<p>I've been trying for a month now to find a room to rent in Berkeley and I haven't been successful. I rarely ever get someone to respond to my messages because everyone who has something to rent is getting flooded with so many responses they can't deal with them all, and the few people who have contacted me gave the rooms to someone else before giving me a chance.</p>
<p>It's really starting to look like I'm not going to find a place and I'm not going to be able to transfer, which is really starting to freak me out because it will pretty much mean that this is the end of the line for me.</p>
<p>Is anyone else in a similiar situation? Can anybody help me out?</p>
<p>That's the men's waiting list for the co-ops. I was think about applying anyways although it doesn't look like I would be able to get in any earlier than spring.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about I-House, but looking at it now it's really expensive and I don't know if I could get my parents to pay that much (I definitely can't afford it nor do I qualify for any financial aid).</p>
<p>You still qualify for an unsubsidized federal direct loan of $7,500 a year --these loans are at a fixed rate of 6.0%, which is much better than private loans, and do not require a co-signer or a credit history.</p>
<p>If your case comes down to taking out a few thousand in loans and not attending I strongly suggest you make the investment and borrow. Also, I am not sure how much longer ihouse will be accepting applications, or if they are openly anymore; if you're interested I would contact the ihouse admission office by phone.</p>
<p>I was out at Berkeley yesterday and noticed numerous places with signs advertising leases for the summer and fall terms. Are you able to come out to the area and walk around?? The facilities I saw are all located in the same area as Units 1 & 2.</p>
<p>Yes, it is really hard to find a place in Berkeley right now. You might have more luck if you expand your search to areas outside 1 mile from campus or increase the amount you are willing to pay. I've also seen a few signs on buildings while walking around, but haven't gotten any responses to calls I've made.</p>
<p>The co-ops probably won't have room for someone who applies this late, at least not for Fall, but they are always accepting applications. Spring might be iffy too, since they are closing their largest co-op, Cloyne Court, for the semester (for remodel? it does need a huge cleaning) and guaranteeing anyone housed in Cloyne housing for spring. I've been on the waiting list since March, and I'm still stuck in the middle of the large list. </p>
<p>The I House is still accepting applications. I've been told that housing is not guaranteed for someone who applies now, but there might be a chance (I applied two weeks ago, still waiting to hear if I have housing).</p>
<p>you probably already know this, but there are dozens of listings on craigslist.. That's how I found the greatest apartment ever with what seem to be the greatest roommates. I looked through craigslist like a week before I was planning on going up to Berkeley, and also every night throughout the week leading up to the trip, and called or emailed to make appointments. By the time I was there, I had at least 15 appointments. This was only two weeks ago. Also, I think a lot of rooms have people there for summer school right now, so right before summer school ends a lot more listings should come up. Also, I don't think Calrentals was worth it at all.. Pretty much everything I found on it was already listed on craigslist. </p>
<p>I still have my notebook full of phone numbers, so let me know if you want me to PM you some of them and maybe the places will still be available. A lot of them were "rooming houses" that seemed a little iffy though.</p>
<p>I have a very limited experience with co-ops, but I guess I can share what I've seen. A couple of weekends ago I stayed at a friend's place in Berkeley. He has a single room in a co-op and pays about $380 a month (he was /is attending summer session). To be honest his living situation was actually pretty good. Yes, the bathroom situation was questionable, but for $380 a month I'd be willing to bear through it...</p>
<p>From what I've heard though, there's a lot of difference co-op to co-op. Some of them can be downright nasty...I've heard some pretty sketchy stuff about non-'berkeley student exclusive' co-ops, so definitely do your research. I think someone on here posted a link to housing reviews for berkeley. might want to look into that.</p>
<p>^ they are just different housing options. the co-ops i believe do not have any "official" RA's or that type of thing. Also, every resident in a co-ops is usually responsible for taking on a share of the housework. "I-House" is the housing unit for international students. I am uncertain as to whether non-international students can live in I-House.</p>
<p>I House is short for International House. It houses mostly grad students, but also junior/senior level undergrads. I've read that it is about 50% international, the rest American. I'm American and just got an offer to live there. It costs about the same as a triple in a Cal dorm, but there are only doubles (and singles for grad students), and residents can stay for "free" over the winter break. The meal plan is exclusive to the I House, though, so it can't be used elsewhere.</p>
<p>I think residents of the USCA co-op houses (not apartments) have to work ~5 hours per week, which could include cleaning (although, can't say they do a terrific job at some of the co-ops haha), cooking dinner, gardening, or working in the admin offices, but it is a relatively inexpensive option since it includes most of your food, utilities, and of course, housing. The co-ops are also open over winter break, which is "free". I'm sure that's why they are so popular this year, with Berkeley and Bay Area rents going through the roof lately...</p>
<p>Spywear: I'm sure there are some students at Cal who <em>do</em> live in their cars. I joked about moving into my office's AV Room, and even had my boss and co-workers talking about how I could do it! We have a kitchen and showers at my office, so it could be possible for a while, I guess. They suggested I try the server room since it is larger, but we all decided I would freeze at night from the air conditioning. ha!</p>