University of California Berkeley - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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Having your own apart- ment has its advantages I ' m sure. But I decided to live in the dorms because I hate doing dishes. Paige Pennington Fall 15

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arws in Berkeley? ' Farms, in Berkeley? used by permission, Berkeley Farms, 1984 How do you fit 31,005 students into the second most densely-populated city in California? Well, it ' s not easy, but it ' s a feat attempted year after year as students scramble for any and every available nook and cranny surrounding the Berkeley cam- pus. Like people fighting for seats at a general ad- mission concert, students compete for space in dorms, co-ops, sororities, fraternities, apartments, and boarding houses. For those with connections, (friends, bribe money, etc . . . ) the search usually ends successfully. Finding a graduating senior who is vacating an apartment is a convenient way to secure a lease. For those with university scholar- ships, campus-housing is usually guaranteed for the duration of the scholarship. Unfortunately, the majority of students are not so lucky. The first step in this amazingly-hassled process is to apply to the dorms a nd co-ops. Of course each office is located at complete opposite ends of cam- pus — but then you needed the walk anyway. Fill out the forms, sign your name, pay the necessary fee, and . . . wait for an answer. Co-ops are considered by many to be the least expensive way to live at Berkeley. As a means of lowering housing fees, students work within the co-op, which reduces the cost of maintenance and cooking staff. In addition to lower fees, the co-op system offers a diverse range of possibilities for those looking for a unique living experience. From the dorm-like atmosphere of Cloyne Court to the apartment-style of Fenwich-Weavers ' , co-ops offer a reasonable variety of housing options. Getting accepted into the dorms involves a little more suspense. Because 75 percent of the accepted dorm residents are freshmen, many Cal applicants who receive housing do not actually attend Cal. While some students are assured housing as early as May, most do not receive the news until the first week of classes. Aside from the initial trauma of getting accepted, the cost of dorm life is relatively inexpensive, and everything (from meals to laun- dry facilities) is provided. The next stop for those who are not absorbed in- to the dorms or co-ops is to look through the listings at the Housing Office. Students come prepared for an all-out search and clever home- hunting skills are essential. The object is to con- vince a- potential landlord or roommate that you are more qualified than the other 200 people who have filled out a rental application. I got my apart- ment by pretending I liked to study, and I feigned an interest in cleaning up, said senior, Anjali Banerjee. Thus the key to successful apartment hunting seems to be marketability — you are whatever a potential renter wants you to be. Many students opt for the Greek system. For many, the built-in social life is a major attraction and the food is great. Rush takes place during the fall semester, but housing is not guaranteed. Most members do not move into the house until their sophomore or junior year, when they have fulfilled specific requirements. For those who cannot find any local housing, commuting is sometimes an alternative. When all else fails . . . well, there has to be housing SOMEWHERE...