Congrats on getting accepted into UC Berkeley! My name is Carol. I’m a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Environmental Sciences. Here are 3 things that I love about Berkeley:

1. The Diversity

I grew up in a suburban city in Southern California with a mostly white and Hispanic population. Attending Cal has given me the opportunity to meet people from all different places and backgrounds. As a top research university, the campus attracts lots of out of state and international students as well as faculty. Since many students also come to Berkeley to study abroad, I have friends at universities in Brazil, Japan, and Hong Kong. Along with broadening my perspective, meeting people from so many places has broadened my sphere of concern. For example, the violence during the Hong Kong protests this past year hit a lot closer to home now because I have friends who study there or have family there.

2. The College Town

Living in Berkeley means that everything is within walking distance, including your friends! The area around campus has lots of eateries and boba shops that are open at late hours. Cozy cafes with fast wifi are perfect spots to study or catch up with a friend. Living in the dorms my freshman year meant I was always surrounded by friends to study or do laundry with. After moving into an off campus apartment, I am still able to see my friends often since we live only a few blocks away.

3. The Opportunity to Learn

Other than academic coursework, there are a lot of things that I needed to learn in order to be prepared for life after college. Having older friends and mentors helped me learn different life skills from cooking and cleaning to conflict management and emotional intelligence. As a freshman, someone pointed out to me that college is the only time in your adult life where your only job is to learn. In my time at Berkeley I am constantly learning both in the classroom and outside. Most importantly, I’ve been able to explore the larger questions of life and meaning for myself. Learning to define and develop my own beliefs and values has helped give me meaning and direction in my life way more than any class or book.

Now as a senior, I am sad to be leaving Berkeley behind soon but also excited for what’s next. If you are an incoming freshmen I hope that you will find your own things to love about Berkeley as you enter this next chapter of life!

— Carol

______________

Carol is a 4th year Environmental Science Major who loves brewing her own kombucha, exploring the outdoors, and fitness. She’s on the Peer Advising Leadership team for the College of Natural Resources, and is often seen with a Tupperware and reusable utensil set!

What I Love About Berkeley