<p>Now’s a good time to get a feel for the market. However, if you’re seriously looking for a place, you won’t be doing anything until two to three weeks before move-in. Even then, it is often possible to find a place and move in within a couple days.</p>
<p>The whole idea of getting a feel for the market is so that you can snatch a good deal when you see one. It’s a really hot market, especially on south side, so you have to be able to decide quickly when the time comes. Have a good idea what you want and go for it.</p>
<p>The rates actually differ in different parts of Berkeley because of how pedestrian-oriented the campus is. So, the difference between places that are a 25min walk apart is about the same difference as places that are usually a 25min drive apart.</p>
<p>On southside, the going rate for a 1bd/1ba is ~$1500/mo. However, you can get a studio for ~$1100/mo. The difference is that 1bd has an actual bedroom (in addition to living room), whereas a studio is basically where your bedroom is your living room. It’s usually ~$150/mo cheaper on northside.</p>