Undergraduate Living on Campus FAQs

Roommates are typically assigned based on the responses you provide in your housing application, such as your habits, preferences, and lifestyle. Students may also submit roommate requests in the housing application if they have someone specific they’d like to live with. While we do our best to accommodate preferences and requests, assignments are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.

When living with a roommate, you can expect to share responsibility for keeping the space clean, respecting quiet hours, and being mindful of each other's needs. Open and honest communication from the start can help build a positive and respectful living environment. Many students find that living with a roommate is a valuable experience that helps them grow personally and socially.

If issues arise, resources like your Resident Assistant (RA) or residential life staff are available to help mediate and support a successful living arrangement.

Yes. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own bedrooms and any private or shared apartment spaces, including kitchens and bathrooms. Custodial staff only clean common areas in the building, such as lounges, hallways, and shared community bathrooms (if applicable).

The Blue & Gold Meal Plan is included in the residence hall rates. Students can upgrade to the Ultimate Plan and add flex dollars which can be used at all UC Berkeley Dining locations, including UC Dining pickup on Grubhub. Flex+ dollars can be used everywhere you can use your flex dollars, plus Grubhub nationwide.

UC Berkeley is dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming housing environments for all students, including those of diverse gender identities. In campus housing, the availability of gender-inclusive (all-gender) bathrooms varies by residence hall:​

• Residence Halls: Many residence halls offer all-gender bathrooms. Some floors may have single-gender bathrooms, while others provide all-gender facilities.
• Suites and Apartments: In suite-style and apartment-style housing, bathrooms are typically shared among roommates or suitemates. These arrangements can be designated as gender-inclusive based on the preferences indicated in your housing application.
• Privacy and Safety: All-gender bathrooms are designed with privacy and safety in mind. They feature individual stalls providing private spaces for toilet and shower use.

Requesting Gender-Inclusive Housing:

If you require or prefer gender-inclusive housing accommodations, you can indicate this in the "Accommodations" section of your housing application. In addition, you will need to fill out the identity-based accommodation request form. This ensures that your housing assignment aligns with your needs and preferences.

For more information or assistance with housing accommodations, please visit the UC Berkeley Housing Accommodations & Identity-Based Needs page.

Our department does not administer proof of residency or rental verification. For these requests, please contact the Student Affairs Business Operations Department.

You can submit your request by completing this Student Affairs Financial Services form, or reach out directly via email at busops@berkeley.edu or by phone at 510-642-1524.

If something in your room or apartment breaks or needs attention, please submit a maintenance request online through the Maintenance Request website (log in with your CalNet ID). You can also visit your building’s front desk for help placing a work order.

For laundry-related issues in on-campus housing buildings, please submit a request through the CSC ServiceWorks website.

If you live in one of the affiliated properties, please use the appropriate system:

• Blackwell: Submit requests through the EMAINT portal
• Enclave: Use the SG Real Estate resident portal
• New Sequoia: Submit the New Sequoia Maintenance Form
• Panoramic Berkeley: Email manager@panoramic.com

Pets, other than fish in a tank not exceeding 20 gallons, are not allowed.

If you require a service or emotional support animal, please refer to the Emotional Support Animal Approval Application on the UC Berkeley Housing accommodations website

University staff may enter your room or apartment for specific reasons, including:

• Health and safety inspections
• Maintenance and repairs (both routine and emergency)
• Facility upgrades or necessary services
• Policy enforcement or emergency response

Whenever possible, staff will provide advance notice before entering your space. However, in urgent situations, such as emergencies or health and safety concerns, entry may occur without prior notice to ensure resident well-being and property protection.

UC Berkeley and Residential and Student Service Programs take the welfare of our students very seriously and have missing person policies and procedures in place to support student well-being.

If you believe that any member of the campus community is missing or may be in danger, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the UC Police Department (UCPD), Berkeley.

Yes! Each on-campus housing community has live-in staff members who are there to support your well-being and help build a safe, inclusive environment.

These staff members include Resident Assistants (RAs) and professional staff such as Resident Directors (RDs). RAs are trained student leaders who live in the halls and are available to help with questions, concerns, and building community. RDs are full-time staff who provide additional support, oversee residential programs, and help manage more serious concerns.

Whether you need help resolving a roommate issue, navigating campus resources, or just want someone to talk to, your live-in staff are here to support you.

To apply for a parking permit at UC Berkeley, visit the Parking and Transportation website and log in with your CalNet ID. For more details on permits and other transportation options like bicycles, shuttles, and public transit, check out UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation's resources.

UC Berkeley takes the safety and security of its residents seriously. Residence halls are equipped with various safety measures, including:

• 24/7 Building Access: Only residents and authorized guests can enter the buildings. Access is restricted through secured doors with ID card access.
• On-Site Staff: Resident Assistants (RAs) and professional staff are available to assist with safety concerns and emergencies.
• Emergency Response: The campus has emergency procedures in place, including evacuation plans, fire alarms, and campus-wide alert systems.

Students living on campus at UC Berkeley have access to a variety of academic support resources to help them succeed:

1. Student Learning Center (SLC): Offers tutoring, workshops, and academic coaching in subjects like writing, math, science, and more.
2. Residential Academic Support: Many residence halls have academic support services such as study spaces and peer tutoring for students living on campus.

The Cal 1 Card is your passport to UC Berkeley. It’s your official on-campus identification card, giving you access to various campus buildings and services. Here's what it can do for you:

1. Building Access: Use your Cal 1 Card to enter residence halls, academic buildings, and other campus facilities.
2. Berkeley Dining: It grants you access to your Berkeley Dining meal plan, which you can use at dining locations around campus.
3. Berkeley Shuttle: The Cal 1 Card also provides access to the Berkeley shuttle, making it easier to get around campus and the surrounding areas.
4. Campus Purchases: You can add funds to your Cal 1 Card and use it at select on-campus locations, including cafes, vending machines, and stores.

Internet service depends on where you live:

• Campus-Provided Internet: If you live in Units 1, 2, or 3, Clark Kerr, Foothill, Martinez Commons, Stern, Anchor House, Channing-Bowditch, Ida Jackson House, Intersection, Manville, or University Village, your internet is provided by UC Berkeley. Visit the Student Technology Services "Get Online" page for setup instructions. For support, contact Student Technology Services at 510-642-HELP (4357) or sts-help@berkeley.edu.
• Affiliate-Provided Internet: If you live in Blackwell Hall, New Sequoia, Enclave, or Panoramic, your internet is managed by affiliate housing partners. For questions or help, contact your building’s front desk.