Any current thoughts regarding preferences between these two? DC has been offered a spot in each and has to decide very soon. We have not seen either in person. Mature, outgoing, active, and studious/academic personality. Would love to hear firsthand info from any Bowles students if possible. Also, can those of you in the area tell whether Blackwell will indeed be ready by mid-August for move-in? Calling the university but, since we are not local, welcome eyewitness info from anyone right there. TIA
Bowles is in the safer, quieter side of the campus. Some call it the less sociable side. Blackwell is on the grittier side of the campus, but then again so are all the Units. They took the black tarp down from Blackwell a couple of weeks ago, so presumably things will be ready, but it still looks like a lot of construction going on.
Thank you @ProfessorPlum168. Any recent/current Bowles residents out there who can speak to how the experiences might differ between the residential college and a new all-freshmen dorm?
If it’s the same cost and the same living situation, go with Bowles, although I’m not sure how their meal plan works. You get guaranteed housing for 4 years, it looks like a castle, and they have good social events and parties. I took an shared Uber with a Bowles guy home from a required play viewing for my theater in America class and he says the food isn’t as good as International House food (but dorm food isn’t as good either) and that their Luau party is really big and fun. It seems like somewhere easy to build a community.
Blackwell will just have to be ready for movein. It’ll be new, mostly singles and doubles I think, but it’ll be sort of far from food (a block or two). Bowles was also recently remodeled though. They’re about the same distance from campus.
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I think Bowles is more a Hogwarty experience in that it’s more of a “house” of people (and being a distinct member of that house for multiple years) than a Blackwell would be, which is just a new dorm building (a loose confederation of students whose populations will shift a lot every year). Blackwell should be ready on time - D’s friend is going to be an RA there, so let’s hope so!
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I walked by Blackwell last night. Still looks like there’s a lot of work to do. Hopefully the construction workers will go into overdrive and finish things by the 2nd week in August. I can’t believe move-in for the kiddos is only a month away.
Good news for those people staying at Blackwell. Each room already comes with fridge and microwave, so you get to save $108. No need to rush before Aug 1 to order.
BTW dorm room assignments for the “random choice” people come out next week, not this week like I thought.
I am a current freshman at Berkeley living in Bowles and I love it! The community is incredible. There are many events to get to know the other Bowles residents. Even the fact that there is only one dining hall gave me the opportunity to always have someone to talk to that I knew and recognized. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a home and supportive community. I have heard that the other dorms (even Blackwell) can be a bit more isolated.
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If you wind up being relegated to the regular dorm experience, Blackwell is probably the best. New, nicer amenities (see #6 above). Plus, harder to triple up doubles based on the layouts I’ve seen. Congrats to @YogaLoveratCal for getting into the Bowles experience! Also, great yoga classes at Cal (per my D), especially if you are an early riser.
Hi Yoga lover, my daughter (incoming freshman) was just accepted to Bowles, but is concerned about having to accept her place before hearing from Cal housing. Could she please chat/text/email you about your experience? Thanks for considering it!
Adding @YogaLoveratCal for the prompt. Not enough coffee yet.