<p>Hey, I was wondering if it's absolutely mandatory for freshmen to dorm at Berkeley. In other words, are freshmen allowed to live off campus get an apartment with a friend if they would rather do that? Thanks guys</p>
<p>absolutely - its just that the dorm experience is pretty awesome and you might regret missing out, but thats just me. if you want an apartment, go for it</p>
<p>the dorms are great for meeting friends and stuff, they suck in terms of like....being able to do whatever the hell you want and not having to deal with RA's and all that crap. They're also kind of a rip off, but good for at least your first semester.</p>
<p>What about getting a single dormroom on campus? Does Cal have singles for freshmen on campus?</p>
<p>Cal does have singles, but they are usually reserved for upperclassmen and those with dissabilities, but sometimes you can get one. I wouldn't recommend it, you come across (and usually become) very anti-social and kinda a loner. The point of the first year in college to to meet people!</p>
<p>You might be able to live "off-campus" in the Co-ops...? Check that out if you don't want to live in the dorms.</p>
<p>however, co-ops can be rather dirty (not sexy dirty, dirty dirty).... so visit before you sign any contract!</p>
<p>first hand experience btw.</p>
<p>You defintely can live in the co-ops as a freshmen, and I know a few people who said that made their experiences here. As unlimitedx said, many find at least some of the co-ops dirty (and I think reasonably so), so check them out. Co-opers tend to be very friendly about letting people tour their houses.</p>