THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS

UC BERKELEY

REAL ADVICE FROM REAL STUDENTS CONTENT

A L L T H I N G S Y O U M U S T K N O W A S A N I N C O M I N G S T U D E N T

03 Welcome to UC Berkeley! Before Arrival 05 An Essential Checklist 06 Housing 08 Dorm Room Essentials 09 Cell Phone Plans 11 Banking 12 Necessary Apps and Websites After Arrival 15 Courses and Programs 16 Student Organizations and Clubs 17 Dining and Restaurants 19 Campus Culture and Traditions 21 Transportation 22 School Safety 23 International Student Resource Directory The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 03

WELCOME TO UC BERKELEY!

FROM THE AUTHORS

Studying at Berkeley as an incoming student may seem like a daunting task, but there are definitely ways to make your transition to Berkeley go smoothly. This ultimate guide for Berkeley students was designed to do just that, by providing you with essential information about the University, and the captivating culture that comes with the Berkeley name. This guide was assembled out of real advice from Berkeley students, and provides you with all you need to know to become a successful Golden Bear.

*This guide was made possible by ConnectED Mobile, as well as many current UC Berkeley students. Thank you for your input and dedication! BEFORE ARRIVAL The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 05

Before Arrival AN ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST

Immigration Requirements

I-20 F-1 or J-1 Visa I-94 Record Passport

School Requirements A complete housing application

Set up your school email account - it will come in handy for school discounts! Proof of immunization - check with student health office

Plan your course schedule with the help of your academic advisor!

Things to ease your arrival to the US

Decide which banking service to use. Prepare your required documents to open your account Decide which cell phone service to use. Order your SIM card or prepare required documents, depending on the carrier

Check out our necessary Apps/Websites recommendations

Check out our Dorm Room Essentials recommendations The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 06

Before Arrival HOUSING Most Berkeley students choose to live in the Dorms during their first year. Here is a breakdown of all the different Dorms and the perks that each has to offer:

Units 1 & 2 These two southside dorms are close to campus, and offer good living conditions. Each features a nice courtyard with colorful plants and live ambiance. There is a mixed social scene, as some residence halls have strict regulations on quiet hours. Unit 3 This southside dorm is very close to campus, and features its own personal convenience store called Bear Market. The quality of living is poor due to lack of renovation, but the complex more than makes up for it with a great social scene and communal atmosphere.

Blackwell Hall This southside dorm is closest to campus, and offers great living conditions. Blackwell Hall is the newest Dorm at Berkeley, with each floor featuring personalized laundry machines, and renovated study louges that have a great view of the San Francisco Bay. There is also a personal gym that can only be accessed by Blackwell residents.

Foothill & Stern These two dorms are right next to each other (Stern being all female), and are located on the hilly portion of northeast campus. The social scene is typically seen as poor, but Foothill and Stern offer excellent views of the Bay as well as the Universities best dining hall. Hiking trails are easily accessable from the Foothill location, a popular activity amoungst all Berkeley students.

Although it gets its fair share of hate, I have to say that the location of Unit 3 is criminally underrated. You are less than a five minute walk from Sproul Plaza, and 15 minutes from downtown. Just about everything is walkable which I found to be extremely valuable when I lived there.

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Before Arrival HOUSING

Clark Kerr Campus This dorm is the furthest from campus, with many students taking the bus to get to class. However, Clark Kerr has everything you need to thrive, with an amazing gym/training facility, great dining, and a beautiful courtyard. Clark Kerr tends to house a lot of athletes, and people involved in greek life.

Bowles Hall This dorm is impossible to miss, because it looks like a castle. It is located on east campus past the stadium, and offers a great communal atmosphere along with its stunning architecture. Residents of Bowles need to apply to live there.

International House This dorm is gigantic. It is located on southeast campus on the way to the stadium. It houses only International Students, and in essence acts as its own mini community. Along with fun events and socials, I-House also offers an intricate dining experience that everyone except I-House residents must pay for.

