<p>Berkeley is near the top of my list, and would definitely like to go if I get in. That said, I've heard mixed reviews about the safety of the campus and surrounding area. Do you feel safe living in Berkeley? How much of the surrounding area would you consider the "bad" part of town, and just how bad is it?</p>
<p>Not sure how big of an issue this is, but I've heard people comment enough to make me a bit wary, and appreciate feedback of those with first hand experience. Thanks.</p>
<p>As long as you make intelligent decisions, Berkeley can be pretty safe.</p>
<p>it's not like it's a dangerous campus. But there are some things to be wary of, just like at any other big open campus. One just needs to be smart to avoid any problems.</p>
<p>It's pretty safe to me. I'm still unharmed.</p>
<p>It is a very marginal area, not that different than USC or Columbia.</p>
<p>What exactly constitutes "intelligent decisions" in your opinions? Sorry if it's really obvious, I'm just looking for some clarification here. </p>
<p>Also, the rapid responses are very appreciated.</p>
<p>like don't walk around south side at 3 am</p>
<p>^
I thought south side was the safe side lol.</p>
<p>yeah it's more like north side and those damn sketchy bundles of trees</p>
<p>just be cautious...when it's late at night ~10 and later know your buses or try to be w/ a group of people, especially as it gets to the early hours ~1-2, etc. It's really no fun being mugged. I heard someone in my class getting held up and he sounded as if his life was over...lol</p>
<p>Northside is "safer" than southside...but usually nowhere is that bad. Just use common sense. And don't wear a skirt.</p>
<p>lmao^ well not that funny. but that guy's gonna be caught someday.</p>
<p>Hahaha I remember walking from in South side at 2 am from Alpha sigma to unit 3 by myself and nothing happened to me.</p>
<p>@ Batman: what guy? (10 chars)</p>
<p>Northside is safer than southside.</p>
<p>Smallz is referring to some serial rapist that has been raping women wearing skirts. That is why they had that skirt rally to make a point that they should not have to live in fear and they should be allowed to wear whatever they want.</p>
<p>Of course, I feel much safer in my hometown than in Berkeley. Yes, I've walked home late at night and nothing's ever happened. But sometimes, there's an off-chance that something will. If you want, take a look at the recent crime alerts: UCPD</a> | Berkeley | Crime Alerts | 2009 .</p>
<p>Aside from just safety, how would you guys rate the surrounding area in general? Do you enjoy living in Berkeley, or is it a drag? I'm not so much concerned with the climate because coming from Seattle, I imagine it's roughly the same deal, if not even slightly warmer. I'm more interested in the general atmosphere.</p>
<p>Good place to live for 4+ years? </p>
<p>Also, thanks so much for the quick and useful responses. I've had other threads die with a couple replies or less.</p>
<p>this is a very enlightening thread. keep posting!</p>
<p>I was wondering the same thing but my friend from Cal told me this</p>
<p>-Berkeley is relatively safe, very nice campus and city
-AMAZING FOOD
-There are hippies and homeless people but they are relatively safe and not criminals
-Tons of CHEAP and GOOD FOOD around
-The city can be kind of dangerous at night at some areas, but most is safe
-The campus overall gets quite a number of visits from homeless people wondering but they're just funny
-the bay is beautiful
-the labs are located by some hill</p>
<p>Compactrunner: I lived in Portland for many years and the weather down here is a lot better than the NW. People here complain about rain, and it does rain over here, but nothing like how it does up there. You can go weeks without seeing the sun up there, that is usually not the case over here. </p>
<p>Regarding safety, you just have to be smart about what you're doing and what time of day you're doing it. Have some situational awareness and use some common sense. I would suggest not to walk alone late at night if possible. For the most part, its pretty safe. You are going to have to get used to the bums and general ghettoness of the area though. But after awhile, Berkeley really starts to grow on you!</p>
<p>food is not cheap around here. cheap is like 4-5 bucks. everything around here is at least 7-10+ (at least the places surrounding campus). but the rise probably just isn't in berk. it's pretty much everywhere. =</p>