<p>As of right now, there are so many reasons for me to go to Cal.
I'm ready to submit my SIR, but I would like a complete picture of the school.
What are some drawbacks?</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard- bad food, bad dorms, unsafe at times, lack of a social scene, cold, dull, large classes, not the best professors, warped grading system…?</p>
<p>This is just what I’ve either read here, heard, or been told. Could be wrong or at the least, is very subjective.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard- good food, good dorms, safe at times, Have a social scene, hot, interesting, small classes, the best professors, straight grading system…?</p>
<p>This is just what I’ve either read here, heard, or been told. Could be wrong or at the least, is very subjective.</p>
<p>^^Hehehehe.</p>
<p>It’s not like what we tell you is going to determine whether you’re going to attend or not.</p>
<p>Having been to Cal for over two years now, I can sincerely tell you that campus food and dorms are definitely not the best of Berkeley’s.
The overall city of Berkeley and the university campus is relatively safe, but the surrounding areas are not (like Richmond and Oakland). NEVER wander out at night by yourself. The campus police is good, but not that good.
Social scene - depends which time it is. If it’s around the time of the finals, then no - absolutely no social scene. If it’s around other times, then sometimes. But I can tell you that IMO, its social climate isn’t as good as UCLA.
Its weather - both hot and cold, one of the reason I hate the weather here at NorCal. So random and unpredictable at times.
Class size - depends on which one you get. If you get a popular class with a popular teacher, then very large classes. Otherwise, the classes are usually small.
Professors, I wouldn’t say they are the “best”, but I can tell you that they are good, very good.
Probably one of Cal’s main drawback for many is its climate and environment, I suggest you visit Cal’s campus and make sure you like it. You are spending 4 years (or maybe more) there, so choose a good place that will not only fit your academic needs but also your overall happiness.</p>
<p>true, true.
I’m looking for the specifics, like, “I got attacked by a hobo the other week,” “My room in unit 1 has a weird smell. Old hippie stuck in the wall?” or “It wouldn’t be so bad if people stopped having a nude protest every day.”</p>
<p>ok specifics …
“I got punched in the face for bragging about that I was a regents scholar”</p>
<p>that could clearly happen anywhere lol</p>
<p>I’ve lived in SoCal for a very longggg time and let me just say…I much rather prefer NorCal weather over SoCal’s any day. LOL. It gets extremely hot in SoCal, and in NorCal it isn’t as bad, at least I think so. </p>
<p>Had to add the weather aspect. [:</p>
<p>Having lived at both NorCal and SoCal, I have to say that SoCal’s sunny weather beats NorCal’s freezing morning and hot afternoons any day (in my opinion).</p>
<p>^
LOL. It gets TOO sunny for me. Maybe I’m just bored of it. I rather have it cold than hot. That’s just me.</p>
<p>It’s called having seasons. =)</p>
<p>Competitive majors. I just dislike the very idea. While majors like EECS are hard, I’ve generally seen that EECS majors stick together and talk things out. Generally, the best way to beat the curve is to actually get what you’re doing, and talking to fellow mates always helps. The courses like UGBA, where 1-2 points on a test determines your grade. I think the competitive spirit goes to an unhealthy extreme here in some majors. </p>
<p>Anyway, it doesn’t seem like you’ll encounter this much. People in CS all stick together at the basement of Soda Hall.</p>
<p>I agree with sakurax… I prefer NorCal weather over SoCal… I live near LA… and it gets very hot… plus I believe the air is worse… and lots o’ traffic… SF has BART.</p>
<p>only problem is costco and walmart is too far away!</p>
<p>If you’re a hipster, you’ll love it here.</p>
<p>
The City of Berkeley would block a Walmart being built…I can only envision the protests. Pretty sad. </p>
<p>Berkeley has some “town and gown” issues which is too bad…some residents are no friend of the university (see Panoramic Hill Association).</p>
<p>yep. i hate walmart.</p>
<p>Seasons in SoCal? Are you kidding? It’s Spring already and it rains like freak one day and then it’s 90+ the next! @__@;; That’s some weather. </p>
<p>Hate Walmart too…could never see one remotely near Berkeley…</p>
<p>fasttrack, did that really happen??</p>