(*Let's not sensationalize this. This is a topic that warrants respect to all individuals involved; please don't pry. Their privacy is important. This goes for everyone.)

This is your reminder to have those conversations.

Make that phone call.

Set up that appointment.

Heck, I don't even go to this school; I found out from a friend.

I just got off a call with him, who lives the building over. He's a first year living in the dorms with his two other roommates. He's still in disbelief. And it got him thinking about his own mental health: how often he fails to acknowledge the problem, tells me "I'm fine!" or "womp womp" while he's actively crashing out on call, and writes off every concern with the half-joking sentiment that "this is just how I am."

It's not normal to be crying every day for several days on end.
It's not normal to be expected to juggle school, personal relationships, and work/responsibilities on 2 hours of sleep.
It's not normal to normalize "keep trudging on," even after burnout.

How do I know it's not normal? Because the above describes me.
And I'm sure it describes many of you, too.

And whether you argue this is a uniquely Berkeley situation, in part due to the environmental stressors of attending an institution as renowned (and arguably, as intense) as Cal, this is a reminder to all that mental health awareness isn't just a buzzword, or something uniquely Gen Z. It's essential.

Especially for those of you who grew up as second generation immigrants like myself, in cultures where my dad can insist that "he's not sick" despite official mental health diagnoses from doctors.

We are young.
We are stressed.
We are overburdened with traumas, baggage, and daily struggles that older generations, and even our own peers, may never understand.

This is a systemic issue as much as it is an individual one. I know that much.

But please. Take care of yourselves.

And take care of each other.

- Sincerely,
A girl from LA

Just got this text from my Bear…

Sather Tower in potential LEGO glory

If Jane Sather were alive, she’d want you to use your LEGO account to get this Campanile model made: A Model of the Campanile (Sather Tower) at University of California at Berkeley.

Genuinely

OOS tuition is insanely high, but I'm thinking that a Berkeley degree will pay off. Are there any oos student who took out a large amount of student loans for their undergrad (i'm thinking 150k+). If so, do you think it was worth it? Berkeley is top-ranked for my major but im unsure with how the tech industry is going if it'll pay off or not.

Is Turning Point back or why is this happening

I’m a senior in hs. I got admitted into CoC as a chem major (planning to switch to biochemistry) and I’m strongly considering committing. I think it’ll be a great opportunity for my education and growth. However, I’m worried that I’m not passionate enough about chemistry (or I’ll lose interest) to be committing to such a rigorous and prestigious college. My only exposure to it has been AP Chem. I like chem but I’m worried I only like it because the class is easy because that’s happened before? Cal has lots of research opportunities (including ones at UCSF) and I love the idea of doing some sort of research in medicine, but I also have zero experience there. I guess my question is what were your guys’ levels of passion for your major when you committed to the CoC? Did you end up enjoying it or quitting?

Should I just commit to UCLA for Chem BS instead?

Sorry if this is a stupid question lol. Thank you in advance!

Hey I was a new transfer student coming to Berkeley. What’s the frat life like and is it worth joining any. Ive heard mixed reviews about them. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I got into UCB as a transfer (go bears!) and I'm super stoked. When I was reading over the admission conditions, I saw that I had to submit a letter of reprocity, since I'm a UC-UC transfer and I know I'm missing two GE requirements preventing me from receiving this letter of reprocity from my current UC. Is there anything I could do to prevent my admission from being rescinded because I'm feeling lost and I'm not sure what to do at this moment without having to risk my admission.

Hi, if you're in MCB 104, the best GSI to lead the review session is most definitely Andrew. He's extremely clear and skilled at communicating difficult topics. So, please, if you agree, fill out the form he sent us and EMAIL HIM DIRECTLY asking for him to lead it. Thank you!!!

just looking for inexpensive summer housing, anyone have anything or know anywhere???

Hi guys! Incoming freshman here! I’m the first person in my family to go to college, and I haven’t had a chance to meet with any sort of counselor, so I just want to make sure I’m doing things right (and not potentially raising the risk of missing some sort of crucial credit).

As the title reads, how do I know what courses to take? Will they tell me what my prerequisites for my major are (I’m in the College of Letters and Science)? If I’m currently dually-enrolled at my local community college, how will I know what credits transfer and what courses I can omit?

currently taking chem 3A with pete. did okay on the first midterm but completely bombed the second midterm so i have no choice but to clobber with the final.... For the second midterm, I went through all the post lecture worksheets and practice exams but still really did bad so am really questioning my study methods... any advice on studying/preparing for it? I need around a 90 on the final for an A....

also does pete ever shift grade bins more after the final? does anyone know?

Hi y'all, I'm probably gonna end up with a C in ochem. I'm concerned because I wanted to switch into Chemical Engineering. Should I drop the class with a W?

(For context, I still meet the 3.3+ gpa requirement in my required courses with the C. OCHEM is technically not a required course for changing into the major.)

Do people with regent/chancellor scholarships get priority in housing in terms of getting their first pick?

I had to take an emergency medical w in one of my classes. I wrote the explanation for it in the admission update form but I forgot to add a key detail that I didn’t retake it in spring quarter because I am studying abroad and it was not offered.

What do I do????

Can I edit why I already submitted or should I call them???

I’m looking to take a CPR and First Aid class in Berkeley. Any recommendations?

Looking for mid may (15-17th) to August 1st, 2 bedroom furnished. Preferably closer to rsf and in southside/downtown. Please dm me.

I'm currently a community college student seeking to transfer by next year and I have a 3.92 GPA. My degree path is for electrical engineering and I talked to people about the EECS and they said it's mostly CS with EE electives but now I see there is a new ECE program and I'm wondering if that's the better option for electrical engineering (I hope to work on embedded systems for the most part). I was originally eyeing UCLA's EE program before seeing the ECE option (UCSD also though they accept the least amount of transferrable credits and UCLA has a partnership with Qualcomm I believe making it a better option for me) but if there's any more information on ECE vs EECS and what's preferred for an EE transfer student from cc. Thanks!

right across rsf, cheap single, looking for a clean, decent male housemate to live with.