<p>So we all know that it is one of the top schools in the world, academically. Most threads here seem to be about that.</p>
<p>I want to know what the life is like there. Specifically, how the dorms are, what people do after class, etc. And aside from the social scene, how are the classes? Overcrowded? Do people know each other?</p>
<p>aim78 - depends on the major. In the upper-division social sciences, you will mostly get classes that aren't insanely overcrowded. However, in the introductory classes, you will get HUGE classes at Wheeler(largest one), Lewis (math/science), Pimentel (science) and some of the other halls. I've visited several dorms (Beverly Clearly, Foothills, Kerr), and although they are tiny, you get to meet MANY MANY people that way. Social scene, well, as a high schooler, we sometimes drive around looking for parties up on Frat-row. And there are always a ton of them.</p>
<p>Goody. Actually, I don't care about the social scene because I know there is one. It's Berkeley. What worries me is the hordes of people pushing through doorways trying to get good seats in class. I fear I'll be the one standing in the back using binoculars to see.</p>
<p>aim78- that'll be the first day of class. after that, a considerable amount of people stop going to lectures... at least thats how it is for math and science.</p>
<p>I remember on the first day of classes I decided to go to class about a half hour early and the lecture hall was packed. I ended up sitting on the floor,but it's only crowded for the first day. Some classes have the choice where you can view the lecture and notes online so people will do that instead of going to lecture ecspecially if its an 8 am class. I live in foothill (where all the engineers basically live) where its quiet most of the time, but you can always find a party around campus. The social scene is different at each of the dorms, but Unit 3 is pretty much considered to be the party dorm. My dorm is very nice, but foothill is also the most exspensive on campus. I live in a double suite where if you squint hard enough on a clear day you can see the San Francisco bay. Not to be cliche but if your bored with Berkeley, you're bored with life.</p>
<p>So what's the roommate situation? Is it possible to get a single room? I hate the idea of sharing a room with some dude. And how are the bathrooms/showers? If it's all as I imagine, is it hard to get an apartment nearby?</p>
<p>i dont believe there are singles</p>
<p>bathrooms are cleaned daily in the units</p>
<p>lots of apts nearby, not sure how hard it is to get one</p>
<p>Your best chance to getting a single would probably be Bowles.Bowles is set up as a quad room where there is a double inbetween two single rooms, but it is an all male building. The singles usually go to soph or upperclassmen, but if you apply to housing early you might have a shot at a single. If you really want a single, go live in the co-ops. They are not run by the university, but they are basically small frat houses where everyone helps out with chores. I think it's possible to get a single after a semester or so living in the co-ops. The bathrooms are not that bad. It really depends on your floormates.</p>
<p>Foothill also has some single rooms. There are also a lot of apartments nearby if you want to go that route. However, I recommend the dorms your first year. There are pros and cons obviously, but overall, I think it's worth it and is a lot of fun. It'll help you assimilate into college life and you'll meet a lot more students this way. Remember - the friends you make freshman year will be your friends throughout your college years and beyond.</p>
<p>Good advice. "KHAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!"</p>
<p>Foothill and Bowles are great places to stay; the rooms are marginally bigger (which is the best thing you could reasonably hope for besides a single), it's pretty quiet if you need to study, and the view is typically fantastic. The only drawback, of course, is the long, arduous uphill hike...if I were you, I would try to find an apartment on the South Side. They get gobbled up pretty quickly, so search early. It's cheaper (anywhere from $750/month up) than dorms, although you don't get the free cleaning and social perks of a dorm.</p>