After their first year, many students choose to move off campus with a group of friends and live in an apartment. Living options outside the dorms are endless in Berkeley. Whether you prefer the student-bustling southside, the classy downtown, the quaint northside, or frat row, there is definitely a place for all different types of personalities and interests.

After my first year, I decided to move off campus and live in an apartment in southside. There are definitely more responsibilities living outside of the residence halls, but you are also given more freedom and independence. The dorm experience was priceless, but living off campus is enjoyable in its own way.

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Before Arrival DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS

Purchasing these dorm essentials ahead of time will help you settle into your new dorm room as quickly as possible. Who would want to spend their first night in their new dorm room without a bed sheet and a pillow?

Storage bins

Trash can

Sheets & pillowcases (twin XL)

Mattress Topper

Comforters

Blankets Click to purchase!

Towels

Clothes hangers

Laundry bin/bag

Surge Protector

Adapters (vary by home country)

Mini fridge (if allowed)

Electric kettle

Desk lamp

Floor lamp

Wall tapestry

*Disclosure: We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn us a small commission. The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 09

Before Arrival CELL PHONE PLANS

Cell phone service is trickier in the US than in other countries. We'll break it down and share our favorite resources Prepaid Plans Postpaid Plans

Payment method: Pay upfront for the Payment method: Pay after each month cycle - may be monthly, or a longer plan for the service consumed (e.g., yearly) Requirements: US credit history tied to a Requirements: None! This is why prepaid social security number. To get around is most popular with int'l students. No US this, some international students will sign credit required up in groups with an American classmate. Device: Depends on provider. You may be Device: Depends on provider. You may able to bring your own device if provider be able to bring your own device. If not, uses GSM. If not, you will pay a large you can do phone financing tied to the deposit for a new phone admin's US credit score. Other: Typically cheaper, but may lack Other: Typically more expensive and premium features available on postpaid designed for families/groups plans (international data, international calling) Most common for international students How to Sign Up

Prepaid Postpaid

Online: Newer carriers lets you create a free account online. This allows users to skip the trip to the store and credit check, which can be a

Online X burden especially for international students.

Carrier will run an in-person check of your i-20, Carrier will run a check of your US credit student visa and passport. Users joining a multi- score and confirm identity. All users line plan must visit the store together to sign up joining multi-line plan must visit in- and must all choose the same plan. If anyone person together. leaves the plan for the summer, prices go up for In-store the others The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 10

Before Arrival CELL PHONE PLANS

Choose your plan based on your needs. Be sure to check out what's included, both in terms of core text, talk, and data, as well as features and flexibility. Newer carriers generally operate on the same networks as older providers but with more tailored offerings.

Core offerings www.connectedmobile.co att.com verizon.com tmobile.com

Unlimited text, talk & data

International features International calling available Free data abroad included X X X Flexibility Included on Unlimited postpaid Mexico & Canada only plans only (SSN required) Freeze your line X X X Sign up online and receive free SIM abroad in advance. X X X Activate to land with service. Pricing Starting price, per month for a single line 2GB+ of 4G LTE + Unlimited 2G data $22.99 $35.00 $55.00 $40.00 Unlimited 4G LTE $33.99 $65.00 $70.00 $60.00

This guide was made possible by ConnectED Mobile. Use promo code: CALGUIDE to get $10 off at activation. The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 11

Before Arrival BANKING

Opening up a US bank account will make managing money in the US much easier. You would typically need to provide the following documents to open a US Bank account: Passport Student Visa Student ID Proof of university enrollment (Acceptance letter) Seed money to open the bank account (not all banks require this)

Bank of the West is the official bank of UC Berkeley, and includes no monthly service fees for up to six years! There are 16 Bank of the West ATM’s located on campus. Bank of the West also has an official booth in the Martin Luther King Jr. student center if you ever have any questions!

