What’s Wonderful About UC Berkeley?
In the first half of this Uniquely Berkeley series, I highlighted some of the distinctive aspects of Cal’s culture, including its creativity, innovation, and commitment to activism and inclusivity. But what’s special about our campus itself? Keep the wonder going and learn about landmark locations and activities on campus at UC Berkeley!
Sather Tower
Commonly referred to as the Campanile, Sather Tower is the third tallest clock and bell tower in the world. The second through fifth floors of the tower, which are off-limits to the public, contain roughly 20 tons of fossils from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles and the McKittrick Tar Pits in San Joaquin Valley.
On the seventh floor of the tower is the observation deck, from which UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty can see the entire Bay Area for free with their Cal ID. The upper level of the Campanile also contains a carillon of 61 bells. Concerts occur three times a day, and students can learn to play the carillon through a DeCal class.
From the top of the Campanile, you can see the Bay Area and a close-up view of the carillon.
Lastly, the top of the Campanile is home to a family of rare Peregrine Falcons. The birds first nested in 2016 and have been returning to initiate courtship and hatch chicks atop this historic monument ever since.
Annie the Peregrine Falcon perching on the Campanile. Photo courtesy of Cal Falcons.
Memorial Glade
Memorial Glade is one of the most popular napping, lounging, and study spots on campus during the warmer months. Starting this semester, my roommates and I have made an effort to picnic on the Glade at least once a week, and many people seemed to have had the same idea. On a clear spring day, you can typically find hammocks strung up between trees, dozens of picnic blankets, and a sea of boba cups.
Nina (left) and Zoe sit together on the Glade, accompanied—of course—by boba.
One biannual event held on the Glade is Llamapalooza, where students can de-stress by petting llamas. Llamapalooza occurs during Reading, Review, and Recitation (RRR) week or finals week under the supervision of the ASUC as part of a larger effort to uphold student wellness.
Daniel poses with a llama on Memorial Glade during RRR Week of fall 2023.
The llamas were last here in the fall of 2023. Did you manage to snap a picture with them? If not, you can watch this video about them on our Instagram, @ucberkeleylife.
Tyrannosaurus Rex Skeleton
If you’ve visited UC Berkeley’s campus before, chances are you’ve seen our freestanding Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton on display in the UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, housed within the Valley Life Sciences Building. This cast is 90% complete—a statistic put in perspective when you learn that the other 15–20 specimens across the country are only 10–80% complete. All fossil exhibits in the Valley Life Sciences Building can be viewed free of charge any time the building is open.
Berkeley’s T. Rex skeleton cast is 90% complete.
BAMPFA
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a combination museum, movie theater, and art archive associated with UC Berkeley. It routinely hosts readings with literary phenoms and also premieres world-class cinema. In the spring of 2024, I had the opportunity to watch Women Talking (2022), a drama film that would go on to win an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. This semester, I attended the Ocean Vuong in Conversation with Cathy Park Hong event, which was Presented by UC Berkeley’s Townsend Center for the Humanities in partnership with BAMPFA.
To discover more events at BAMPFA, visit their calendar.
As an Asian American creative writer, witnessing Ocean Vuong and Cathy Park Hong on the same stage was a treat.
If you’re in Berkeley over summer break, keep your eye out for free outdoor film screenings on the lawn of the BAMPFA. If you’re interested in learning more about this wonderful archive, check out this video on our Instagram, @ucberkeleylife.
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union Building
The Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union Building, commonly nicknamed MLK, boasts several exciting activities. Grab something to snack on at one of the Eateries on the first floor, then play table tennis in the ASUC Game Zone. Afterward, head up to the second floor and get your nails painted through Clockwork, which uses 3D and AI technology in its application.
When you’ve had your fill of MLK, head outside and play a song or two on the piano right beside the entrance to the building. Stopping by and listening to the music of community members is often one of the highlights of my day.
The piano on Sproul in front of the MLK Jr. Building can be played by anyone in the community.
Moffitt Library’s Nap Pod
It’s no secret that Berkeley students prioritize their studies. To encourage students to take a break from academics when desired, Moffitt Library houses a Wellness Lounge on its fifth floor with four cushioned chairs and a high-tech nap pod that closes to provide security and darkness. These seats can all be reserved by the hour.
Daniel reclines in a nap pod at Moffitt Library.
Moffitt’s Wellness Lounge is one of four designated Relaxation Enhancing Study and Tranquility (REST) areas on Berkeley’s campus, which were the result of students’ cumulative effort to promote rest and relaxation.
The Big “C”
The Big “C” is exactly what it sounds like: a large C in the hills above UC Berkeley’s campus overlooking the Bay. It was built in 1905 by the graduating classes of 1907 and 1908, and has since served as a popular hiking viewpoint and photo spot.
Nina (left) and Sean take a break from filming in the Big “C” hills for the Cinematic Arts & Production Club.
Something for Everyone
As someone who lives a twenty-minute walk from Sproul Plaza, I’m endlessly grateful that I feel comfortable staying on campus in between classes. During my one- to two-hour breaks, you can typically find me napping on Memorial Glade, sketching on the steps of the MLK Jr. Student Union, or typing away on my laptop at the Free Speech Movement Cafe.
UC Berkeley’s campus is as bountiful as its culture, and every day I discover a new favorite haunt. (Lately, it’s been Sophomore Lawn, which has an interesting history of its own!) I have a feeling I’ll be finding new spots up until the day I graduate.
Nina Takahashi is a second year at UC Berkeley majoring in film and minoring in Japanese.
Want More?
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- Explore Instagrammable places on campus.