Hey! I recently got admitted into Berkeley for the class of 2024. I had a few questions about the college and hoped that this community could help me out. . I love Cal’s strong academic record but one of the things I’m really worried about is the lack of a social life/good party scene. How is the surrounding area for clubs? How are the parties in general? I want to work hard and study but I also want to enjoy college- I want to be in a place that is not full of neurotic, intense workaholics who don’t do anything but study and dream about grades. I really want to get the full experience, which for me, would include a good social life. So, can more people comment? How is the social scene at Berkeley? And how can we make it work for us- really get out there and get involved? Thank You!!
I am not the best person to answer this. I forget who is.
There are frats and sororities. You have to know someone to get in to parties because of the bid wrist bands.
If you want to be involved, you can be involved. Join some clubs, pick a non-Unit dorm if you want close knit. Be a social person.
I have a friend who goes to Club X in SF almost every week.
I am not a social person, but I have been to like 5 frat parties. Definitely easier to get in the first week of school when they’re trying to get people to join.
It costs like 2000$ a semester to join a sorority, cheaper for guys. There are less, but bigger sororities than fraternities. It’s 40$ I think to rush sororities in the Fall. They have a whole matching system, but some people don’t get accepted anywhere.
You’ll be fine.
Hi, I’m a current junior at Berkeley.
The party scene is pretty active. (I think we’re ranked top 10 party schools). But from personal experience, I can say there are ALWAYS parties going on. Greek life is huge and pretty active as well (throwing parties, events, social gatherings, etc.). The school has plenty of bars within walking distance of the campus. And on top of everything in Berkeley, San Francisco isn’t far from Berkeley and a lot of kids often visit for clubs/parties/nightlife.
I wouldn’t be worried at all about the social scene at Berkeley, the kids here are very work hard play hard.