Other banks that are commonly used by Berkeley students include: Bank of America Wells Fargo Citibank

If you have a plan to stay in the US long term, it is best to set up a credit card to start building your credit score. Having a credit card and paying back on time will allow you to rent an apartment, get a loan, or buy a house in the long run. Credit cards are also safer than a debit card, as debit cards are not protected against fraudulent transactions unlike credit cards. The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 12

Before Arrival NECESSARY APPS AND WEBSITES

For Online Shopping:

Take advantage of the 6 month free trial of Amazon Prime offered to all college students studying in the United States! Convenient pick-up thanks to the Amazon lockers in the student center.

Use this link to sign up for your https://amzn.to/2C9GVIG free trial membership!

If You Need a Ride:

Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ride sharing services in the US. Use their services to get anywhere in the city in minutes. Check the fare and wait time to decide which app to use each time you request a ride.

Use this link to sign up for your Lyft: INTLSTUDENT25227 free trial membership! The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 13

Before Arrival NECESSARY APPS AND WEBSITES

For Navigation: Google Maps is especially helpful because it provides information on nearby bus schedules. Berkeley is a hilly campus, so bus rides will likely be a key method of transportation.

For Food Deliveries/Pickups: For Streaming: If you’re not feeling the Use your Cal login to take menu at your local dining advantage of the free hall, use Snackpass to order XFINITY On Campus. takeout. Snackpass is the Stream all your favorite best method for online shows, and watch live TV! ordering because they give College students you rewards that eventually get special package deal of turn into free meals! Hulu with Spotify Premium for $4.99/month!

For Payment: For School News: Use Venmo or PayPal to pay Download the UC Berkeley / back a friend, or request Cal Event Guides app on money from others. They link the app store to get info on directly to your bank account the latest school news and and allow for easy money events! transfers.

*DUO Mobile is a verification security measure that protects your school account from hackers. It will likely be used multiple times per day. AFTER ARRIVAL

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After Arrival COURSES AND PROGRAMS Our Favorite Courses ECON 2 - Introduction to Economics -- Lecture Format (4 units) This course doesn't have the most exciting material (it's just introductory economics), but it's a class that a huge chunk of majors require as a pre-req. The material may be difficult at times, but David & Christina Romer are excellent professors and will make the course as smooth as possible.

LS C30T - Drugs on the Brain (3 units) This course focuses on the history, chemistry, and impact of certain drugs on human neural function. It is a favorite amongst MCB majors, as well as other humanities majors since it fulfills the biological sciences L&S breadth. The subject matter is very interesting, and the workload isn't overwhelming.

NUSCTX 10 - Introduction to Human Nutrition (3 units) This course is geared towards all the foodies and health geeks. It provides a great starting point to learn about certain diets and their effects on human health. It's a great subject path that doesn't involve huge amounts of work.

PSYCH 133 - The Psychology of Sleep (3 units) This unique class discusses the intricacies of sleep, whether it be the benefits of a well rested lifestyle, or the dynamics behind a memorable dream. Lectures are insightful, and focus on a topic that Cal students typically don't get much of... The course is forgiving with little-to-none readings and homework assignments.

Course Registration 1.Plan our what courses you want to take by creating a mock schedule in the "My Academics" section of your CalCentral account. Click here to see the class schedule for Fall 2020. 2. Meet with your advisor before the advanced registration deadline. Your advisor will help you meet necessary requirements and make sure you're not biting off more than you can chew! 3.Once your advisor signs off on your choices you can register for courses by adding classes to your shopping cart and enrolling during your enrollment period. 4.You may not get all the classes or sections you were hoping for and that's okay! Just make sure you have plenty of back up options because classes at Cal tend to be impacted. If you are wait-listed for a class, attend lectures for a week or so and see if the situation improves. If not, move on to plan B. The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 16

