Social Life at Cal?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>I recently submitted my SIR to Cal. </p>

<p>Looking at some current students' posts, I'm increasingly worried that people who attend Cal don't like Cal. I've read that the amount of studying required/the rigor of the courses/the level of extra-curricular involvement required can make a person detest this university.
However, some accounts state that living in hell for 4 years has helped students "prepare for the real world", get high-paying jobs, and do better on the MCAT.</p>

<p>I guess the two questions I would like answered are:
While attending Cal, did you hate Cal?
Is it possible to have a social life at Cal and, if so, how?</p>

<p>Background information about me:
I look forward to learning, but also wish to retain my peace of mind in the process.
Never truly had a 'killer' class which I felt sucked the life out of me.
Into partying/clubbing/drinking occasionally, and trying new things.
I like to maintain a balance between social life & academics. </p>

<p>I've never found it challenging to have fun and work simultaneously, but I'm fretful that UC Berkeley will not allow such a balance.</p>

2

<p>For what it’s worth, I’m a current Cal student and I absolutely love my time here. I even take summer classes so that I can stay here over the summer.</p>

<p>Don’t let these posts bring down your perception of Berkeley. I thought that the social life would be dead at Berkeley before coming, but I was pleasantly surprised at how open and willing everyone was to make friends and hang out. Most people I know have been successful at creating a good social life at Cal; those that haven’t are the ones that don’t make an effort to.</p>

3

<p>Thank you! :)</p>

4

<p>My brother in law the recently graduated made a joke. It was along the lines of you can have two grades, fun, or love life. Only two but one usually suffers. Interesting take. He was pretty social. I think it comes down to good study habits and time management. Getting help when you need it to not was your time etc.</p>