Theme Housing vs. Co-Ops

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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<p>Today I (finally) received housing news from two separate sources: the good people of Cal Housing and their rivals at the USCA. The late notice translates into some odd, but interesting, choices.</p>

<p>Cal Housing, unable to assign me to a traditional dorm room, has referred me to the African American Theme Program in Unit 1, where there remain a few available openings. The USCA, on the other hand, promptly responded to an application I had faxed days ago (largely out of urgency), inviting me to join Lothlorien, the vegetarian co-op.</p>

<p>Each alternative is amusing in its own right, given that I am a white, carnivorous freshmen who really just wanted to live in the dorms.</p>

<p>Obviously, the first option is located within Unit 1, by far the more traditional setting. Assuming that most of the program's participants are black, I'm almost compelled to join just for the novelty of it. Having studied abroad in the racially-homogenous People's Republic of China, I can also vouch for the character-building potential of such integration. </p>

<p>That said, a separate application is involved, along with a community service and 2-unit academic requirement, the latter of which I am particularly disinterested. (For admittedly speculative reasons, I believe the subject matter of African American Studies would come at odds with my political neutrality and general apathy for social sciences.)</p>

<p>I suppose Lothlorien fairs better, but it's hard to tell. The dietary restrictions don't bother me much because I've recently tried, (with admittedly little success,) to go vegetarian. The mandatory work shifts don't seem so bad either, but I say this without knowing. (Or cooking ability.)</p>

<p>Instead, it's the social atmosphere that perplexes me. I'm at once drawn to the advertised "open-mindedness" and "free-spiritedness" of cooperative living, but at the same time, heed warnings of "pretentiousness" and, paradoxically, "close-mindedness." Again, I fear my relatively centrist attitudes might clash with the stereotypical co-op hippie. </p>

<p>Anyway, I apologize for this post's length, but I'd really appreciate any thoughts, comments, or insights from anybody with knowledge of either. I'm not looking for "right answers" per se, but rather, a working familiarity of each.</p>

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<p>first of all, i applaud your desire to step out of comfort zones and explore other social niches. </p>

<p>i can’t give you much help on the strategy of choosing between these two places, but i’ll throw in random bits of my perspective on things. </p>

<p>here’s my spin with a focus on food: </p>

<p>i don’t know much about how co-ops run, but i would be wary of the food if you’re supposed to pitch in for the groceries and eat there every day. Some people can cook, some can’t. I just wouldn’t leave it as a variable to only be able to eat well on certain
days, ya know? with the theme housing, on the other hand, you obviously get the standard meal plan and great food (fantastic salad bar and vegan/vegetarian stations as might have heard of. in fact, we’re ranked 3rd best “veggie friendly college” in the nation by peta2.com). also, there’s food when you want it and wherever. bottom line of what i’ve said is you get quality food and convenience w/ the theme housing. - oh! and the choice to eat meat as well!</p>

<p>with regards to social atmosphere:</p>

<p>i believe you are thinking too much about how either place would fit your ideal perspective on life. you can’t predict how that will turn out b/c there are simply too many variables. are they openminded? or are they closeminded? are they politically neutral? or charged? honestly, there will be an even mix, you know that. you can hang out with who you want. and isn’t being open-minded something you admire? i’d stamp this as a non-issue. </p>

<p>all in all:</p>

<p>there are tons of variables in making this type of decision and really only a few will make the biggest difference. the concern of how you will fit in is very important but an unsolvable problem. find some other variables that you know are certain and base your decision on that. for instance, for me, the convenience factor of DC’s would tip the scales overwhelmingly.</p>

<p>but if you can’t find any, go with the gut feeling. </p>

<p>i hope this helps somewhat. good luck</p>

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<p>If you can, definitely do visit Loth before you make a decision. It’s an experience.</p>