<p>I currently live in the dorms, and my living quarters are deplorable because I live in a triple. I prefer to have my own room, because I'm more of the shy guy type. I want a quiet, clean place where I can sleep and think undisturbed in my own little world.</p>
<p>I'm trying to decide between applying for a co-op, and looking for an apartment. Co-ops are close to campus and cheap, although I might not like the social atmosphere and I'm not guaranteed my own room. </p>
<p>In an apartment, I have all the power and each person would get their own room, although depending on the location it could be expensive, unsafe, and or far from campus. </p>
<p>You’re are the only one who can tell which is “better” for you.</p>
<p>There are many apartments for rent that are safe (“safe” is a relative term) and within walking distance to campus, but they are not inexpensive.</p>
<p>If you like to run your own show and can afford about $2000 for a one-bedroom apartment near campus, by all means do it.</p>
<p>Life is full of trade-offs. Otherwise it would be boring.</p>
<p>If you want it to be quiet and to have your own room, a co-op isn’t the best option. Most of them are pretty big and there’s no way you’ll get your own room, at least for the first year you live there.</p>
<p>$2000 is pretty steep. I paid $900 for a decent 1BR a 10min walk from campus. Granted, I was a bit lucky to find it though.</p>
<p>Let me caution you though, having your own apartment can get pretty lonely. Even more so if you are a shy person and don’t have too many friends outside. You’ll lose a lot of chances to meet new people.</p>
<p>I lived in a co-op (not in Berkeley) before, and while I was looking forward to finally getting my own quiet place I really started to miss the social atmosphere after I moved into my own apartment.</p>
<p>By the way, there also is the possibility of sharing a 2BR or 3BR apartment with one or two people you like.</p>
<p>The BSC co-ops have room bids by seniority, so it may be a few semesters of living there before you can get a single room. The larger houses that new members are most likely to get may not be the cleanest ones either.</p>
<p>If you apply for the co-ops, you’ll likely be placed in either CZ or Cloyne, which are probably the exact opposite of what you’re looking for. Both of these houses have tons of hipster character and are filled with fun, interesting people. But - again - probably not what you’re looking for. They are very social and often loud.</p>
<p>If you want your own room in an apartment, you’re probably going to have to pay at least $800 a month. And honestly, $800 is incredibly inexpensive for your own room. If you’re paying that little per month, your place is probably pretty sketchy/dirty/old. Most people who have their own rooms pay around $900-$1000 per month.</p>
<p>If you opt for your own room in an apartment, you should find a housemate! 2BR apartments are fairly easy to find, and then you won’t go stir crazy!</p>