After Arrival STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS

Cal has over a thousand clubs and student organizations on campus. Here are some of the most popular organizations amongst students of all interests: International Cultural ISAB Korean American Student Association (KASA) BCSSA Arab Student Union International Consulting Club (ICC) Central Americans for Empowerment Professional Performing Arts Alpha Kappa Psi (Business) AFX Dance Phi Delta Epsilon (Pre-Med) Cal Ballroom Phi Alpha Delta (Law) Cal Taiko (Japanese Drums) Berkeley Consulting (BC) Azaad Dance (Bollywood) Media/Publication Advocacy The Daily Californian ASUC Student Advocates Office CalTV (SAO) Berkeley Opinion (BERKOP) Greeks Against Sexual Assault Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law (GASA)

Joining KASA at Berkeley was one of the best decisions i've made so far. It's a great organization that builds a strong community through fun events, socials, and gatherings. My fam head was great, and I had a great first semester with them!

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After Arrival DINING AND RESTAURANTS Dorm Dining Halls

Crossroads Dining Hall This is the official dining hall of Units 1 & 2. It is known as the largest dining hall with the largest selection of foods. It’s very modern, yet comfortable, and a common dining destination for students living in southside.

Cafe 3 Dining Hall This is the official dining hall of Unit 3 and Blackwell. This dining hall has the best ambiance, yet is commonly known to have the worst food. Unit 3 and Blackwell residents utilize Cafe 3 mostly because of its convenient location.

Foothill Dining Hall This is the official dining hall of Foothill and Stern. Although this dining hall is commonly known to have the best food, its location is inconvenient for southside residents. Most of the students who dine here reside on the northside.

Clark Kerr Dining Hall This is the official dining hall of the Clark Kerr Campus. This dining hall is beautiful with high ceilings and chandeliers, but its so far from other dorms that non Clark Kerr residents aren’t usually willing to eat here.

International House Dining Hall This is the official dining hall of the International House. This dining hall is beautiful, with a menu that changes daily serving dishes from different cultures around the world. The International House dining hall is also the only dining hall that is open to the public. The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 18

After Arrival DINING AND RESTAURANTS Quality Food Chains and Grocery Stores

Berkeley’s Best Eats (Must Try!)

Cheese Board Pizza (Northside): Top Dog (Southside) Many call this the best pizza in the The most popular southside food whole city. One pizza flavor per joint. Simple, great tasting hot day, with a killer pesto sauce. togs.

Gypsy’s (Southside): La Burrita (Southside/Northside) Fast food Italian, an interesting Solid Mexican food with an concept. Good meal or late night amazing California Burrito. Great snack. location as well.

Imm Thai (Downtown) Ippudo Ramen (Downtown) Street style thai cuisine, anywhere Flavorful, savory ramen. The from noodles to curries. Great restaurant is small, and there is food, pretty cheap. always a line. Berkeley Social Club (Downtown) Korean fusion on American Toss Noodle Bar (Downtown) classics. Great taste and mix of Asian inspired noodle house with flavors. On the pricy side. great flavor. Great spot for a quick, tasty bite.

Imm Thai street food in downtown is a must-get! Food is fast, tasty, and cheap for the quality you are getting. If you arrive at the restaurant anywhere around prime dinner time, there's definitely going to be a wait. However, the waitlist goes fast and the food is worth it in the end!

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After Arrival CAMPUS CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

UC Berkeley is a highly prestigious institution with a rich history. To this day, Berkeley’s student life remains dedicated to honoring its heritage, and the customs that built the foundation that all Berkeley students experience today. There are some notable campus traditions that all Berkeley students should be aware of:

Founders Rock The founders of UC Berkeley stood at this rock and formally declared the property as the Cal campus. There is a tablet in the stone that remains there to this day

The Big ”C” Just behind Foothill is a hiking trail that leads you up to one of the signature spots of Berkeley. There is a giant C painted gold, with a beautiful view of the entire bay.

Oski the Golden Bear Berkeley’s official maskot! Catch him at football and basketball games, or at rallys! Oski as we know began at a freshman rally in the 1940s.

