<p>Do you guys think its possible to live or just sleep in a van rather for next year?
I was thinking, since its so much for a place here if its feasible to just have a van for next year.
This is what I've been thinking:</p>
<p>Showers at Gym and all that stuff. </p>
<p>Spend most time in library/just on campus all day anyways.</p>
<p>I go home all the time (almost every other week) So, it wouldn't be a constant thing.</p>
<p>As for parking, at night (after 6) i just park and sleep in Berkeley and during the day I park barely in Oakland (where you don't need a permit) and bus in. </p>
<p>I figured that I could just buy that van with the money i would have spent on a rent and just sell it back 9 months later for just about the same price. </p>
<p>What do you guys think of this? I would love to hear what you think (but I know a lot of you will think I'm retarded).
Thanks!</p>
<p>Um...I can't tell if you're kidding or not...but if you're not...it's feasible. Maybe. I seriously question the impact on your studies and any semblance of a normal life though.</p>
<p>that's actually a really smart idea...maybe i will do that next year since i dont know if i can get housing as a sophomore and b/c i dont have enough money for my own place</p>
<p>do you need internet? what about power to charge your phone, ipod, laptop? Ahh, i sound so materialistic. I actually really like your plan...I might want to do that next year! (not kidding)</p>
<p>for food, i might want to buy a blue or gold plan from the cafeteria. you might want to look into buying a school-year permit for the underhill parking lot, and just park your van there for 24 hours with no fuss.</p>
<p>and if you park in underhill, you could just go to the unit 1 asc as a library, restroom, etc...</p>
<p>1) A feeling of isolation. Most people are able to return from a day of class/work to some friendly faces to touch base with. You'll be alone in your van, day in and day out.</p>
<p>2) A lack of privacy during all other times. You'll be spending a lot more time on campus and away from "home" than other students.</p>
<p>2) Getting laid, assuming you are a guy. By principle, women enjoy makeshift locations for novelty every now and then, but fessing up that you live in a van isn't going to make for long-term satisfaction.</p>
<p>3) Mail and proof of residence.</p>
<p>4) Cost and storage of food. You will end up paying a lot more than someone who cooks their own meals. You may also end up on a poorer diet. A basic meal plan would probably be a good investment here.</p>
<p>If you need internet, you should look into parking on northside, on Ridge Road between Le Roy and Euclid. It's also a safe and quiet location. </p>
<p>Anyways, I think this is a pretty bad idea as a whole. If you are really strapped for cash, you should look into renting out someone's living room instead. The cost will definitely be low. Look hard enough and you should be able to find places to live around the 400/mo range. I'm paying 500/mo right now, utilities, tv, laundry covered, and have a really comfortable living situation.</p>
<p>It could work, but it's tough. It's also illegal (stupid, I know, but you could easily get a $200-300 on any given night if you aren't careful). But people have done it. You just have to know what you're getting into and also have a lot of faith in your personal toughness and resourcefulness. It's the kind of thing that seems exciting before you do it, is incredibly fun and glamorous for like the first few weeks or days, and then turns pretty miserable. But hey. Nobody's stopping you. Except maybe cops.</p>
<p>I'm sorry that you have to consider such option. Yes, housing is expensive..</p>
<p>I've known students who were technically "homeless" for months at end and they survived. They did what you are thinking about doing - taking showers in the gym, etc. There's an area by the bay (by the Ashby exit off I80) where you can park your car.</p>
<p>get one of your friends to hook you up with a street parking permit by registering your van at their berkeley address (30 bucks a year for that permit), dont drive between oakland in berkeley because that would waste a ton of gas.</p>
<p>parking in berkeley <em>might</em> also allow you to bum off airbears</p>
<p>make sure you find good bathrooms to rely on besides the gym (btw i think hearst mining circle is a great place to take dumps)</p>
<p>what will do you for food? cant cook in a van, takeout is expensive! is there a stove in that van?</p>
<p>electricity? how to power simple things like your laptop so often?</p>
