<p>i was wondering if i could make my access to other Cal dorms where my friends are living in. I know that college is a time to "start fresh" and "make new friends", but i don't wanna just leave behind all my friends. I also want to experience more than just what happens in my dorm, especially if my building is boring. Is it hard?</p>
<p>social question continued:</p>
<p>i heard that berkeley students are unfriendly for the most part, and that parties are through the frat/sorority scene and you have to have an "in." is this true?</p>
<p>You can access other Dorms, but for the units, during certain hours (5 PM to 3 AM), you have to be signed in by somebody. It's not that big a deal. During other times, if your friend isn't there, you can wait until someone with a key opens to door. I see my friends in other buildings all of the time, and I'm no exception to most students. Most people don't leave behind all friends they have here.</p>
<p>I don't know if "most Berkeley students are unfriendly." What I do know is that many students think that the only party scene is the frat scene (as sorrorities rarely have parties that include more than members). For many of these parties, you have to know someone, or have someone you know who knows someone, or be a decent looking girl or group cromprised of half or more girls (as they're often allowed in without knowing anyone). Most people forget about the co-op parties. These are somewhat different than the frat parties. There are also house parties, and different clubs/organizations have parties at member's houses or if the club/sport/ect has a house. So, there are four main types of parties- Frat, Co-op, house/apartment, and club parties. Oh yeah, there are mini-parites in the dorms sometimes, very quiet and low-key, as they're generally late and many have alcohol which isn't allowed according to various rules (unless you're over 21 and you have as much or less than you're going to drink in a night ect). These will usually be with your closest friends or friends of friends.</p>
<p>what are co-ops like, do people usually choose to go co-op, can freshman do a co-op, why would a co-op be better than a dorm/greek?</p>
<p>The only person I know that goes to Cal will be a senior. Is it really that hard to meet new people and make friends? Also I live in So Cal so I won't be going home much on weekends, are the weekends dead or are there things to do on campus?</p>
<p>im in the same boat as you. except i dont know anyone.</p>
<p>Personally, I really don't think it's hard to meet new people/make new friends. It all depends on you as a person. Even if you're not the typical social person, things will change in college. As long as you're not absolutely waiting for someone to come up to you and actually make an effort to meet people, you will make friends. There are people in the same boat as you in dorms, which is where I met most of my closest friends here at Berkeley. If that doesn't work, there are always clubs and organizations. </p>
<p>As for parties, I personally thought that co-ops tend to have a "bigger party scene" than greeks. They often have open parties. Also, like DRab said, a lot of clubs and organizations will have social events like mixers or formals or even things like bowling or, my personal favorite, broomballing. :D</p>
<p>what are co-ops like, do people usually choose to go co-op, can freshman do a co-op, why would a co-op be better than a dorm/greek?</p>
<p>Co-ops vary greatly, as there are many of them, and they're for the most part different from one another, from 12 people to 150, fairly nice to somewhat worn, drug filled and not, ect. I don't know if freshmen can do co-ops, but without visiting them and knowing about them how woudl you know what's right for you? The co-op might fit someone better, and they might greatly prefer it over dorms, or greek houses. I say live in the dorms, tour the co-ops, and if you really hate the dorm, you can probably live in a co-op the second semester of your first year. </p>
<p>Weekends are not dead, although many choose to go out of Berkeley into SF and other places (in the Bay Area, home in California or elsewhere, visiting friends at various places, ect). There is plenty to do on campus, but most people hang out with friends, go places, do some light studying (until Sunday, then there might be some more heavier studying).</p>