<p>I've heard so many negative things about Cal, that I was highly disregarding it. After getting my financial packages, UCB is pretty much the cheapest school to go to.</p>
<p>Is the campus safe? I've heard so much crap about people being robbed and stuff.</p>
<p>Are there really bums all around campus?</p>
<p>Drug use? Is it VERY evident? Is it easy to avoid all of that?</p>
<p>Is having a car worthwhile?</p>
<p>What is there to do in the surrounding areas? What attractions or places of interest are close?</p>
<p>Is the atmosphere at the football games awesome? This is one of the most important factors for me.</p>
<p>Also, how liberal is the school now? I know it was crazy back in the 70’s or whatever, but what about now?</p>
<p>All this info I’m gonna spew at you is from friends and my visiting:</p>
<p>Campus is safe. But it’s open too. Safer not to travel out at late late night, lest you want a chance encounter with a hobo. Security is good. Bums don’t bother you in daylight.</p>
<p>Drug use is worse at Santa Barbra and Santa Cruz than at Cal. Very easy to avoid that, ask for a substance-free dorm hall.</p>
<p>Walking is healthier and more practical. Bicycling is a viable option as well.</p>
<p>The college town is beautiful and has a lot of varieties of food. Safe, nice, quaint. San Fran is nearby if you must go into the big city.</p>
<p>Sportsmanship is evident. Never went to a game, but friends tell me it is.</p>
<p>Lot more conservatism nowadays, but still not the smartest thing to pick a fight with a liberal, because you’ll get swamped pretty quickly. Peaceful discussions on the other hand is alright.</p>
<p>From my discussions with friends, there is still a liberal element. But not as extreme as the 70’s. Lol. But in any revolutions, there are counterrevolution. What ever your belief system, you will be able to find your own group at Cal.</p>
<p>I concur with most of fiesta’s answers, but I want to elaborate on the football question. In my biased opinion, Cal may very well be the best place in the nation for students to enjoy football games. The athletic department treats us VERY well. Cal students sit on the 50 yard line right behind the home team bench, something very rare in college football. They also offer a “freshmen free” program that lets new students attend most games for free. </p>
<p>In general, the campus gets very hyped up about games and a good percentage of the students go. There are always tailgates and parties before and after games. During the game, the entire student section stands and cheers constantly. If you want an example of what the student section can do, check out this video of students rushing the field after the Big Game this year. And keep in mind this was no upset: we were favored to win: [YouTube</a> - Cal Bears Band - Big Game Celebration 11-22-08](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxj-NM5jfRU]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxj-NM5jfRU)</p>
<p>BTW, if you do decide to come to Cal, you should check out the UC Rally Committee. The committee is the student group that does a lot of the activities surrounding Cal spirit, especially during football games. As a freshman this ear, I had the opportunity to fire the Victory cannon, lead the band up to the stadium before the game, stand on the sidelines for two entire games firing up the crowd, and wave the Cal flags on the field. In my opinion, it is a college football fan’s dream.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about football or Cal in general, feel free to contact me. Go Bears! :)</p>
<p>pretty conservative.</p>