<p>So i applied to the Cal, though i always had my doubts about the town, as it a bit ghettoish in my opinion. I'm more of a sheltered kinda gal. </p>
<p>So, it didn't help today that i almost got robbed by some guy on a bike. Tried to swipe my wallet in my hand, but my boyfriend chased after him..though they had a pretty bad show down and we had to take him to the hospital. </p>
<p>Great, i know..i hope these kind of things don't happen daily..because it'll be a big deciding factor for me.</p>
<p>there's a crap load of bums hanging around westwood too.</p>
<p>wow, good thing the theif wasn't armed. Thank god</p>
<p>there are no bums in westwood</p>
<p>That kind of thing really only happens in Berkeley. People that go to other colleges live with a kind of protective bubble around them....</p>
<p>Seriously, check into crime stats at all the colleges you are considering.</p>
<p>are you kidding me, there are tons of homeless people in westwood, especially the parts like gayley strathmore. if you don't think there aren't any bums in westwood you haven't been there or you just don't know what you're talking about.</p>
<p>"there are no bums in westwood"</p>
<p>Except there are...not nearly as many as Berkeley has but they are still there. I know because I live in Westwood.</p>
<p>Oh dear! I hope you weren't visiting from out of the area because that would be a horrible first impression. I grew up in the Orinda area which is about 10 minutes from Berkeley and spent a lot of time there. Also, my last boyfriend went to Cal so I used to visit every week. Given that, nothing bad has ever happened to me there <em>knock on wood</em>. The place definitely looks shady, especially at night. Once, my boyfriend left me while I was in a store (we got into a fight) and I had to walk by People's Park by myself at night back to his place - scared me to death! I've heard of shady thing's happening at People's Park via my boyfriend. He said there were warnings while he was a student to stay away because people have been assaulted and raped there. I wouldn't say I'm easily scared, but I just am concerned about my safety (as any sane individual would be). I have played ball and have had picnics at People's Park. I'd just recommend to stay away at night and do not go there barefoot. Enough about People's Park. Berkeley itself is just like any urban area. To reduce your risk of any altercations, try not to go out at night by yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and don't stop to talk to bums or anyone for that matter, unless they are in your class or you know them.</p>
<p>Safety can definitely be an issue at Berkeley but I also really think that the homeless and somewhat shady people kind of adds to the schools character.</p>
<p>Hahahahahahaa.</p>
<p>Berkeley's #1 !!!!1!!</p>
<p>Yeah, I think many people who visit Berkeley end up having a story to tell. Last year, I was visiting a buddy who goes to UCB and we decided to eat at a mexican restaurant near campus. Next thing we know, a homeless guy walks in a starts taking a leak in the corner. But I was even more suprised that nobody from the restaurant or any of the customers told him to stop. It was just way too gross.</p>
<p>Don't even get me started on People's Park. That place is just crazy. But hey, maybe some people like crazy. :)</p>
<p>I'd have to agree with thedude44. Berkeley has so much hippie history and those bums are a apart of it.</p>
<p>P.s. Don't go to Blake's! Their drinks are so weeeeaaak. I spent $11 on a cosmo and a margarita last weekend. Cheap? Very, but I tasted no alcohol in it. What a waste...could've put that $11 towards a bottle. To be fair, I did go to Blake's for my 21st and they hooked it up. So in the end, Blake's is really a hit or miss place when it comes to making good drinks. I'm so off topic.</p>
<p>Hahahah the peeing story is awesome. I was with a a group up there and a bum walked up to one of the blond girls and started harassing her about how dumb blonds are.</p>
<p>While you guys are getting mugged or raped at Berkeley, i'll be at one of the "other" UC's... haha.</p>
<p>Me: 1
Berkeley Fanboyism: 0</p>
<p>Dangerous things can happen anywhere but still UCB is no where near as scary as some may think....</p>
<p>Fact: Hippies are the scum of the earth
Fact: Berkeley is crawling with hippies.</p>
<p>Therefore: Berkeley is inhabited by scum.</p>
<p>My logic is flawless.</p>
<p>rofl who won between the bum and ur boyfriend, hopefully the bum cuz LOL UR BF TRYING TO PULL HERO ****</p>
<p>
[quote]
While you guys are getting mugged or raped at Berkeley, i'll be at one of the "other" UC's... haha.</p>
<p>Me: 1
Berkeley Fanboyism: 0
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Enjoy your prosaic existence.</p>
<p>
[quote]
"don't stop to talk to bums or anyone for that matter, unless they are in your class or you know them."
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I think this pretty much validates anchor's argument</p>
<p>@Ektaylor: Enjoy your pedantic pursuits.</p>
<p>(I like using "$10" words too)</p>