What is Berkeley like? Find out here! (Info on OHP too)

<p>hey guys. okay, so i attended OHP and cal day this weekend. and here's some background: i essentially didn't think i would be accepted to berkeley, and so i was literally shocked when i read "congratulations!" : ] i had my heart set on NYU and USC--didn't get into either. but it's alright cuz berkeley is WAY better : P also, u should definitely go see the campus before deciding and stay with a student or something because u really get the experience like that. i hated berkeley before and i always wondered why ppl said "you'll find a place that you really like, and you'll just know." i was like "yeah right" but it's totally true! believe me.</p>

<p>ultimately, i made the decision to attend berkeley after OHP and cal day (not really).
i'll make a list so it's easier to read and u can skip the number if u aren't interested in that particular topic.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>OHP--as a whole. The Overnight Host Program was AWESOME. It finalized my decision. I got a host who was down to earth and was really interested in trying to get all the info out that she could. Her roommates also talked to me and gave me more info. It's an awesome program because everyone talks to u and is excited to get to know u. at least for me, i made a group of friends and did most things with them when i could. i already had future college friends!</p></li>
<li><p>dorms--i shared a triple at OHP (so i slept on the ground). dorms are spacious enough and the co-ed bathrooms really arent that big of a deal but i used to wonder what it was like. u basically have ur own space, the showers have giant doors so no one can see u in there. it's really private. don't worry about guys or girls being able to watch u. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>specific dorms--i heard clark kerr is more expensive and farther away from campus as u've probably read but it's the nicest in terms of space and food type. unit 3 is where i lived for a day. it was nice and i think i'll live there because there are lots of places to eat around it. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>places to eat--i ate at crossroads with OHP and it wasn't thaat great. my host also said it was the worst place to eat at lol so around the campus, there's jamba juice, subway, walgreens, indian/chinese/thai restaurants and much more. as for stores--urban outfitters, wet seal, walgreens, volcom, cal apparel obviously, and lots of vendors on the street selling bracelets, doing henna tattoos, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>what the campus looks like--the first thing i noticed was the homeless people :] theres lots of them. it's like ur in san francisco or los angeles. i thought it was cool because your basically in the "city" and theres so much culture and diversity--the homeless kinda add to it! they are kinda scary/nice/weird. but they're not going to harm u most likely..just stay with friends..is what i've been told. </p></li>
<li><p>cal day--complete waste of time. lol jk but i actually didn't get a feel for the campus through it so im glad i did OHP. they have lots of events but u have to plan ur schedule so u can make it to certain events--like i went to learn about sororities/frats. </p></li>
<li><p>size of classes--i used to think it was a big deal, but now i don't mind it at all. the lectures are easy to see and the profs speak loud for everyone to hear. </p></li>
<li><p>campus atmosphere--to me, it seemed like everyone has their own style and way of learning/balancing social activities. most people do homework on sundays, so they have a lot of time, i suppose, to hang out. people were VERY friendly and willing to help others. my host's roommate was helping another roommate do her math homework. it seems very energetic and lively out at berkeley.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>if u have more questions, u can PM me or post on here : ] hope it helped! i love berkeley!!</p>

<p>: [ nobody posted on here…lol i wrote all this for nothin : /</p>

<p>lol…it’s cuz no one cares </p>

<p>but it’s the thought that counts :D</p>

<p>aw i’m glad you had a good time :] and unit 3 is definitely the best.</p>

<p>@ berry: I also went to Cal Day and went to the fraternity/sorority meeting! lol we undoubtedly passed each other at one point or another. Were you in the second or first meeting? I was in the second group from 2:30-3:00 in Dwinelle. </p>

<p>Thanks for sharing your experience! I actually got a great feel for life at Cal during Cal Day! I attended tons of things and went to the Spirit Rally. Unfortunately, as a transfer, I don’t get the opportunity to go to OHP, but I’m glad you did and enjoyed it! Also, I’m planning (if I get in) on living in Unit 3 as well! I like that it’s so close to campus and (judging by what people say on here) it seems like it’s one of the more favorable ones.</p>

<p>Oh and as for places to eat, I really like Smart Alec’s and Blondie’s. I’ve lived in SF my whole life, so I’ve been eating around Berkeley for a long time lol.</p>

<p>don’t eat at blondie’s eat at la vals</p>

<p>I agree with 88888888. La Val’s >>>>> Blondie’s.</p>

<p>I’ll have to check that out! I’ve never been. Thanks for the suggestion!</p>

<p>Yea. It’s on north side. Near north gate. It’s amazing. Try their Mini La val’s special or mini Hula… or any of their pizzas. yum</p>

<p>lol this is the reason im so behind in school. im probably going to be kicked of berkeley lol jk. i will not let that happen : ]] hopefully! </p>

<p>yeah i went to the second one too! we probably did see each other! and because im such an obvious person to see, u probably did see me lol</p>

<p>they made it sound a lot like it wasn’t about partying and it was more about academics and friendship lol at least that’s what i got from it. i passed a sorority house that day and they were ALL partying outside! lol</p>

<p>oh i didnt realize u were the same person who wrote about SF. ill just message u cuz im not gonna look back at this post. i dont get the email that posts were posted on here sent to me so i have to search through the threads and i dont think ill come back. so ill message u : ]</p>

<p>haha yeah I probably did see you. I was sitting down on the right-hand side of the room in the second row facing the speakers . My buddy, Carlos, sat in front of me lol. I answered one of their questions right and received a lanyard :p. </p>

<p>and yeah, fraternity life definitely has a decent amount of partying from what I can tell. Anyway, I look forward to your message! ttys.</p>