Student experiences in UC Berkeley Housing
One of the biggest adjustments when it comes to college is the change in your living situation. Undergraduate and graduate housing options at UC Berkeley range from traditional residence halls to mini-suites and apartments. In my freshman year, I lived in an on-campus residence hall, where I shared a triple room on a floor with over 30 other students — quite the change from living with just my parents and sister back home.
While the move to a completely different living style may be daunting at first, living in campus housing also offers the opportunity to connect with other students, meet some of your closest friends, and have unforgettable experiences together. Here are insights from students who shared their favorite memories throughout their time living in campus housing.
Moving in, orientation, and decorating
Many students shared that their experience during Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) helped them adjust to their new living situation. In most cases, the people in your GBO group will live on your floor or in your building, allowing you to get to know them throughout orientation activities.
“My favorite memory with my floormates was during GBO week. Our GBO leaders were amazing. We were all able to enjoy GBO week, and we got to know everyone in our group, which was everyone on my floor and the floor above. That whole week, I would say, is my favorite memory. We really got close with everyone; we even did dorm tours on the second day of GBO. It was an amazing week getting to know everyone well, and our GBO leaders truly helped make that possible. We all keep seeing our GBO leaders around campus.” — Yordi, Class of 2029, majoring in environmental science, former resident of Unit 2
Another highlight of moving in is the opportunity to customize your room with decorations, making it really feel like home. Choosing how to organize and customize your living space can even turn into a fun activity for you and your roommates.
“Decorating my space is something I’d been looking forward to and planning since I entered high school, and it makes this space feel like home even when my family is 2000 miles away.” — Smriti, Class of 2029, majoring in bioengineering and business, former resident of Blackwell Hall
Smriti’s room in Blackwell Hall, complete with decorations and artwork.
Quality time in a shared space
A relaxing night in, watching movies together on a projector in someone’s room, playing video games, or sharing a meal in the building lounge — many students shared the sentiment that unplanned evening hangouts were some of their favorite experiences in campus housing. Through meaningful conversations and quality time in their shared spaces, students grew closer to their roommates and floormates, strengthening their connections.
“One of my favorite memories is meeting someone in my building, who I’d eventually spend lots of time with having late-night talks. We would sit together for hours, looking out at the skyline. Our conversations ranged from deep, meaningful topics to lighthearted debates. These moments were incredibly special because they provided a sense of connection and comfort amidst the busyness of everyday campus life. Those quiet nights overlooking the campus are memories I wouldn’t give up for anything.” — J.N., Class of 2029, former resident of a residence hall
Like this student, some of my favorite memories from freshman year are late-night conversations with my floormates, where we would gather in one of our rooms, tell stories, and bond over shared experiences. You’d be surprised how close you can grow with people you’ve only known for a few months when you share a living space with them! By embracing the vulnerability and connection that these conversations fostered, I found a sense of community in campus housing.
My floormates and I at the end of our spring semester!
Events hosted by your Residence Hall Assembly (RHA) are another way to get to know others in your campus housing community. Between RHA-hosted activities and events that my own floor’s Resident Assistant (RA) organized, there were plenty of opportunities to attend craft sessions, study hangouts, and movie nights. These kinds of events are designed to bring students together despite everybody’s busy schedules, and help you connect with peers while also providing a relaxing creative outlet!
“I enjoyed making our own suncatchers to take home. Even though everyone was busy and stressed about upcoming final exams, the experience gave us a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy creating something peaceful together. The event staff also made sure that everyone felt welcome, included, and engaged, which made the event especially memorable to me.” — Anara, Class of 2028, Masters in Information and Management Systems, former resident of University Village
Anara’s suncatcher!
Beyond campus housing
Establishing connections in campus housing led students to make memories together beyond the UC Berkeley campus. Trying a new restaurant, exploring the Bay Area with floormates, or even going on a trip together — outings as a group were certainly a highlight that grew from my campus housing experience.
Many students shared their fond memories of going out to eat with their roommates or floormates. Berkeley has no shortage of food spots. Between cafes, casual dining, and sit-down restaurants, living in Berkeley is the perfect opportunity to expand your tastebuds while connecting with friends.
“My favorite memories were getting to bond with my roommates, like when we would go out to eat together.” — Lina, Class of 2026, majored in economics, former resident of Martinez Commons
Lina and her friends sharing a meal at Super Duper Burgers.
Along with discovering what the Berkeley area has to offer, some roommates made memories that extended beyond the Bay Area completely, going on trips together during school breaks!
“My roommate and I took a trip to Yosemite with our three other friends for a week over spring break, and it was the time of our lives!” — Natalie, Class of 2028, majoring in mechanical engineering, former resident of Martinez Commons
Campus housing can be the spark
For all of these students, campus housing was the spark that ignited a new connection, one that transformed their college experience. For many, these friendships extended throughout the year, and they found someone that made Berkeley feel like home. I can confidently say this is true for me — I can’t imagine my freshman year without my floormates. They helped me find a sense of belonging and always made me feel welcome. I’m excited for our friendship to continue to grow next year and beyond!
Living in campus housing is such a special experience that is unique to your college years — when else will you be able to share a building, floor, and room with so many of your peers? These stories of new friendships are inspiring as they show the opportunities that campus housing offers to connect with Berkeley’s diverse student body, finding a home away from home!
Shae Cogswell, Class of 2029, is majoring in English. Cover photo courtesy of Stellamaris Scott.
Want more?
- Discover more advice for campus housing with Nolan’s tips for living in a residence hall.
- Not sure what to bring with you to campus housing? Check out our move-in checklist.
- Learn more about housing options for transfer students.