<p><em>Social life? Are students engaged in conversations and like having social times during classes and all? Is it pretty laid back? Is there a strong school spirit?
Very strong school spirit, especially with football. People don't even need to know what a touchdown is to have fun (believe me I've had to explain several times), its just the spirit of the game thats great.
It all depends on who you hang out with. A friend remarked that she was surprised by the lack of political/religious discussion, you know, the discussion about current events that usually is found around a group of intelligent students. That would be because everyone focuses on their studies. But I've definitely had those discussion so they exist.
I'm doing a frat, Alpha Tau Omega, which has no hazing and no pledge process because its a colony, or just starting up. I am generally VERY anti-greek as I think a lot of the frats contain </em>****s who think they're cool because they're drunk 24/7. However, if you can find a frat that suits you (there are 35 i think) then I would strongly recommend it. Its a good way of making Berkeley smaller. There are also business frats although you have to go through an even more rigorous pledge process for those.</p>
<p>*Students: How would you describe a typical Cal student? Smart yet social and fun? Personalities?
Can't do a blanket description. Whoever you are, there is somebody like you here basically.
*Campus aesthetics? The site provides some pictures, but how would you rate campus aesthetics?
Most people rate it as beautiful, but it doesn't appeal to me as much as others. Likely you'll like it a lot though since everyone else seems to.
*Dorm life? Describe your dorm life? How is it?
I lived in Substance free dorming this year, and my floor was great. I can't say the same for the rest of the building. But I think generally, substance free or not, you get lucky or you don't. Your floor either meshes and you all get a long great, or there are conflicts or your stuck with people who study 24/7 and NEVER socialize. Depending on who you talk to, they will give different stories about their freshman year experience, but it mostly just depends on chance. I think this is the same at every school.</p>