Gregory
There are so many incredible things about Berkeley and that is because of one thing: student diversity. It feels very cliche to say but every single Cal student is a unique and exciting individual. Everyone is motivated to follow their dreams and work to make the world a better place. Diversity also makes classroom discussions and debates very interesting- in my Philosophy class last semester we had Agnostics, Atheists, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists engaging in a reasonable discussion of issues such as abortion, taxes, stem-cell research and the War in Afghanistan. Where else can you find that? Go Bears!
Yazmin
The professors are the best you could ever ask for , not only are they there to help you with any questions you may have but the genuinly are there to further your capabilities.
Hillary
The best thing about UC Berkeley is the wealth of imagination and intelligence here. Everyone you meet here has incredible ability and talent. We push each other to be the best we can be. Filling a campus with people like this was a brilliant idea, whoever came up with it. It creates an environment that fosters achievement, accomplishment, creativity, innovation, and, ultimately, success.
Kalin
The best thing about UC Berkeley is the combination of all types of people centered in one place. Berkeley is a melting pot. There is not one majority of people but rather an eclectic mixing of race, culture and personalities. Berkeley allows individuality and the opportunity to learn not only from professors but from our peers. Combine the above with nobel laureates teaching challenging curriculum, living in the heart of an urban city, Berkeley's impressive history, and the beauty of campus and it makes for an unforgettable, irreplaceable, educational experience.
Melody
Even though academics are challenging, I think it is one of the best because they offer challenging and interesting courses in a variety of areas. There are a wide range of majors in almost every possible field and Berkeley offers a liberal arts education as well as other areas such as engineering or environmental design. The professors and instructors are also some of the best in there field. After all it is the number one public university in the country.
Daniel
The best thing about UC Berkeley is the presence and availability of extracurricular activities and student groups. When I started attending UC Berkeley, I joined many student groups, including the Undergraduate Economics Association, Circle K International, Tennis at Cal, and Hillel. These groups have many ways to get involved: in Circle K International, I do community service and serve on the Newsletter Committee; in Hillel, I go to Jewish Student Union meetings and help make food for barbecues; and in the Undergraduate Economics Association, I help plan and attend events. These student groups make student life interesting and fun.
Chloe
Berkeley is really the whole college experience. Whether you want world-renowned faculty, breathtaking libraries, dynamic students (and I mean of every kind), parties every weekend, stadium-shaking football games, coveted speakers (Alice Walker anyone?), or a beautiful rolling campus - it's all there. Berkeley not only gives you educational opportunities that expands you to the edges of the world (quite literally!) but also allows you to meet inspiring characters who will help you discover your wings. To "Live Berkeley" is to love every moment and to work smart towards your dreams. Because with Berkeley, anything is possible.
Minnie
The best thing about UC Berkeley is that there is a lot of freedom to do what you want here because everyone is so accepting and understanding. The dress code is very casual and no one cares if you go to class in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Even though everyone is very serious about their studies, everyone has a lot of fun outside of classes. The philosophy here is "work hard, play hard."
Sasha
The prestige and the ability to meet like minded socially conscious people working to make change in the world.
Aleesha
I love that so many views on life are represented, causing you to reconsider and often revise your own. People aren't afraid to show themselves for who they really are.