University of California, Berkeley move-in checklist
Berkeley has a Mediterranean climate — summer and fall mornings are foggy and chilly (50s°F) even when afternoons hit the 70s. Layering is genuinely necessary year-round.
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Things Cal doesn't put in the brochure.
- Berkeley mornings are foggy and 50s°F even in August — bring layers and a light jacket for every walk to class, not just winter.
- You cannot bring your own microwave or mini-fridge — Cal requires you rent both from the approved University vendor (Microfridge), so don't ship one.
- UL-listed coffee makers and tea kettles ARE allowed at Berkeley (unlike UCLA or BYU) — a small Keurig is fair game in your room.
- Unit 1 triples come with a bunk bed plus a lofted bed by default — measure under-bed clearance before buying storage bins.
- Hoverboards, e-scooters, and any motorized balancing boards are banned from being operated inside residential buildings.
- Cal Student Stores and the Telegraph Target are walking distance from Units 1, 2, and 3 — wait to buy bulky items (fan, trash can, hangers) until you arrive.
Halls at Cal
Six-building complex around a courtyard, one block south of campus; triples include a bunk + lofted bed. No AC.
Two-bedroom mini-suites sharing one bathroom — quieter than the main Unit 1 halls; maple furniture with under-bed drawers.
Closest to fraternity row with social atmosphere; mix of doubles, triples, and mini-suites. No AC.
Located by Telegraph Avenue's restaurants and shops — one of the most popular Cal freshman buildings; no AC.
Suite-style buildings up the hill above campus with their own dining hall; quieter and woodsier than the Units.
All-women's historic hall with carpeting and in-room microwave/mini-fridge already provided; no AC.
Newer suite-style residence hall between Unit 1 and campus; bathroom shared by suite-mates.
Spanish-style complex about a mile from main campus, mostly suite-style with in-suite bathrooms; bus shuttle to class.
Banned at Cal
- Candles and incense
- Hookahs
- Flame starters
- Halogen lamps
- Non-battery decorative string lights
- Hot plates
- Toaster ovens
- Personal microwaves (rent from approved vendor)
- Personal mini-fridges (rent from approved vendor)
- Hoverboards
- Smart boards
- Mopeds (indoor use)
- Portable AC units
- Space heaters