<p>I notice there are a lot of Cal students in the Emeryville Public Market, Pacific Park Plaza, Avenue 64, Black Diamond Caf</p>
<p>If you haven’t noticed, rent around campus is also very expensive and often means you need roommates. The quality of many buildings is terrible – not sure if North Oakland’s rental market is better quality-wise, but Emeryville buildings are generally newer and more up-to-date than your average crappy Southside apartment complete with homeless encampment just outside your window.</p>
<p>That said, I’ve lived on Northside most of my time at Cal. (In a co-op, so not that glamorous.) Southside has a vibrant student life, but I think it’s kinda gross and definitely more shady. Plus, it’s kinda nice to get away from school for a few hours everyday. Put some distance behind you.</p>
<p>My friends who have graduated have generally gravitated towards North Oakland or suburbs with good public transportation, which are all cheaper options for their cases. (We aspire to move to SF, but ugh thanks tech workers for making it expensive for all of us.)</p>