Flatshare in Berkeley

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