a student there? I’m especially interested in student life and whether the competitive environment actually affects mental health or stress levels day-to-day.
2 weeks ago
•
10 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is a top-tier university with strong academics and a reputation for innovation, but like any large institution, it has its share of drawbacks you should know about before applying. Housing is probably the most frequently mentioned challenge. Berkeley and the surrounding Bay Area have some of the highest rents in the country, which makes finding affordable, convenient housing quite stressful for many students. It’s not uncommon for students to commute long distances, live with multiple roommates, or stay in somewhat run-down apartments.
Another issue is the competitive academic environment. While being surrounded by high-achieving peers can be motivating, it can also feel overwhelming, especially in large introductory classes graded on a curve. Some students say that it’s hard not to compare yourself to others, which can take a toll on mental health. There are plenty of support services on campus (like counseling and peer advising), but the sheer number of students means those resources can be stretched pretty thin, especially during midterms and finals.
Campus culture can also be polarizing. Berkeley is known for activism and passionate student involvement, which energizes some people but feels divisive or exhausting to others, depending on your personality and what you’re looking for. Class sizes for lower-division courses are often huge; if you prefer smaller cohorts and more interaction with professors, it might take time to get that experience. For example, a friend said she was surprised at how difficult it was to get advice from professors during her first year, given their packed schedules.
Finally, the city of Berkeley itself is eclectic, but safety and cleanliness in some areas around campus is a concern for certain students. The campus is urban and, while there’s a strong sense of community, you’ll want to be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment and are ready for some logistical and academic challenges, you’ll find plenty to love at Berkeley. Just make sure to go in with open eyes and a willingness to seek out community and support when you need it.
Another issue is the competitive academic environment. While being surrounded by high-achieving peers can be motivating, it can also feel overwhelming, especially in large introductory classes graded on a curve. Some students say that it’s hard not to compare yourself to others, which can take a toll on mental health. There are plenty of support services on campus (like counseling and peer advising), but the sheer number of students means those resources can be stretched pretty thin, especially during midterms and finals.
Campus culture can also be polarizing. Berkeley is known for activism and passionate student involvement, which energizes some people but feels divisive or exhausting to others, depending on your personality and what you’re looking for. Class sizes for lower-division courses are often huge; if you prefer smaller cohorts and more interaction with professors, it might take time to get that experience. For example, a friend said she was surprised at how difficult it was to get advice from professors during her first year, given their packed schedules.
Finally, the city of Berkeley itself is eclectic, but safety and cleanliness in some areas around campus is a concern for certain students. The campus is urban and, while there’s a strong sense of community, you’ll want to be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment and are ready for some logistical and academic challenges, you’ll find plenty to love at Berkeley. Just make sure to go in with open eyes and a willingness to seek out community and support when you need it.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years