<p>but um.. are there any cal science majors here who can tell me about their workload and how they handle it?</p>
<p>oh, and do cal dorms really compare to ucla dorms? when i visited, ucla dorms were incredibly clean and spacious compared to cal dorms... but i keep hearing that some cal dorms are better than ucla dorms.</p>
<p>thanks guys.</p>
<p>Which dorms did you see at UCLA,and which at Cal?? I know that the suite that I live in is heaven compared to the suite my brother had at UCLA. Three guys in about 2/3 the space. The regular dorms at LA i'm less familiar with, but have heard many a complaint about size.</p>
<p>Well I visited Unit 1 and Unit 2 at Cal, and Dystra Hall and Sunset Plaza at UCLA. I can't tell you about size, but about cleansiness, Cal's Unit 1 and 2 looked much newer and nicer. The Plazas at UCLA are nice (each room has its own private bathroom) but they're less social than the older residential halls at UCLA. Although UCLA is opening three new residential halls this year (closing one for renovation).</p>
<p>Keep in mind that UCLA guarantees three years housing (most likely four by the time you graduate) and Cal guarantees two. So if you like living off campus at Berkeley that's fine, but if not then think about it. However, at UCLA most freshmen this year will get triples because they're are closing down one for renovation and current students are returning for a third year.</p>
<p>You don't like the Units? I'm rather surprised. Most people I talk to love the units.</p>
<p>Well, in any case, if you like your space, Clark Kerr would be good for you. Relatively large rooms, especially the suites. It is rather isolated, however, for this reason.</p>
<p>Personally, I like the hallway set-up of the Units. It wouldn't be as much a college experience if you couldn't walk out, rap on the door next to you, and have general hallway/dorm gatherings/parties. It appeals to me so much, in fact, that I might consider staying four years (Regents/Chancellors).</p>
<p>However, to each their own. Clark Kerr is out there, and those dorms are very large and spacious.</p>
<p>As for the sciences--it depends on yourself. Obviously, your own interest and ability in the subject plays a major factor, as well as what study habits you have. However, if science majors were truly without a social life, I think there would be a lot more people aimlessly milling around with blank, vacant looks in their eyes, replaying Maxwell's equations over and over in their head. You probably still get that kind, but it would be a curiosity rather than a norm.</p>
<p>Wait, I thought it was four years already. Are those lies? If so, that's dishonest propaganda that has gone on for a while now.</p>
<p>I don't know if I agree with your assessment about housing preference- to some extent, but as long as you don't request the most coveted dorms during your third year, you will probably get some housing on campus. Historically, students have lived off campus at Berkeley. I'm not sure about UCLA. Any idea? I think that this is somewhat changing, or at least, it has now to the extent that two years of housing are guaranteed. I'm hoping that if interest is there that they build more housing and guarantee another year. I think most people get doubles at Berkeley. How about UCLA?</p>
<p>Really? I thought it was two-years guaranteed housing, unless they changed it in the last few months.</p>
<p>I know one of the perks that got pitched to me for Regents/Chancellor's for the luncheon thing was the four-years guaranteed housing. I didn't care as much for that one as the professor interaction, but I still listened.</p>
<p>"Starting in Fall 2005, if you are a new incoming fall freshman you have a two year housing guarantee as long as you apply on time and keep your housing choices broad. (If you are a new fall transfer student, you had a one year housing guarantee, again as long as you applied on time and kept your housing choices broad.) "</p>
<p>Yeah, two-year guarantee. Where'd you hear all four years?</p>
<p>UCLA is 4 years for the class of 2010</p>
<p>I wasn't clear- I was referring to UCLA in my first line. Berkeley has two, and yes, four for Regents scholars. Sorry to be unclear.</p>
<p>UCLA has four years unofficially I think.... When I read the guarantee for freshmen it said three. I guess because they are finishing with the new buildings.</p>
<p>I don't have the latest info, but two years ago there were some unfilled spots in the dorms.</p>
<p>Off-campus housing is a much better option after the first year, or the second at the latest, it really is a part of growing up. The best arrangement is to move into a small house with a group of friends. there are a lot of great houses and neighborhoods around campus.</p>
<p>One exception is the International House, which is a very nice dorm for upper div and grad students.</p>
<p>i think the feeling is more important. screw prestige, UCLA is very reputable on its own right. 3rd best public school in the US is nothing to sneeze at. i thought i'd feel more comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere of UCLA, being a former socal resident, but i loved how berkeley was so lively. really, it comes down to where you feel most comfortable. don't end up stuck somewhere where you wouldnt feel happy for 4 years.</p>
<p>alright. it's going to be cal.</p>
<p>thanks.</p>
<p>Go Bears!</p>
<p>:)</p>