UC Hastings 2011 Forum

[Lasers]

I'm really leaning towards Hastings at this point although I'm worried about the cost of living and also the huge number of crackheads that hang out right behind the school...anyone debating between living at the tower or commuting?

I'm actually thinking about not living in the tower. The convenience is definitely and obviously a plus, but I can't imagine spending so much time just between only three buildings. As convenient as it would be, I think I would enjoy a short commute to school so that I can see more than just that one block on a daily basis.

What's a good neighborhood in SF to live in??? My experience with SF has been so mixed it seems that the city can change block by block...I just want to feels safe at home!! At 9am on a Friday morning just on the street behind the school I witnessed: a person in handcuffs being detained by police, two prostitutes yelling at each other ("bitch, I'mma get ma money from you, hoe!!"), a man in a baby stroller with dare I say piss stained cardboard under him, a group of bums/crackheads/dealers, etc. watching two others fight, not to mention the swarms that harass you for money you have to pass through to cross the street...I've lived in a large urban city before and am familiar with homelessness/mental illness/drug use--but this was on a whole new level.

to be honest, no one really wants to see crackheads, bums, and prostitutes, but when presented with them, i kind of enjoy the scene, so long as they don't directly bother me.

also, i'm planning on living in the tower for at least the first year if i attend hastings; after that, i'll decide to either stay if i liked it enough, or move out to another area. also, if you don't want to spend all you time within the three hastings buildings, it's not hard at all to get around the city using public transportation.

[lulucrazy]

I'm really leaning towards Hastings at this point although I'm worried about the cost of living and also the huge number of crackheads that hang out right behind the school...anyone debating between living at the tower or commuting?

I'm actually thinking about not living in the tower. The convenience is definitely and obviously a plus, but I can't imagine spending so much time just between only three buildings. As convenient as it would be, I think I would enjoy a short commute to school so that I can see more than just that one block on a daily basis.

What's a good neighborhood in SF to live in??? My experience with SF has been so mixed it seems that the city can change block by block...I just want to feels safe at home!! At 9am on a Friday morning just on the street behind the school I witnessed: a person in handcuffs being detained by police, two prostitutes yelling at each other ("bitch, I'mma get ma money from you, hoe!!"), a man in a baby stroller with dare I say piss stained cardboard under him, a group of bums/crackheads/dealers, etc. watching two others fight, not to mention the swarms that harass you for money you have to pass through to cross the street...I've lived in a large urban city before and am familiar with homelessness/mental illness/drug use--but this was on a whole new level.

to be honest, no one really wants to see crackheads, bums, and prostitutes, but when presented with them, i kind of enjoy the scene, so long as they don't directly bother me.

also, i'm planning on living in the tower for at least the first year if i attend hastings; after that, i'll decide to either stay if i liked it enough, or move out to another area. also, if you don't want to spend all you time within the three hastings buildings, it's not hard at all to get around the city using public transportation.

Agree! The tower seems the best option for the first semester...I didn't have time to see the fitness room...any comment on what it's like?

[rubbersoul89]

The fitness room is pretty nice! Only 3 treadmills but a bunch of ellipticals, weight machines, and a free weight room. Also, it's open until 2am!

[Lasers]

Agree! The tower seems the best option for the first semester...I didn't have time to see the fitness room...any comment on what it's like?

i didn't see how big it was, but it's certainly interesting. the floors are hardwood and there are chandeliers; it's definitely a different look from the typical fitness/gym type ambiance. it's also pretty cool. didn't get to investigate too much, though i saw a few rows of fitness machines and a room with free weights as i peeked in.

[lulucrazy]

The fitness room is pretty nice! Only 3 treadmills but a bunch of ellipticals, weight machines, and a free weight room. Also, it's open until 2am!

Nice! That's where I'll be--trying to burn off all the Boudin and In and Out I'll be stuffing my face with. Food in San Francisco is sooooooo gooooooood. I didn't get to eat anywhere in China Town or Little Italy but I'm looking forward to it!

[Lasers]

The fitness room is pretty nice! Only 3 treadmills but a bunch of ellipticals, weight machines, and a free weight room. Also, it's open until 2am!

yeah, staying open until 2am is pretty nice; it's also super convenient to have the fitness room in the tower to workout almost anytime we feel like it.

[Lasers]

The fitness room is pretty nice! Only 3 treadmills but a bunch of ellipticals, weight machines, and a free weight room. Also, it's open until 2am!

