Life as a Junior at UC Berkeley: My Off-Campus Adventure
As a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, I’ve found that my college experience is deeply intertwined with the unique living situation I’ve fallen into. I reside in an off-campus house, a charming yet quirky single-family home built in the early 1900s, which I share with 11 other female students. Our house, with its seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a social hub where we frequently host events, hang out in our private backyard, and create memories that I’ll cherish long after graduation. While Berkeley is known for its academic rigor and vibrant campus life, my off-campus experience has become a defining part of my time here.
The Character of Our Home
Walking into our house is like stepping into a different era. The single-paned windows let in drafts during the colder months, the doorknobs are stubborn and hard to turn, and the wooden floors are scratched and tarnished from decades of use. It’s not a perfect space by any means, but there’s something undeniably special about it. When my mom first saw the place, she described it as “cozy” and said it had “character,” and I’ve come to agree with her. The imperfections of the house lend it a charm that feels homespun and inviting. Despite its age, the house has become a comfortable space where my roommates and I can relax, study, and enjoy each other’s company.
Finding Home in a Random House
I stumbled upon this living situation almost by chance. I met one of my roommates through Facebook Marketplace when she was subletting a room. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what started as a random arrangement turned into something much more meaningful. The house became my home, and the group of girls I met became my closest friends. It’s funny how life works out—sometimes the things you don’t plan for end up being the most rewarding. Moving into this strange, old house was one of the best decisions I’ve made during my time at Berkeley.
The Quirks and Challenges of Old Houses
Living in a house built in the early 1900s comes with its fair share of challenges. The single-paned windows, for instance, aren’t just a aesthetic quirk—they also mean that the house can get quite cold in the winter and warm in the summer. The old wooden floors creak with every step, and the doorknobs require a bit of wrestling to open and close. While these quirks can be frustrating at times, they’ve also become a part of the house’s charm. My roommates and I have learned to adapt to these inconveniences, and we’ve even found ways to make them work for us. For example, we’ve gotten creative with layered blankets and space heaters to stay warm during the colder months. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s ours, and we’ve learned to love it.
Building a Community in Our Little House
One of the most unexpected joys of living in this house has been the sense of community that’s developed among the 12 of us. We’re all very social, and our house has become a hub for gatherings and events. Whether it’s a spontaneous movie night, a study session that turns into a dance party, or a backyard barbecue, there’s always something happening at our place. The shared spaces in the house—our living room, kitchen, and backyard—have become the heart of our social lives, and they’ve played a huge role in bringing us together. It’s not always easy living with so many people, of course. There are disagreements and challenges, but the bonds we’ve formed have made it all worth it.
The Importance of Home in College
Living in this old, quirky house has taught me the importance of having a sense of home during college. For many students, college is the first time they’re living away from their families, and finding a place that feels like “home” can be a challenge. For me, this house has filled that role in ways I never expected. It’s not just a place to sleep or study—it’s a community, a support system, and a constant source of comfort and joy. The memories I’ve made here, the friendships I’ve formed, and the lessons I’ve learned about adaptability and resilience will stay with me long after I graduate from Berkeley.
In the end, I feel incredibly lucky to have found this little slice of life during my time at Berkeley. The house may not be perfect, but it’s ours, and it’s given me so much more than I could have ever anticipated. As I look back on my time here, I know that this house—and the people in it—will be a big part of the story I tell about my college years.
