University of California - BerkeleyFacilities Summary

Written by Meegan Brooks

Meegan Brooks

Hometown

Granite Bay, CA

Major

Political science

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UC Berkeley was designed to be the “Athens of the West,” and its beautiful Greek architecture is definitely admired by students. After the initial design, however, any goal at uniformity was abandoned, leaving the campus with a random mix of styles and designs that mirrors its mismatched, eccentric personality. When it comes to academic facilities, Cal can’t be beat. Its libraries and research laboratories are some of the best in the world and are available to students. The school definitely delivers in other areas, as well, without making students feel spoiled. Many students say they’d enjoy a few extra cardio machines or newer computers in the library but agree that neither is a necessity. There are several places to study on campus, and it’s easy to find a room for a club meeting. Likewise, the campus is spotted with athletic fields, and the gym is big enough to accommodate the student body. The University has also found a prominent place in the arts community with its renowned Zellerbach Playhouse, which serves as home to some of the most celebrated groups and performers throughout the year.

The two most complained about facilities are the student medical center—the Tang Center—and the Career Center. While Tang offers many services, including free counseling, students often joke about the poor quality of the treatment. Furthermore, it is a pain to use the facility if you don’t buy the school’s insurance plan, SHIP. The Career Center is several blocks away from campus and requires an appointment for most of its services. This makes it difficult to drop by and ask a question or to explore the Center’s programs and services. Toward the end of school, many students feel anxious about what to do next and have to rely on the Career Center’s mediocre website for guidance. However, the Career Center does provide weekly e-mails that inform students of internship opportunities and job fairs that occur on campus.