Nice! That's where I'll be--trying to burn off all the Boudin and In and Out I'll be stuffing my face with. Food in San Francisco is sooooooo gooooooood. I didn't get to eat anywhere in China Town or Little Italy but I'm looking forward to it!

yep! i've said this before, but i plan on becoming a foodie with so many good spots to visit in the city.

[ilovesf]

I'm really leaning towards Hastings at this point although I'm worried about the cost of living and also the huge number of crackheads that hang out right behind the school...anyone debating between living at the tower or commuting?

I was debating, but after attending the ASD I have decided to live in the tower if I choose Hastings. There are security escorts and vans if needed and it seems to be the most convenient option for 1L.

I will definitely be taking the security vans a lot next year. I think that people who really complain about getting around probably just don't utilize all of the options that Hastings provides people.

What's a good neighborhood in SF to live in??? My experience with SF has been so mixed it seems that the city can change block by block...I just want to feels safe at home!! At 9am on a Friday morning just on the street behind the school I witnessed: a person in handcuffs being detained by police, two prostitutes yelling at each other ("bitch, I'mma get ma money from you, hoe!!"), a man in a baby stroller with dare I say piss stained cardboard under him, a group of bums/crackheads/dealers, etc. watching two others fight, not to mention the swarms that harass you for money you have to pass through to cross the street...I've lived in a large urban city before and am familiar with homelessness/mental illness/drug use--but this was on a whole new level.

Ok that is an usually weird morning. I used to work in the Tenderloin and although there are tons of homeless people and drug addicts, it isn't like some scene out of a movie every day. People there also don't bother you - just because there are homeless people it doesn't mean you'll be harassed or something. If you don't feel comfortable living in the area (no big deal, it's totally not for everyone), I can suggest a ton of options based on your preferences for neighbors (yuppies v. hipsters), cost, and commute time. In general, I recommend Noe Valley/The mission (I like the area right between them best), NOPA, lower haight, hayes valley, and around irving street. It totally depends though on the vibe you are looking for. If you're more specific, I'm sure some of us can make some good suggestions for you.

Nice! That's where I'll be--trying to burn off all the Boudin and In and Out I'll be stuffing my face with. Food in San Francisco is sooooooo gooooooood. I didn't get to eat anywhere in China Town or Little Italy but I'm looking forward to it!

YES. SF is the best foodie city ever. I dine out quite a lot, if you want any recommendations I'm happy to help!!

[rubbersoul89]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

[dswimmer]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

+1

[lmrcl041]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

Yep!

[lucky277]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

+1. Nearly had a heart attack. I'm hoping they'll send out a follow up email ASAP with the actual award info.

[sfGmall]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

Same reaction here.

[firework]

+1

[ewatz]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

+1. major let down

[PleaseHelpThanks]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

+1. major let down

I called, and they know about it already. You should be getting another e-mail today or tomorrow. The max you will get is $13,500.

[rubbersoul89]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

+1. major let down

I called, and they know about it already. You should be getting another e-mail today or tomorrow. The max you will get is $13,500.

I see on the site that they distinguish scholarships from grants? so does anyone know if they offer some students both?

[Lasers]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

+1. major let down

I called, and they know about it already. You should be getting another e-mail today or tomorrow. The max you will get is $13,500.

thanks for the heads up.

i'll be super glad to get any money, no matter how small.

[lisavj]

Btw, don't be intimidated by the prospect of sitting in on classes at Hastings. It's quite common, you won't be singled out or embarrassed in any way. You'll just take a seat in the back or wherever and nobody will look at you twice. And observing a class full of law students hoping not to get cold called might be kind of entertaining too.

I sat in on a class at Hastings, almost nobody noticed (minus the person next to me who grinned and told me I *probably* wouldn't be called on ). Very helpful to getting a feel for Hastings vs other schools (also sat in at Boalt...but wasn't admitted there, so hey...)

[lisavj]

I just got really excited because I got an email from Hastings titled "Your Financial Aid Award", but when I opened it the email was blank!! What a let down. Anyone else have this problem?

Same here! Glad to hear I'm not alone...

[rebelx13]

For those that already attend Hastings, what are the evening escort services like? I saw that there are SFPD walking escorts as well as vans. Do people use them? I feel like as a girl I wouldn't feel comfortable walking even the few blocks to the parking garage alone at night so the police escorts sound like a great idea.

Plenty of my friends use the shuttle/van or have guards escort them. They'll escort you to the muni or bus station and wait for ya to get a ride if you want. But the more convenient option is the van/shuttle. They'll drive you anywhere within one mile of the school (which is in range of a ton of housing options). I think that the shuttle runs every 30 min to hour at night. I've never used it though, but it's very useful.

