<p>I first wanted to say I appreciate the feedback on my Westminster House post. After reading what many of you had to say, I am considering staying there. My only other concern is location. It seems to be the general consensus that living in Berkeley North will deprive you of the "true Berkeley experience" in that it is farther from all of the life of the town. I'm a moderate party guy and am definately into mingling and experimentation, so I'm beginning to think that maybe Berkeley North is a bit too...sterile? </p>
<p>The location is at the corner of LeConte, Arch, and Hearst... How far is this from the "party scene" and the other off campus activities of the town? I'm just trying to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living in Berkeley North. I mean, it's a nice house and it's across the street from campus, in a safe location. On the other hand, I won't have a car. How much of a problem will this pose for someone trying to visit frat row, and other student dwellings? Do you think it would be foolish for me to let go of my single bedroom in Westminster? I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!</p>
<p>In terms of locations across the street from campus, Westminster North is just about as far from the party scene as one could possibly get. Frat Row is on the direct opposite side of campus; that is, you'd have to cross the campus diagonally to get there, uphill. While the walk is manageable, the part you should be concerned about is the long, long drunken walk back home. Walking through campus should be safe and a non-issue, but the distance to be covered is far enough to keep you second-guessing whether or not it is worth it to make a trip so far. Campus night shuttles can take you to your desired destination, but when your are feeling light-headed and not thinking straight, I'm not sure finding a Shuttle Bus Stop is the first thing that is coming to mind. Foothill Dormitories are up the hill on Hearst, but is devoid of any night life. Closer by, down the slope a tad from Foothill are some of the co-ops, and I've known some friends who are very fond of the party, get-together scenes at these co-ops (a lot of whom are from the Unit 4, east/northside areas). The quintessential Friday night scene is found on Durant near Telegraph, centering around La Burrita, Top Dog, and Asian Ghetto. Here, your hardcore partiers stop for a quick bite en route to more fun. It's a most interesting time around Berkeley during the school year and you see people act, say, and do some really stupid things. It's great, but again, it's on the other side of campus. Granted, the north-south axis of campus is considerably shorter than east-west, but it is certainly not ideal for the frequent fun-seeker.</p>
<p>Personally, I don't think it's a good fit for you location-wise. However, you must also consider the alternatives, and that is that your housing options become extremely limited as you are searching for other housing this late in the game. It's not a matter of settling, but coming to terms with your present situation. A nice, clean single room is all that anyone could hope for and it'd be in your best interest to keep that room. </p>
<p>The Northside of Berkeley is quieter and a bit "smarter," I'd say. It's less gritty and more sophisticated than the Southside of Berkeley. There are some co-ops on Northside, some of the larger and more wild ones, but it's generally quieter than say, the Southside of campus. The frats are to the East, basically the Southeast (if you like that scene). House parties- well, I imagine they're everywhere, but I'm most aware of them on Southside. Student dwellings are all around campus, but there is just more housing overall on the South, or students tend to go there more than other sides of campus. <em>shrug</em></p>
<p>One thing you need to know - the walls in Westminster are paper thin. You can hear pretty much anything going on in your neighbors' rooms. Two of my friends who lives in WM North this past year happened to have a rather promiscuous RA, and when she had sex in the basement, the WHOLE HOUSE could hear it.</p>
<p>As for the party scene, ALL of the frats are down towards the southeast, near and around CKC. Northside is nice and quiet for people who want a good study environment, but the partying is rather lackluster.</p>
<p>teh1337, now that you mention that you're a "moderate" party person, you might want to reconsider WHouse, especially on Bancroft and College. The students there might not all believe in the Christian God, but they generally agree with the teachings that have been traditionally assigned to Him. That's basically...no alcoholic parties, no drugs, and not that much sex. That's why WHouse is Christian-themed," and not explicitly a "Christian house."</p>
<p>Wow, I appreciate the feedback, ttgiang15. I didn't know westminster was THAT far from the scene. Obviously I'll be going to berkeley for a lot more than just partying, but I think a healthy dose of socializing and party time are all big parts of the college experience. And if the walls really are paper thin at westminster, that's yet another reason for me to pull out...</p>
<p>fyi. the jargon is Northside or Southside of campus. And, if you are talking about areas in the city of Berkeley, it is North Berkeley or South Berkeley.</p>
<p>DRab's comments are pretty spot on. Keep in mind, it is all pretty walkable to get from Northside to Southside and vice-a-versa</p>
<p>There is lots of new housing on the Northside near Hearst and Shattuck, and I'm gathering students are the primary residents. That area is near/part of the Gourmet Ghetto, so there are some awesome restarants (and not all are expensive).</p>
<p>If you can, visit and see which area suits you best.</p>
<p>(S1 lives in a northside co-op, and they have good parties according to him)</p>
<p>I don't know what the policies of Westminster house are for a resident returning intoxicated from drugs (including alcohol)- you might want to check that.</p>