Thinking about how to build a college list? Thinking about how to pick colleges to apply to? Thinking about how to pick the right college? In this series, Life of a Matriculate Student In College, you will get a first-hand perspective of our Matriculate students at their different campuses. Get a glimpse into UC Berkeley college campus life!
THE WHY: Why did you decide to commit to UC Berkeley? What factors drew you to UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley’s political science program and its history in the Free Speech Movement is what initially drew me to apply and attend. I became very interested in politics and history in 2019, a year before applying to colleges, and UC Berkeley quickly rose to the top of my college list.The diverse amount of clubs and classes taught by renowned figures in academia and politics was a huge plus, and I knew I would be able to take classes outside of my major and explore. I also loved the location – Berkeley is a very populated city, and the public transportation is amazing. I knew I could get to a major city in less than half an hour or explore in nature from wherever I was if I went to UC Berkeley.
UC BERKELEY ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL LIFE: Can you share more about your experiences with classes, class size, lectures, and professors? What about clubs and extracurriculars - what has your experience been in finding meaningful organizations and clubs and contributing to them?
Class sizes varied greatly for me, but I always felt like I was able to establish a relationship with the professor or the GSI (Grad Student Instructor), whether the class size was 400 or 10! Professors and GSIs are super helpful and always take struggles or curiosity in stride. While some clubs require applications, like big-name consulting clubs or student government affiliated offices, I wouldn’t say it’s too hard to find community in any other club meant for enrichment and social gathering. I really enjoyed doing work in the music magazine, B-Side, and in various offices in student government, known as the ASUC. These experiences allowed me to have more experiences and skills to add to my resume, and the career center is amazing at facilitating career fairs and resume review to help students land internships.
UC BERKELEY CAMPUS LIFE: Tell us more about the dining hall and dorm situation! How is the food - are there enough options for those with dietary restrictions? What is the dorm and housing situation like?
The food in the dining halls was not always my favorite, but I have to admit I am also a picky eater. There are options for kosher, halal, vegan, and vegetarian diets, as well as allergen alerts, but I think food taste and quality is something that the university could definitely improve upon. The housing is only guaranteed for the first year, so most students live off campus within the city of Berkeley. I would estimate most of us are packed within a four block radius of campus.
UC BERKELEY SOCIAL LIFE: Share more about the social scene - how did you make friends? Do most people join Greek life or are there ways to make friends outside of Greek life? What is there to do for fun both inside and outside of the college? What do you and your friends do outside of your academic life? Does the college host any free events that you look forward to every year?
Making friends is very easy to do here! I know that sometimes UC Berkeley has a reputation for being competitive, but I never experienced that in the last four years. In fact, I experienced the opposite – people coming together and helping one another build community. When I walk on campus, I greet close to twenty people I know daily on my way to classes. Greek life is big here, but it isn’t necessary to have a social life. I have friends who are both involved in Greek life and some outside of it completely. The student government funded club, Superb, hosts lots of fun events as well, like concerts and craft-making days, and even a prom. It’s easy to find something to do through a club’s open-to-all social events as well. Adventuring here is very easy as well, there’s nature and city all within 30 minutes!
MATRICULATE: How did Matriculate help you get to UC Berkeley?
I was a High School Fellow, and my Matriculate Advisor was so crucial to helping me understand exactly what to put in my PIQs, and make sure I was hitting all necessary points. As a first-gen student and also the oldest child in my family, I had no idea what I was doing, but she was super helpful in supporting me.
Now an Advising Fellow myself, I’ve been able to connect with other people who feel passionately about higher-education access and it’s been super fun having that community and getting to go to social events together, or even grab a smoothie after our meetings.
NEED FREE COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT?
Matriculate is a national nonprofit that offers 1:1 support throughout the entire college application process! If you’re a high school student, check out our application and resources HERE.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jolie
Jolie is a senior at UC Berkeley, majoring in political science and music and minoring in public policy. She has advised 6 high school fellows and counting, and is extremely passionate about college education access, especially as a first-generation former high school fellow.
Jolie is from Egypt, and was raised in the San Fernando Valley in LA. In her free time, she loves writing songs, learning new languages, reading, and going on fun adventures with her friends.