UC Berkeley BFFs – My Experience as a Transfer Student
Having a good circle of people around you during college is crucial for the whole experience. Whether they help you in your classes or help you with your life, friends are invaluable. Although finding a community may seem daunting, especially with the negative assumption that you’re somehow at a disadvantage when transferring in, I am here to reassure you that there are so many ways to form meaningful connections during your time at UC Berkeley. These are a few avenues that helped me make connections and find a sense of belonging. You never know when you might gain a new best friend forever!
Try Community Living
When living in the same place as others, you’re bound to make friends with a few of your housemates. I lived in a dorm-style house and a sorority house and had friends living in co-ops who shared their experiences with me being in that space. In my first house, I made friends and was friendly with basically everyone. It was a similar experience in my sorority house. Family-like bonds are common in co-op spaces from what I’ve seen as well. Choosing to live in a social house will lay a good foundation for your relationships throughout college.
Use GBO Week to Meet & Greet
Orientation week is a wonderful way to meet other transfer and international students since GBO groups are organized that way (rather than mixing with first-years). I met friends during that week going to activities and exploring on our own, which started off my first semester at Berkeley so well. I kept up with these friends for the entirety of my time at Berkeley. Don’t underestimate these early friendships!
Talk to People In Your Classes
These people will feel your struggle firsthand with your classes like no one else will. It’s also highly likely for you to find common interests with those who choose to study the same thing you do. I have fallen into the pattern of going in and out of classes just to get my work done, but taking time to talk to your classmates makes you feel closer to your classes and the community at Berkeley. Also, besties in your class can quickly become besties outside of it!
Find Shared Interests Through Clubs & Organizations
Similar to classes, those who are in the same clubs and organizations as you likely overlap in your interests. Since what you’re involved with can take just as much time as your academics, it doesn’t hurt to find people who are spending that time with you. Most of my clubs were creative-focused and whether it was taking photos or writing articles, it was always so fun to collaborate with other members and make something together. When you join your next club, take time to get to know the people in it. Who knows, they may become some of your closest friends during your time at Cal!
Connect Where You Least Expect It
You have no idea what a simple conversation, whether waiting in line at a cafe or just out browsing around, can lead to. I met two of my friends while shopping at a poster sale when I first moved to Berkeley and now I’m planning visits with them post-grad. Strike up that conversation because there are infinite possibilities where it could lead! A stranger one day can end up being an important part of your life in surprising ways.
You’ll Find Your People
Trying any of these means of making friends is a great start to finding your people. Regardless if you do these or something different, you will form relationships during your time here. Feel reassured that amazing people are all around you. Welcome to your next chapter at UC Berkeley!
Preslee Vanlandingham (Class of 2024) majored in English and minored in Creative Writing. Feature image by Keegan Houser.
Want More?
- Discover how to find housing as a transfer.
- Learn about how to plan your time as a transfer.
- Read about Nina’s experience of making friends.