4.0 Ball The sphere in front of the Campanile tower is known to give good luck. Make sure to give the sphere a good rub before any midterms or finals!

I just love the Big C hike. It's pretty short, not too difficult, and the views of the Bay are incredible. If you reach the peak at sunset, you can slowly see sky turning orange and the lights engulfing San Francisco. It's the perfect place to destress, relax, and enjoy some good company.

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After Arrival CAMPUS CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

The Seals in Memorial Glade It is custom to NOT step on the seals located in the scenic memorial glade. If you accidently do, the custom is to hold your breath while you sprint to the 4.0 ball and touch it.

RRR Week Classes are cancelled the week before finals, and is known as RRR week (Reading, Review, and Recitation). Libraries are open 24 hours, and the grind begins.

Caltopia A two day college lifestyle festival that takes place at Berkeley’s Recreational Sports Facility (RSF). Drop by and get a bunch of cool free stuff!

The Big Game One of the biggest rivalries in all of college football: Cal vs. Stanford. Each year, the winner is given with the Stanford Axe, a plaque that Cal currently holds!

Greek Life Berkeley is home to 45 different social fraternities and sororities that encompass around 20% of the student body. Rush takes place at the beginning of each semester, and many students use this opportunity to meet new groups of people, and find new community. Greek orgs are a big part of night life at Berkeley, where you can find events happening every night of the week! The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 21

After Arrival TRANSPORTATION

The city of Berkeley is live, with many things to do, many places to go, and many things to see. Understanding proper transportation both around campus and around the surrounding city is super important information to know as an incoming first year. 1. Around Campus Berkeley is a hilly campus, and there will be times where your walk to class will be uphill. To ease your trek, purchase a board or scooter from Boosted USA, or check Google Maps for bus times!

2. Around the City The city of Berkeley runs on busses! Learn paths that essential busses take (51B, 6, F), and check Google Maps for bus times at specific stations. Other transportation options are Uber or Lift, as well as Gig Car Share, whose rentable cars can be found throughout the streets of the city. Download the app to get started!

3. Around the Bay Area A huge perk of going to Cal is its proximity to San Francisco, one of the most iconic cities in the world. Students take day trips to SF to study, see the sights, and eat good food. The F bus will take you to Salesforce Tower in San Francisco free of charge, but for students who desire a quicker route, you can take the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART). BART will not only take you to San Francisco, but other cities around the Bay including Palo Alto, Oakland, and San Jose! The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 22

After Arrival SCHOOL SAFETY

University Health Services The Tang Center: 2222 Bancroft Way Offers healthcare services for Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. Make an appointment online, and speak with medical professionals in a comfortable, safe environment.

University of California Police Department (UCPD) Dial 911, or (510)-642-3333 UCPD responds to emergencies, and provides safety programs and services on the Berkeley campus.

Berkeley Night Safety Services BearWalk (Dusk-3AM): Uncomfortable walking alone? Book your Bearwalk escort online or call (510)-642-9255 15 minutes before your pick-up time. Last call at 2:30 AM.

Night Safety Shuttle (7:30PM-2:30AM): Provides safe night time transit to and from campus. Free to all, and operate year round. They operate on one of two routes from Clark Kerr to downtown to the residence halls.

Door to Door Service (3AM-6AM): A shuttle is sent to your location within a pick up area. Must be reserved beforehand. The Ultimate Guide for Incoming Students at UC Berkeley 23

After Arrival INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESOURCE DIRECTORY

For more information and resources visit the official Berkeley International Office website here. The International Office website offers an abundance of technical information on visas, travel, taxes, social security numbers, and much more!

Also, check out the Berkeley International Office event calendar here to view all upcoming infosessions and socials on all you need to know as an international student!

Location Office Hours Contact Information 2150 Shattuck Ave. 9AM-12PM, 1PM-4PM Phone: (510) 642-2818 Suite 500 Monday through Friday [email protected] Berkeley, CA 94704