Student accommodation near the University of California, Berkeley

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the University of California in Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is one of the world's leading public research universities, renowned for its academic excellence, pioneering research and rich cultural diversity. Founded in 1868, it attracts students from all corners of the world. In fact, as an exchange student, you will have the opportunity to be part of a diverse and inclusive community that values global perspectives. The campus welcomes a significant number of international students every year, fostering a rich cultural exchange that enriches everyone's academic experience.

Flats and rooms for students near UC Berkeley

In this section, we tell you some details you need to know about the institution for you to better prepare for your stay there.

Where is the University of California, Berkeley located?

The main campus is an iconic, sprawling urban campus located in the city of Berkeley, California, on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay. Its location is wonderful: its backdrop is the Berkeley hills and it offers breathtaking views of the bay.

The UC Berkeley campus is divided into several colleges and schools, offering a wide range of academic programs and disciplines. In addition, some of its highlights include:

• Wheeler Hall: this historic building houses numerous classrooms and is famous for its iconic white columns.

• Sather Tower (The Campanile): this 93-meter-high clock tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of UC Berkeley. It offers a panoramic view of the campus and its surroundings.

• Doe Memorial Library: a beautiful building with a large reading room, the Doe Library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts and archival materials.

• Sproul Square: a central gathering place on campus, it’s always full of students, activists and artists. It is known for being a focal point of the free speech movements in the 1960s.

• Memorial Glade: A large grassy area where students relax, play frisbee and soak up the California sun between classes.

It is worth noting that very close to the main campus is the Clark Kerr Campus, where there are athletic facilities, some residence halls and buildings where some of the institution's classes are held.

Best neighbourhoods to live near UC Berkeley

In this section, we tell you which are some of the most popular areas for students to live close to the institution:

Northside

Located directly north of campus, Northside is a popular choice for students. It has a vibrant atmosphere with many restaurants, cafes and stores along Euclid Avenue and the "Gourmet Ghetto". It is also close to the UC Berkeley campus, making it convenient for students who want to walk or bike to class.

Southside

Located south of campus, Southside is another neighbourhood popular with students. It offers a mix of residential areas and commercial spaces, with Telegraph Avenue running through the heart of the neighbourhood. Southside is lively and dynamic, with many restaurants, bookshops and cultural venues.

Downtown Berkeley

This area is a bustling urban centre with a variety of relatively affordable housing options. Downtown Berkeley is close to the UC Berkeley campus and offers excellent access to public transportation, making it a convenient option for students and faculty.

Student residences near UC Berkeley

Around Berkeley, you will find both private residence halls and university-owned residence halls. Each has different facilities and features, as well as different types of accommodations available. That is why we recommend that you compare them so you can choose the ideal residence hall for you, especially one that has the right price, a good location and the features that are most important to you.

International exchange at the University of California, Berkeley

We give you some information so that you can make your exchange the best possible:

• The Big Game is one of the biggest soccer games, an annual event between the UC Berkeley Golden Bears and the Stanford University Cardinal. It is one of the oldest college soccer rivalries in the United States and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by spectators.

• The University of California Marching Band, also known as the Cal Band, is an energetic and lively group that performs at various campus events and soccer games. The Straw Hat Band is a subgroup of the Cal Band known for their zany and humorous performances. You have to see them to enjoy that part of campus culture.

• On the night of the full moon, students gather in the open space in front of the Campanile (Sather Tower) to enjoy the moonlight and festive atmosphere with music, dancing and camaraderie. Attend with your friends for a fun night out!

FAQ about the University of California, Berkeley