Berkeley Class of 2013 Forum

[DGR1852]

What is the general consensus on when to move to Berkeley for those of us who are out-of-state? I am trying to get a lease beginning August 1 +/- a few days, but I am wondering if that is cutting it too close?

[Tangerine Gleam]

I think that's a good goal -- it gives you a good 10 days to get your place furnished before shit gets real. I, too, am planning on finding a spot with a Aug. 1 lease. Gonna start looking around in late June or early July for sweet 1 and 2-bedroom spots in North Berkeley, Rockridge, or maybe Lake Merrit.

[manu4ever882001]

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[screwsandboalts]

just got the email from dean tom - anybody else think that the bear facts website is ridiculously confusing?

[screwsandboalts]

ps - can anybody tell me how to submit my SLR?

[Rotor]

ps - can anybody tell me how to submit my SLR?

When you log into bearfacts, in the upper left hand corner, you should see a link for SLR. Be sure to select the options for first time student and Fall 2010. It should ask you some preliminary questions and then it will give you links to various groups of questions based on those answers.

[tintin]

hi all 99% sure i will be joining you all in august!!!

[Dignan]

hi all 99% sure i will be joining you all in august!!!

Alright, Tintin! As far back as December, I remember rooting for you to get in. Congratulations on surviving a six-month wait.

[Island Girl]

Hi All! I'm definitely going as well! Yay for un-fruitless long waits!

[bayareadunks]

I'm signing on too! Can't wait to continue another three years as a GOLDEN BEAR!

[tintin]

hi all 99% sure i will be joining you all in august!!!

Alright, Tintin! As far back as December, I remember rooting for you to get in. Congratulations on surviving a six-month wait.

thanks !!

[bayareadunks]

Does anyone know what day orientation starts? Just a quick question...thanks!

[Dignan]

Does anyone know what day orientation starts? Just a quick question...thanks!

August 12. It's a Thursday. First day of classes is the following Monday, the 16th.

[tintin]

Does anyone know what day orientation starts? Just a quick question...thanks!

August 12. It's a Thursday. First day of classes is the following Monday, the 16th.

crazy early. my birthday is aug 20th and I don't think I can ever remember being in school on it.....thank god its on a friday at least!

[Island Girl]

How long does it usually take for our packet of materials to arrive? I live close to Berkeley and I don't have it yet. Anyone else who just got off the waitlist receive his/her packet already?

On another note, I'm already beginning to look for apartments. There are some really nice spots near College Avenue and North Berkeley opening up. I heart apartment hunting.

[DGR1852]

Would you be willing to give a list of some of the places you are looking at? This would be really helpful for those of us who are out of state. Thanks!

[Island Girl]

Would you be willing to give a list of some of the places you are looking at? This would be really helpful for those of us who are out of state. Thanks!

Hi DG. Generally, North Berkeley/Berkeley Hills and the areas near College Avenue are good places to start. There's lots of good eats, independently-owned shops, and it's relatively safe. You might want to avoid South Berkeley. Some of the areas there are a little depressed and can get sketchy. But best to take a look-see yourself, I am sure there are good pockets here and there. A general rule of thumb, the higher the altitude, the better the area. Right now, I'm looking at a bunch of studios in the Claremont area, North Berkeley and some that are closer to campus. There have been a lot of listings on Craigslist lately. I'm very particular on safety so if I were to choose between a small, safe place and a bigger one but in a sketchier area, I'd always choose the safer place. To each his own though!

Here are some links:

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If you prefer to get away from the Berkeley area, have a car, and don't mind the commute, I highly recommend Alameda. I lived there for 3 years. It's a wonderful little island accessible by tunnel or bridge. It's a beautiful little city by the water, very peaceful, and very safe. It's about a 15-20 minute drive to campus depending on the traffic.

Hope this helps!

[DGR1852]

Thanks, Island Girl! That was really helpful.

[Tangerine Gleam]

Folks with a car should keep in mind, though, that parking near campus is very difficult and pricey. Definitely investigate public transport routes before committing to a place.

[Dignan]

If you prefer to get away from the Berkeley area, have a car, and don't mind the commute, I highly recommend Alameda. I lived there for 3 years. It's a wonderful little island accessible by tunnel or bridge. It's a beautiful little city by the water, very peaceful, and very safe. It's about a 15-20 minute drive to campus depending on the traffic.

FYI, traffic can be brutal during morning and evening commute times. That stretch of 880/80 is one of the more congested routes in the Bay Area, and it's always a pain to get from 80 to the UCB campus. During certain times of the day, you'll be lucky to make the Alameda->UCB trip in less than 30 minutes.

[Tangerine Gleam]

I'm glad this thread is active again. I'm heading over to Berk today to look at a few places. It looks like August leases are starting to pop up on CraigsList, albeit somewhat sparsely. I'm sure there will be many more options in a month.

Who else is bringing a significant other? We're looking for a quiet 1 or 2 BR place (preferably 2BR so that I have a study room) near BART, hopefully with a yard for rad BBQ action.

[Island Girl]

If you prefer to get away from the Berkeley area, have a car, and don't mind the commute, I highly recommend Alameda. I lived there for 3 years. It's a wonderful little island accessible by tunnel or bridge. It's a beautiful little city by the water, very peaceful, and very safe. It's about a 15-20 minute drive to campus depending on the traffic.

FYI, traffic can be brutal during morning and evening commute times. That stretch of 880/80 is one of the more congested routes in the Bay Area, and it's always a pain to get from 80 to the UCB campus. During certain times of the day, you'll be lucky to make the Alameda->UCB trip in less than 30 minutes.

This is true. Parking is pretty bad in Berkeley and the 880 freeway can be a pain in the butt. But you can always choose to go the local route during heavy traffic times. I did it for undergrad for 3 years. I was very resilient, I tell you. Really wanted that apartment by the beach. =D It's really up to you guys if you want to put up with the commute in exchange for great housing. Which is not to say that there are no great options in Berkeley. It all comes down to personal preference at this point.

[Tangerine Gleam]

Ah, so you drove to school for three years? How/where did you park?

[Tangerine Gleam]

UPDATE: Saw a great place yesterday. 1 BR stand-alone cottage in North Berkeley, 1.5 miles from Boalt and 5 minutes from BART...best location of any apartment I've seen thus far. Quiet, private, and all utilities paid for $1295. Private patio and separate entrance from the main house (it's essentially in a backyard).

It's too small for my SO and I, but I would heartily recommend it to any single renter. If anyone is interested, I can put you in touch with the landlord. She has rented to many Boalt students in the past and would like to do so again.

[Island Girl]

Ah, so you drove to school for three years? How/where did you park?

Three ways:

1) I drove to school. I would park at the parking lot right across from the RSF. It was $7 I think for the entire day. I'm not sure if the rate is still the same. I was really good friends with the parking attendant. Really nice guy. He ended up giving me discounts all the time. It helps to make friends! I wonder if he's still there... he was really sweet, very father-like.... okay babbling here

2) I would take the 51 bus AAAALLLL the way to Berkeley. I would not recommend this. It takes about an hour to get to school. However, I did get some reading done. And the bus ride itself is very interesting. I met all sorts of people on the bus.

3) I would take the 51 bus for part of the way to the Oakland City Center then take BART to Downtown Berkeley. To go home, I'd take BART and catch the 51 at the City Center to go to Alameda.

Wow. Reading all of this now makes me realize now that that was such a hassle! Oh well. Hope this answers your question Tangerine.