Residential Life - Office of Student Development

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Housing

Which residence hall is the best?
All of our residence halls offer the same great staff and academic support, but it really depends on the student's study habits, style, and personality. The three main aspects that affect decisions are: social, financial, and proximity/location. Other considerations, such as whether students want to reside in theme housing or substance-free housing, may also influence housing preferences. Talk to the staff at the residence hall tours or at the housing information tables during Cal Day.
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What are my chances of getting the housing assignment I want?
Last year 70% of residents received one of their top three housing choices. We try our best to honor their housing preferences. Unfortunately we can not accommodate everyone's first choice, as there are a finite number of spaces so make sure to rank your choices based on your highest priorities.
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What if I accepted my housing contract but I want to transfer to a different hall or room occupancy?
If you have an extenuating circumstance or a disability, which you did not disclose on the original application, you may submit documentation from your medical provider, and we will make every effort to accommodate your special need. However, there is no guarantee, and after roommate disclosure there is very little flexibility to move students around.
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What should I do if I forgot to return my housing contract by the deadline?
Unfortunately, if you do not return your housing contract by the deadline or if you do not call and receive an extension, we will rescind your offer. This is due to the high volume of students needing to be placed in housing in a short amount of time. If you do not return the contract, we assume that you either have made alternate housing plans or are not attending Cal, and we have offered the space to the next person on the waiting list. Call the office and staff will try to assist you with a new offer if possible.
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What if I want to move out of the residence halls?
All Cal housing contracts are for the entire academic year. If there is a waiting list of other students that want to live in the residence halls or apartments, then students will be allowed to move out but will be charged a cancellation fee ($150 prior to occupancy and $300 after occupancy). Students are still financially liable for their entire annual contract if there is not a waiting list. Students are welcome to find someone else to occupy their space.
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Move-In

Can I move in on a different date than my specified Move-In Day?
You may move into your residence hall after Move-In Day, but you must contact Residence Hall Assignments Office to make sure that your Resident Assistant knows of your confirmed arrival date. Call the office at (510) 642-4108.
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How do I change my room/residence hall assignment?
If you have an extenuating circumstance or a disability, which you did not disclose on the original application, you may submit documentation from your medical provider, and we will make every effort to accommodate your special need. However, there is no guarantee, and after roommate disclosure there is very little flexibility to move students around. Contact the Residence Hall Assignments Office to discuss a room/residence hall change at (510) 642-4108.
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Where can my family stay? Can they stay in my dorm room?
Family members are not permitted to stay overnight in the dorm room with other students during Welcome Week. Family and guests should select from some of the great places to stay nearby. Berkeley has a number of beautiful and historic hotels.
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How do I get a microwave/refrigerator?
You must coordinate appliance plans with your roommates once they are disclosed. In certain buildings, it is necessary to bring special microwave/refrigerator units. You should check with your Resident Assistant to find out if your building is one of them. UCB is committed to sustainability and encourages students to bring energy star appliances whenever possible. Find out more about Energy Star products here.
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How do I get to my residence hall? Where can I park?
Check the campus map and general visitor directions.
Fall move-in students will be given a parking pass to be used for Move-in Day only. Your pass will arrive in early August by mail. Be sure to pay attention to parking meters and signs in order to avoid getting a ticket.

For any further parking questions concerning move-in, please visit the Move-In website or contact the Office of Student Development at (510) 642-3213.
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Academic Support

What is Academic Services? What do Academic Service Centers provide?
Academic Services runs many programs, including the Academic Service Centers, Peer Tutoring Programs, Peer Advising Programs, Faculty Programs, and Theme Programs.
Our professional staff includes one Associate Director, and five Academic Program Coordinators (APC). Student staff include 1 Marketing Supervisor, 5 Marketing Assistants, 2 Web Developers, 3-4 Tutoring Program Supervisors, 40 tutors, 5 Academic Services Center Supervisors, 50-60 Academic Service Assistants, 1 Peer Advising Supervisor, 10 Peer Advisors, and 6 student clerks.
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Are the services free?
There are no additional fees except for printing in the Academic Services Centers, $5 for 250 pages.
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Can I uses the services if I am not a resident?
Our services are paid for by resident fees and are therefore limited to resident use.
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Do I need to make an appointment?
You do not need to make an appointment to use the computers in the Centers. Most of our programs available are drop-in services. We offer by-appointment tutoring. For more information, please check our web site.
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How are you different from Res Comp?
Academic Services works very closely with Residential Computing. Residential Computing provides the technical support for our computing needs, assists you with your computers in your room, and maintains the residence hall network.
Academic Services is responsible for coordinating all academic related programs within the residence halls and operating the Academic Services Centers.
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How do I apply for a job in the Center?
We hire the bulk of our staff a year in advance. We begin our hiring process for Supervisors in November. For our Tutors, Peer Advisors, Marketing Assistants, and Academic Services Assistants, the process starts in February.
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Safety

Does the Berkeley campus have its own police department?
The Berkeley campus has a dedicated, full- service police department with 77 officers, 45 full- time non- sworn personnel, and 60 student employees. UCPD, located at 1 Sproul Hall, has primary law enforcement jurisdiction on the campus of the University of California and associated University properties. The department is empowered as a full- service state law enforcement agency pursuant to section 830.2 (b) of the California Penal Code and fully subscribes to the standards of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Officers receive the same basic training as city and county peace officers throughout the state, plus additional training to meet the unique needs of a campus environment.
The department handles all patrol, investigation, crime prevention education, emergency preparedness, and related law enforcement duties for the campus community and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. UCPD coordinates closely with the city police department, operating joint patrol programs in the south campus area, and communicating at all levels to ensure the effective provision of police services.
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Where can I find safety information and resources?
Safety tips and information can be found at the UCPD website.
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I often stay late on campus. Is it safe for me to walk home at night?
Although the central campus is considered to be safer than the surrounding city streets, UCPD strongly encourages everyone to adopt safety practices outlined in Safety Counts and to utilize the free UCPD BearWALK service and the Night Safety Shuttle.
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Does UCPD offer self defense classes?
Although UCPD does not offer self defense classes, they are being offered by Cal Recreational Sports. UCB also has several full time professional staff trained to facilitate the Rape Agression Defense (R.A.D) program for women on campus.
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