<p>I got accepted for bioengineering at both schools and am not really sure which one is better. I have seen on some ranking sites that UCSD is better for bioengineering, an impacted major and seen on other sites that Cal is better.</p>
<p>They are both in great locations with good campuses. I have heard that it's dangerous to be off the UCB campus at night and also heard that the social scene is dead at UCSD.</p>
<p>Can anyone please weigh in? I need some input.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>
<p>Sure, Berkeley is an urban environment so you do have to take precautions when walking around at night…especially alone.</p>
<p>However I believe it is for the most part a safe and dynamic environment. </p>
<p>Berkeley has way more to offer (Pac-12 sports, etc) than sleepy La Jolla…where a lot of kids commute home for the weekends.</p>
<p>Yep, it’s dangerous to walk alone at night. I avoid walking along Telegraph and beside People’s Park at night just to be safe. You also learn where some ‘shady’ people like to hang out. But honestly, if you’re at least half-smart (which I have no doubt you are) you’re totally fine. Just be aware of your surroundings and try not to walk alone after 11:00PM. I suggest buying a cheap bike if you are going to be out at night just so you can get to your apartment faster and avoid having to pass-by other people who you don’t want to meet. There’s also BearWalk too if you’re walking.</p>
<p>I hope I didn’t scare you, Berkeley is definitely a fun place to be. But remember that you are right beside Oakland which is notorious for having such a high crime rate.</p>
<p>In my opinion, people underestimate the safety of Berkeley. I’ve walked around campus and the surrounding neighborhood at all hours of the night and never felt very unsafe at all. There’s also BearWalk, which provides walking services to any place a certain distance from campus until 2AM - I’ve never used it, but I have friends who have and say it’s useful for that extra sense of security. Use common sense, don’t be alone very late at night, and utilize your resources and you’ll be totally fine.</p>
<p>As for the atmosphere, I’d say Berkeley wins. The urban atmosphere of the city provides so many opportunities for things to do, and SF is only a short BART ride away, which is great for weekend outings. Go out any weekend in Berkeley and you’ll see a ton of people doing the same thing. I’ve heard on average that UCSD is MUCH quieter in terms of social life and activity in general - when I visited the two schools, I was blown away at the difference between them in terms of activity on campus. Every single day, there’s stuff going on at Berkeley on and off campus. It’s incredibly diverse in the best of ways.</p>
<p>Adding on to what itsellodoll said, Bear Walk also offers a night safety shuttle to various places around campus before 2 AM. After 2 AM, Bear Walk will stop walking you and will drive you straight to your door instead. I have to say though, I’m pretty tiny and I’ve always felt safe walking around Berkeley and the surrounding area by myself at night.</p>
<p>The social life at both schools is what you make of it. I know people at UCSD that feel lonely there and I also know people that are partying with friends every single night. With that said though, Berkeley is always bustling. Even at 1 AM, there will be a ton of people hanging around and buying ice cream. We also have bigger sports programs, so the school pride is really high.</p>
<p>Cal has much better academics, and the overall experience is far better than at UCSD.</p>
<p>UCSD has within walking distance of the campus a Whole Foods, Trader Joes and a Large Supermarket. Its an easier place to go to school. Berkeley is clearly higher ranked.</p>
<p>Berkeley all the way, UCSD is like the safety of people that don’t get into Berk.</p>