About 2,000 students moved into dorms between Thursday and Sunday, despite all classes being online. They faced COVID testing, self-sequestering and limited socializing, but all were motivated to be here.
Students are choosing to live at home or withdraw for the semester. Some are still deciding. Of those who stay enrolled, only 3,200 will be able to stay in on-campus housing.
Students will be assigned to social bubbles and will have to sign a pledge agreeing to wear masks and to social distance.
Berkeley’s zoning board has approved eight medium-to-large housing projects around the city in 2020 totalling 560 units. See the roundup.
The four-story apartment complex on Walnut Street sits on land that might become part of a new 850-bed student housing project known as the Gateway.
The building would be part of a complex that could house as many as 1,200 students and 125 community members who need supportive housing. Cal is seeking public comment through April 27.
Critics say the university should postpone plans until the COVID-19 crisis is over. UC Berkeley officials say the law requires the school to proceed now.
Coping presents a particular challenge in co-ops where food, labor and living space are shared to reduce the cost of housing.
The money will go to faculty positions, scholarships, student housing, research and more.
It’s been described as a cave dwelling, a wizard’s house and a Moorish palace. A recently unveiled building to house UC Berkeley students has been a long time coming — and its unusual design is causing a stir.
It will take a year for changes to come before the Berkeley City Council, but they could include room for three more high-rise residential buildings.
Berkeley Home Match placed just nine students this year but plans to place 100 students in the coming years.
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