Coming to Berkeley from a small desert city, a lot of things felt intimidating as a freshman — especially the busy streets, active nightlife and steep hills. Being a desert girl meant I drove everywhere with the AC blasting to avoid stepping into the blaring heat, and Berkeley, on the other hand, is pretty much a completely walkable city. Despite this initial concern, as a senior, I have learned to love these once terrifying aspects of Berkeley. I have compiled a list of things that were intimidating about Berkeley at first, but I know I will miss them when I leave. I hope you’ll also reflect on how your opinions on what was new and seemed strange at first have also changed during your time here.
Busy city life
One of the most notable things when I arrived in Berkeley was how many people were out walking in the streets. Whether it was 12 p.m. or 12 a.m., there were always people. While this was incredibly intimidating at first because it felt so busy and hectic, after stopping to observe the people I passed on the street, I learned to love it. I have never had a “normal” experience walking down Telegraph Avenue, and that is something I know I will miss. The craziness of the streets is part of what gives Berkeley its character — and even what makes up its community. There is something bonding about hearing someone scream “Hell yeah!” in my ear when I walk by.
Public transportation
Before coming to Berkeley, I had never experienced public transportation before. Having no idea where to start or even how the bus stops worked, this was incredibly intimidating and stressful at first. However, after years of experience and getting familiar with the different lines and stops, I don’t even feel like I need to use the Transit app anymore. I have learned to love this part of Berkeley because I feel as if there is no better way to get to know a city than to fully immerse yourself in it by surrounding yourself with its people and taking the long way home.
Being from Southern California, I did not have an umbrella when I came to Berkeley. It hardly ever rained, and the weather remained the same for 85% of the year. Berkeley’s unpredictable weather throughout the entire year was difficult to deal with at first, but now keeps me on my toes. Having to check the weather app every morning was never something I had to do before, but now I feel prepared for anything. It’s impossible to get bored with Berkeley’s weather because it’s constantly shifting; it could be sunny and warm one day, and completely pouring and cold the next.
Although moving to Berkeley can be a big change for any student, especially when compared to what you have always known, I know it’s possible to learn to love it all. I would have never considered myself a city person before moving here, but now, I can confidently say I have learned to keep up with the constant motion and excitement of Berkeley.