<p>@clayton</p>
<p>You happened to bring up my absolute favorite part of cal.</p>
<p>I will admit not everyone, even poli Sci majors, are as into politics as me. However, the atmosphere is amazing. There is no such thing as politically correct. I cannot put into words how tremendous the intellectual community is. There are dumb people, but there are some amazing people. I have met and had amazing conversations about politics, the world, life, anything. Berkeley does a great job of finding interesting stories with unique backgrounds and life experiences. A lot of people love talking about politics.</p>
<p>Here’s a story… During rush week (the first week of school where people try and get bids at frats), I went over with my roommate to a frat (not the one I joined for different reasons). We played snappa (a drinking game) til about 3 in the morning. There were only 3 of us left. Somehow the conversation turned into a political debate for 3 hrs. We got deep into history, the proper role of government, philosophy, religion, freedom, etc</p>
<p>You don’t have to be this passionate about politics and the world. However, if you are you will have no trouble finding people who are deeply interested in the world. I read a ranking that UCB students are the most ambitious. This is very true and comes out in many conversations. Most poli Sci majors want to become lawyers. A fair amount want to become politicians. You meet some very interesting and diverse people at Berkeley. There are so many people with so many different opinions.</p>
<p>The school has its democrats and communists, but it is not as left as people think. A good chunk of people actually move to the right a tiny bit after coming here as blowback to the extreme left. The right is slightly less prominent; however college republicans is huge. There are a good amount of people who are conservative, republicans, libertarians, anarcho capitalists etc. basically you here such a diverse mix of views. </p>
<p>This intellectual free speech environment exists outside of my major too. What this environment does is make me feel free to be myself. I say what I want and am not afraid to express my opinions freely. This goes with politics and life in general. I just be me and try to learn as much as I can from other people and the teachers.</p>
<p>As to the teachers. Mine were incredibly approachable. All of them I had a relationship. If your smart you end up getting great terms with your Gsi (they are grading you). </p>
<p>A lot of students blow off seeing their teachers for some reason. I’ve mastered the art of talking to teachers. There office hours exist but are sometimes a little crowded (5-10 people around finals or a big due date). Talking to teachers after class or before is great. They love answering your questions.</p>
<p>One of my professors is so friendly. I was a regular in office hours. He hints at essay questions if you work hard. </p>
<p>On a side note, I’ve noticed grading at cal is a bit subjective. I think this is the fairest system though. If you work hard, go to office hours, show up to every discussion, participate a lot and well (participation is graded for quality not quantity) you will be rewarded.</p>
<p>Anyway, to answer your question directly: teachers are approachable it’s just up to you. By the way, all my teachers are academic celebrities. My two poli Sci teachers are the absolute top in their fields. Yet, they are both approachable. My history teacher is well published.</p>
<p>So in summary:</p>
<p>Intellectually environment- the top aspect of the school in my opinion. Free speech thrives. Nobody judges you. Smoke weed on the side walk no one looks unless they want a hit. Pass out religious documents on sproul plaza if you want to. People here purse whatever they want. I just have to remember to filter myself when I get home. People are much more judgmental outside of Berkeley.</p>
<p>Teachers-
Super approachable and relatively humble</p>