<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am planning to live off-campus when I attend U.C. Berkeley for Fall 2010 because it is much cheaper. According to my financial aid for U.C. Berkeley, my living expenses would cost around $12,000. If I live off campus, I would not have to pay that, correct? If so, does my financial aid award decrease?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>yes, it will decrease by 2-3 thousand dollars (maybe more)</p>
<p>**shouldn’t be more than 2-3 thous.</p>
<p>Overall, would it be cheaper or live on or off campus considering that I will be offered financial aid for housing?</p>
<p>When I received my first FA notification, I was scheduled to live ‘on-campus’. Regardless of that, I didn’t have to pay anything this year. But I seriously thought it was much too expensive, and I looked for a nearby apartment (best decision I’ve made). They took out $3000 from my aid, but I still had B&G, so it was no problem. </p>
<p>From my personal experience, I loved living off-campus and it was a better investment. </p>
<p>PS-I didn’t really like the housing options. :/</p>
<p>Thanks for the information, sakurax!</p>
<p>No problem! I’m glad I could help you out!</p>
<p>@sakurax Would you say that off campus housing near campus is very affordable in Berkeley? For someone looking to live alone.</p>
<p>I personally would love to get a year of dorm life because everyone says that’s the easiest way to make friends (i’m very shy), but i have a dog and can’t imagine giving him away just to live in the dorms.</p>
<p>lol, i’m already making plans and i haven’t even applied yet XD</p>
<p>It is very affordable but not by yourself. I mean, the term “broke a$$ college student” didn’t come from nothing. Even though I received a “full ride” here at Cal, it’s no easy thing to pay rent (on time, especially with my roomies whom I love regardless, but it just HAPPENS sometimes). </p>
<p>I was very timid as well but it’s a wonderful opportunity. My first year of college I went to a private university up here and I got to dorm and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I met friends who will always stay in my life and faculty who will never hesitate to give me a hand. If you don’t want to live in the dorms, there’s one particular dorm place here that’s crazy (I won’t go into details, I’m sure people know which one that is, haha) then that’s fine but I definitely recommend you finding a buddy to room up with if you decide to get an apartment. It’s a big responsibility.</p>
<p>Oh, and about the dog thing. I have a year and two month old chihuahua who waits for me at home. I almost cried when I left because I’m super attached to her, but I realized that although I have my apartment and my roomies love pets, I can’t have her here because she would distract me. I don’t have enough hours in the day to sleep let alone walk her and play with her…I would kill her with sadness. ): Again, my personal opinion. </p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>
<p>How much did you receive after B&G is you don’t mind me asking? I was under the impression that one wouldn’t receive anything after qualifying for it.</p>
<p>@sakurax, thanks for the info!</p>
<p>You’re lucky about the dog. I’m in a situation where unless i take him with me i’d have to give him away to a complete stranger (my family aren’t very fond of dogs and wouldn’t look after him while i’m gone). =/</p>