Picking Your Berkeley Home: An Insider's Guide to the Best Dorms

The Lay of the Land: Northside vs. Southside

• Southside: This is where most of the freshman dorms are, & it's the bustling, energetic heart of student life. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, & a lively social scene. If you want to be in the middle of all the action, Southside is where it's at. It can be a bit loud & chaotic, but that’s part of the fun for a lot of people.
• Northside: This area is much quieter, more residential, & has a more peaceful, "academic" feel. It’s home to a few dorms & is closer to the engineering & chemistry buildings. If you're someone who values peace & quiet, & you don't mind a bit of a walk to get to the main social hubs, Northside might be your jam. It's also generally considered a bit safer.

The "Best" is Subjective: What's Your Vibe?

• Social Butterfly or Quiet Observer? Are you looking to make a ton of friends on your floor & have your door open all the time? Or do you prefer a quieter, more private living situation where you can focus on your studies?
• Modern & Bougie or Classic & Cozy? Do you want the newest, most modern amenities, or are you cool with a more traditional, "classic college" dorm experience?
• Close to Everything or a Little Bit of a Walk? How important is it for you to be super close to your classes, the main library, & the student union? Or are you okay with a 15-20 minute walk if it means having more space or better amenities?
• Big or Small Community? Do you want to be in a massive high-rise with hundreds of other freshmen, or would you prefer a smaller, more tight-knit community?

A Deep Dive into the Dorms

The Units: 1, 2, & 3 – The Quintessential Berkeley Experience

• The Vibe: Social, energetic, & a little bit chaotic (in a good way). The Units are where you'll find a ton of freshmen, so there's always something going on.
• Location, Location, Location: The Units are all in prime Southside locations, super close to campus, dining halls, & Telegraph Avenue, which is a major street with tons of shops & restaurants.
  • Unit 1: This is the closest of the three to the east side of campus, near the law school & business school. It's right next to Crossroads, one of the main dining halls.
  • Unit 2: A few blocks further south than Unit 1, but still very convenient. It's also near Crossroads dining hall & People's Park.
  • Unit 3: This one is a block from campus & closer to the center of campus, which can save you a few minutes getting to big lecture halls. It has its own dining hall, Cafe 3, & a convenience store called the Bear Market.
• Rooms & Amenities: The rooms in the Units are pretty standard, mostly doubles & triples. The triples can be a bit cramped, but it's a great way to bond with your roommates. Most floors are co-ed with communal bathrooms. Each Unit has laundry facilities, study lounges, & some have workout equipment like treadmills & ellipticals.
• The Social Scene: This is where the Units REALLY shine. They are known for being super social, with lots of floor activities & a general "open-door" culture. If you're looking to make friends & have a classic freshman dorm experience, the Units are a great choice.
• The Food Situation: Unit 1 & 2 are right by Crossroads dining hall, which is one of the biggest & has a lot of variety. Unit 3 has Cafe 3, which is convenient but some students say it's not as good as the other dining halls. But honestly, you can eat at any of the dining halls, so you'll have plenty of options.
• Who Should Live Here? If you're an outgoing person who wants to be in the center of the action & have a very social freshman year, you'll love the Units.

Blackwell Hall: The New Kid on the Block

• The Vibe: Modern, clean, & a bit more low-key than the Units. Think of it as a nice hotel that you get to live in for a year.
• Location, Location, Location: Blackwell is in a great Southside location, just a block from campus & close to everything. It's also right across from Unit 3.
• Rooms & Amenities: This is where Blackwell really stands out. The rooms are all doubles & singles, so no cramped triples. The building has a gym, multiple lounges on each floor, laundry facilities, & even trash chutes. The communal bathrooms are cleaned twice a day & are generally in pristine condition.
• The Social Scene: Here’s the trade-off for all those nice amenities. Some students find Blackwell to be less social than the Units. It feels a bit more like an apartment building, & with fewer people on each floor, it can be harder to meet people. However, if you make an effort, you can definitely still have a social experience.
• The Food Situation: Blackwell is close to Cafe 3, but also within easy walking distance of Crossroads.
• Who Should Live Here? If you value cleanliness, modern amenities, & a bit more privacy, & you're willing to be a little more proactive about your social life, Blackwell is an amazing choice. It's also a great option if you have a bit more money to spend on housing.

Foothill & Stern: The Northside Oasis

• The Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, & a bit more academic. Foothill has a "log cabin" feel, while Stern is an all-women's dorm.
• Location, Location, Location: Foothill & Stern are on the northeast side of campus, right up against the Berkeley Hills. This makes them super convenient for students in the College of Engineering or Chemistry, as they're close to those buildings. However, they are a bit of a hike from the main part of campus & the Southside social scene. You'll definitely get your steps in!
• Rooms & Amenities: Foothill primarily has mini-suites, which means you'll share a bathroom with just your suitemates instead of a whole floor. This is a big plus for a lot of students. Stern also offers a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, & triples. Both dorms have their own dining hall.
• The Social Scene: Foothill & Stern are generally considered to be quieter & less social than the Southside dorms. This can be a pro or a con, depending on what you're looking for. If you want a more focused, study-oriented environment, you'll appreciate the peace & quiet.
• The Food Situation: Foothill has its own dining hall, which is generally considered to be one of the better ones on campus. Stern is right next to Foothill & shares its dining hall.
• Who Should Live Here? If you're an engineering or chemistry major, or if you're just a person who prefers a quieter, more scenic environment, Foothill or Stern could be a great fit. It's also a good choice for students who like the outdoors, as it's right next to some beautiful hiking trails.

Clark Kerr Campus: The Best of Both Worlds?

• The Vibe: A mix of social & relaxed. Clark Kerr has a beautiful, Spanish-style architecture & a more spacious, campus-like feel.
• Location, Location, Location: As mentioned, Clark Kerr is the farthest dorm from campus. There are campus shuttles that can take you to & from the main campus, but you'll definitely need to factor in travel time.
• Rooms & Amenities: This is where Clark Kerr really shines. The rooms are HUGE compared to the other dorms. It also has its own track, pool, & gym. You'll have a lot more space to spread out & some fantastic recreational facilities right at your doorstep.
• The Social Scene: Clark Kerr is known for being pretty social, with a strong sense of community. It's also close to the fraternity & sorority houses, so it's a popular choice for students interested in Greek life.
• The Food Situation: Clark Kerr has its own dining hall, which many students say is the best on campus. They often have options like pizza & burgers that aren't always available at the other dining halls.
• Who Should Live Here? If you don't mind the walk to campus & you value space & great amenities, Clark Kerr is an amazing option. It's also a good choice for athletes or anyone who wants to be close to Greek life.

Themed Housing & Special Programs

A Quick Comparison

Parking & Transportation: A Quick Note

Beyond the Dorms: Storage Solutions