Welcome to one of the best universities in the world! Despite all of its merits, UC Berkeley is also a large institution that can seem overwhelming and lonely at times. To make sure you start off the year on the right foot, here’s a list of useful campus resources to keep in mind.

Bear Transit

Besides a plentiful line of AC Transit buses, UC Berkeley students also have access to unlimited rides on a complimentary shuttle system with their Cal 1 Card or Clipper card. Bear Transit circles around campus and the vicinity, providing easy transportation from as far up as the Lawrence Hall of Science and down to Richmond Field Station (RFS) and Campus Shared Services on 4th Street. There is also a Night Safety Shuttle service that runs from 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. to allow for safe nighttime transit. The night shuttle buses loop between campus, BART, Clark Kerr Campus and the residence halls.

Campus tutoring

Tutors and study groups are available in the residence halls and at the Student Learning Center (SLC) located in the César E. Chávez Student Center. An Academic Service Center is available in each residence hall to provide students with access to academic advisors, a study space, and drop-in tutoring in a variety of introductory courses and subjects such as chemistry, math, physics and writing. At the SLC, there are 300 undergraduate tutors who serve almost 10,000 undergraduate students annually. They offer academic help through peer-led study groups, drop-in services and workshops in subjects that include math, science, writing and the social sciences. 

Career Center

Whether applying for internships and jobs or exploring different career paths, the Career Center is the perfect place for any student to get a head start on life beyond college. Located across the street from Lower Sproul on Bancroft Way, the Career Center is a valuable resource for your professional development needs. There are many career advisors and peer advisors available to assist with resume and cover letter writing, developing a career plan, applying to graduate or professional schools and more. The Career Center also hosts numerous career fairs throughout the year, such as the Social Impact Career Fair and the STEM Career & Internship Fair, as well as career workshops focusing on professional development and various company information sessions. Additionally, the Career Center has an online recruiting platform, Handshake, that makes it easy for students and alumni to connect with employers and find internships and jobs, event information and on campus recruiting opportunities. 

Disabled Students’ Program

DSP is a valuable resource available to students who may have a disability of some sort. After completing an application on the DSP website, eligible students have access to benefits such as academic counseling, priority enrollment in courses, testing and housing accommodations, note taking support and other services.

Educational Opportunity Program

Located in the César E. Chávez Student Center, EOP seeks to assist first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students in making the most out of their college experience. Some of these resources include peer and academic counseling, access to free iClicker rentals, company visits, various fee reductions, discounts for grad school exam prep courses and more. EOP can provide a community for students and make UC Berkeley feel a little smaller and less intimidating.

Open Computing Facility

Printing can be expensive, which is why the OCF’s free printing services are invaluable to those who know how to take advantage of it. Students can print up to 100 pages for free each semester (with a limit of 10 pages per day on weekdays and 20 per day on weekends). The OCF is a student-run, volunteer-based organization located on the ground floor of MLK Student Union. In addition to free printing, they also offer various other technical services and open access to a computer lab.

University Health Services

UHS at the Tang Center offers students a plethora of medical and mental health services that encompasses crisis counseling, immunizations and more. Like a regular care center, the Tang Center has a pharmacy, optometry, laboratory and specialty clinics that deal with orthopedics, dermatology, etc. Any student, regardless of whether or not they’re under the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), can seek medical assistance at the Tang Center.

College is a long and difficult journey but there’s no reason to go about it on your own. So take advantage of these resources and make the most of your time here at UC Berkeley!