Does the van go as far to drop you off at the BART station? I've read conflicting things here on TLS and other forums.

[lisavj]

For those that already attend Hastings, what are the evening escort services like? I saw that there are SFPD walking escorts as well as vans. Do people use them? I feel like as a girl I wouldn't feel comfortable walking even the few blocks to the parking garage alone at night so the police escorts sound like a great idea.

Plenty of my friends use the shuttle/van or have guards escort them. They'll escort you to the muni or bus station and wait for ya to get a ride if you want. But the more convenient option is the van/shuttle. They'll drive you anywhere within one mile of the school (which is in range of a ton of housing options). I think that the shuttle runs every 30 min to hour at night. I've never used it though, but it's very useful.

Does the van go as far to drop you off at the BART station? I've read conflicting things here on TLS and other forums.

I'm not sure if it does, but I can tell you the BART station is all of 3-4 blocks from Hastings, so if the radius is a mile, then they can def. make it there...

[ProfitsProphets]

Btw, don't be intimidated by the prospect of sitting in on classes at Hastings. It's quite common, you won't be singled out or embarrassed in any way. You'll just take a seat in the back or wherever and nobody will look at you twice. And observing a class full of law students hoping not to get cold called might be kind of entertaining too.

I sat in on a class at Hastings, almost nobody noticed (minus the person next to me who grinned and told me I *probably* wouldn't be called on ). Very helpful to getting a feel for Hastings vs other schools (also sat in at Boalt...but wasn't admitted there, so hey...)

How was it? Class? Did the students appear engaged? Discussions?

[lisavj]

How was it? Class? Did the students appear engaged? Discussions?

I enjoyed the class, the professor was engaging and the discussion challenging...there was occasional class discussion and times when we talked to our neighbors. There was also extensive use of those voting remotes to test knowledge of exceptions to the basic rules for evidence acceptability.

I wish I remembered more - this was a month or so ago - overall my impression was that the class was interesting and that I was excited to go to law school. I know some questions were asked and the responses from the professor was willing to respond and clarify without seeming to look down on the students.

Hope that helps...

[lulucrazy]

I'm really leaning towards Hastings at this point although I'm worried about the cost of living and also the huge number of crackheads that hang out right behind the school...anyone debating between living at the tower or commuting?

I was debating, but after attending the ASD I have decided to live in the tower if I choose Hastings. There are security escorts and vans if needed and it seems to be the most convenient option for 1L.

I will definitely be taking the security vans a lot next year. I think that people who really complain about getting around probably just don't utilize all of the options that Hastings provides people.

What's a good neighborhood in SF to live in??? My experience with SF has been so mixed it seems that the city can change block by block...I just want to feels safe at home!! At 9am on a Friday morning just on the street behind the school I witnessed: a person in handcuffs being detained by police, two prostitutes yelling at each other ("bitch, I'mma get ma money from you, hoe!!"), a man in a baby stroller with dare I say piss stained cardboard under him, a group of bums/crackheads/dealers, etc. watching two others fight, not to mention the swarms that harass you for money you have to pass through to cross the street...I've lived in a large urban city before and am familiar with homelessness/mental illness/drug use--but this was on a whole new level.

Ok that is an usually weird morning. I used to work in the Tenderloin and although there are tons of homeless people and drug addicts, it isn't like some scene out of a movie every day. People there also don't bother you - just because there are homeless people it doesn't mean you'll be harassed or something. If you don't feel comfortable living in the area (no big deal, it's totally not for everyone), I can suggest a ton of options based on your preferences for neighbors (yuppies v. hipsters), cost, and commute time. In general, I recommend Noe Valley/The mission (I like the area right between them best), NOPA, lower haight, hayes valley, and around irving street. It totally depends though on the vibe you are looking for. If you're more specific, I'm sure some of us can make some good suggestions for you.

Nice! That's where I'll be--trying to burn off all the Boudin and In and Out I'll be stuffing my face with. Food in San Francisco is sooooooo gooooooood. I didn't get to eat anywhere in China Town or Little Italy but I'm looking forward to it!

YES. SF is the best foodie city ever. I dine out quite a lot, if you want any recommendations I'm happy to help!!

THANK YOU for all your tips and advice! I hope the majority of my future classmates will be as nice and helpful! Since I'm moving from out of state I most likely will just live in the tower for at least the first semester/year until I know my way around and get a feel for the city/commute.