Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Berkeley
| Private rooms Berkeley | 32 | 2296/month |
| Residences Berkeley | 72 | 3473/month |
| Studios Berkeley | 8 | 3033/month |
| Apartments Berkeley | 67 | 3494/month |
In addition to the famous University of California, which has a campus in Berkeley, this American city has a large number of institutions that attract the attention of international students who want to live in California for a season. One of these institutions is The Wright Institute.
The cost of living and rent in California is usually very high, although Berkeley is cheaper than nearby San Francisco. To get more out of your budget, we tell you that it is best to choose to live in a shared apartment. In this type of accommodation, the expenses are divided among all the roommates, so they will have a lower monthly expense.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Berkeley
The following are the most relevant characteristics of life in shared flats in the American city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Berkeley
- You will find a spare room in areas such as Downtown Berkeley, Southside, North Berkeley or Central Berkeley. These are the most convenient neighbourhoods to live in as a student, so you will be surrounded by a good atmosphere.
- You can choose between rooms in private shared apartments, halls of residence and flats that are owned by the same university.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Berkeley
- In some cases, the expenses of the bills are not included in the rent, so you will have to add an extra each month to pay for them.
- You have to reach an agreement on the use of heating with your flatmates.
Apps for your international exchange programme in Berkeley
Are you planning your stay in this California city and want to make the experience the best it can be? We advise you to use the available apps, where you will find advice and relevant information for your experience. Among the information you'll be able to read is that you'll be able to get discounts on public transport for being a student. Find out what the fares are and buy the ticket that suits you best.
How to meet people in Berkeley?
Here are some ways you can meet people in this California city. Keep in mind that your flatmates are going to be some of the closest people during your exchange, so try to spend time with them and do fun activities!
Student associations in Berkeley
Higher education institutions in the United States usually have clubs and societies in different fields, where you will be able to interact with other young people who have hobbies similar to yours. In fact, at the University of California at Berkeley you will be able to join over 1000 groups! You will be able to choose between the “Artistic Nerds 7 Theater Inclusivity”, “3D modelling and animation”, “AFX Dance”, and various sports, religions and nationalities.
Facebook groups for international students in Berkeley
There are a ton of groups you can join on this platform, depending on which university you're going to. Some of them are “UC Berkeley Global” and “International Students Association at Berkeley - ISAB”. You will also find some that are divided according to the academic year, in which you can meet students who are going to be there at the same time as you. One of them is, for example, “UC Berkeley Class of 2024 International Students”.
WhatsApp groups for international students in Berkeley
Both student associations and young people on their own and Facebook groups often create WhatsApp groups to be in direct contact with each other. In these groups, young people generally introduce themselves, give information about their interests and find other people with whom to carry out different plans in the city.
Tips for sharing a student flat in Berkeley
Here are some tips for you to take into account when living in shared flats in this American city:
- You will be able to take advantage of the extra in your budget to enjoy all the leisure offers of Saint Francis! This great city is about 40 minutes away by public transport, so you will be able to go and return in the day without any problem.
- During your stay in the city, you will be able to experience, along with your flatmates, a large number of festivals organized in Berkeley every year. Among the most prominent are “Berkeley Festival & Exhibition”, “Solano Avenue Stroll” and “Himalayan Fair”.
Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Berkeley
How much does a spare room in a shared flat cost in Berkeley? |
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| The monthly cost of the spare rooms usually ranges from $750 and up, although the average is usually around $950-1000. Of course, the price is usually less than accommodation in the nearby city of San Francisco. |
How to meet people in Berkeley? |
| There are several ways to meet people in Berkeley, such as flat-sharing and living experiences with your fellow students. In addition, you can join various Facebook and Whatsapp groups before and after you arrive in Berkeley, as well as join clubs and societies of your choice at your university. |
Why share a student flat in Berkeley? |
| The cost of living in California is very high, and Berkeley is no exception. By sharing a flat you will be able to save on the monthly cost of rent, investing that money in more experiences and activities that will enrich your exchange |
What should I take into account when entering a shared flat in Berkeley? |
| You should bear in mind that it is better to establish some rules from the beginning so that you can regulate aspects of living together that can lead to problems. For example, it's a good idea to establish how you will handle cleaning, schedules during the week, and how you will receive visitors or plan parties. |
What are the best apps to find flatmates in Berkeley? |
| We offer you the online community, Erasmus Play. On this website/app, you get to search for roommates while finding the ideal accommodation for you among the verified and available rooms in Berkeley. |
