CAL COMMUNITY

Berkeley has more than 1,200 registered student organizations, plus CalGreeks, ASUC, and Graduate Assembly groups. Your first challenge is not finding something to join. It is choosing where to start.

Fall 2026 Calapalooza
Thursday, August 27, 2026
10 AM to 4 PM
Upper Sproul, Dwinelle Plaza, and Wheeler Plaza

Calapalooza is Berkeley’s student involvement fair. It is one of the easiest ways to meet student orgs, ask how to join, learn about time commitments, and see what kinds of communities are active on campus.

💡Alumni Tip: Try a few meetings before you commit. Some of the best friendships start with showing up once. Many groups have applications, auditions, or limited space, so research early and ask about the process.

STUDENT ORGS + ALUMNI CHAPTERS

Many student communities have alumni chapter connections. These are not the only ways to get involved, but they show how student interests can become lifelong Cal networks.

Academics + Industry

Org: Black Engineering and Science Students Association
Chapter: Black Engineering and Science Alumni Club (BESAC)
A student community for Black students in engineering and science, connected to an alumni network that continues support beyond graduation.

Org: Public Service Center programs
Chapter: Nor Cal Public Service Center Alumni
A strong path for students interested in community engagement, service, civic leadership, and social impact.

Arts + Music

Org: UC Choral Ensembles
Chapter: Alumni Chorus
For students who want to keep singing, performing, and building community through music.

Org: Men’s Octet
Chapter: Octet Alumni Club
A classic Cal music tradition with a dedicated alumni community.

Athletics + Spirit

Org: Lightweight Crew
Chapter: Cal Lightweight Crew Alumni
A student sport club with a strong alumni connection.

Org: Men’s Lacrosse
Chapter: Cal Men’s Lacrosse Society
A campus sport club supported by alumni who remain connected to the program.

Org: Cal Band
Chapter: Cal Band Alumni Association
One of the most visible Cal spirit traditions, especially on game days.

Org: UC Rally Committee
Chapter: UC Rally Committee Alumni Chapter
A student organization rooted in Cal spirit, traditions, and campus pride.

Student Life + Leadership

Org: Berkeley Student Cooperative
Chapter: Berkeley Student Cooperative Alumni Association (BSCAA)
A student housing and community experience with an active alumni network.

Org: The Daily Californian
Chapter: Daily Californian Alumni Association
For students interested in journalism, media, writing, photography, design, and campus news.

Org: Prytanean Women’s Honor Society
Chapter: Prytanean Honor Society Alumnae
A Cal women’s honor society with a long-standing alumnae connection.

Veterans + Military

Orgs: Cal Veteran Services / Army ROTC / Naval ROTC / Air Force ROTC  
Chapter: Cal Veterans and Military Affiliated Alumni
For student veterans, ROTC students, military-affiliated students, and alumni connected to military service.

AROUND THE CAMPUS

Berkeley can feel big at first, but you will quickly build your own mental map. Start with the places students pass through often, then add your own favorite routes, shortcuts, and study spots.

Campus Spots to Know

Sproul Plaza
The center of student activity. This is where student orgs table, campus events happen, and many students pass through between classes.

MLK Student Union
A useful place to meet friends, grab food, attend events, find student resources, or take a break between classes.

Memorial Glade
The classic outdoor study and hangout lawn near Doe Library. It is sometimes nicknamed “Berkeley Beach” because students gather there to relax, picnic, and enjoy sunny days.

Recreational Sports Facility (RSF)
The campus gym. Useful for workouts, recreation classes, intramurals, and stress relief.

Southside / Telegraph Avenue
The student-heavy area just south of campus, with food, boba, bookstores, errands, and busy campus life. Telegraph Avenue is one of the main streets students use for quick meals and meetups.

Downtown Berkeley
BART, cafes, restaurants, music venues, and access to the wider Bay Area.

Northside / Euclid Ave
A quieter area north of campus with quick lunch spots, cafes, co-ops, and access toward the Berkeley Rose Garden.

Piedmont Ave
The east side of campus near International House, Greek life, California Memorial Stadium, and the Greek Theatre.

Eucalyptus Grove
A peaceful grove of eucalyptus trees near the west side of campus. It was originally planted as a windbreak for a running track.

Libraries to Study

Doe Library / Main Stacks
Classic Cal. Best when you need quiet focus or want the full Berkeley library experience.

Morrison Library
Cozy, beautiful, and great for reading. It has an old-Berkeley feel.

Environmental Design Library
Smaller, calmer, and a good hidden study option.

East Asian Library
A beautiful building with a quiet study feel. Worth visiting even if you do not study the subject.

Engineering & Mathematical Sciences Library
A focused study environment, especially useful for STEM students.

💡Alumni Tip: Pick one serious study spot, one between-classes spot, and one change-of-scenery spot. You do not need to find every place at once.

EAT, SIP, REPEAT

Berkeley has a strong food and café culture, especially around Telegraph, Southside, and Downtown Berkeley. From boba and matcha to quick meals between classes, these spots are easy places to meet friends, take a study break, or find your go-to campus meal.

Hours and openings can change quickly, especially during summer and school breaks. Check hours before you go.

Quick Eats Near Campus

Top Dog – Classic Berkeley quick bite.

Blondie’s Pizza – Quick slices with vegan options.

Gypsy’s Trattoria Italiano – Fast, filling pasta near campus.

La Burrita – Burritos and Mexican basics.

Thai Basil – Quick Thai near campus.

IB’s – Burgers, cheesesteaks, and hoagies.

Steve’s Korean BBQ – Fast Korean plates.

SLIVER Pizzeria – Be sure to try the green sauce.

Mezzo – Big salads and sandwiches.

King Pin Donuts – Late-night donut stop.

Dumpling Express – Dumplings and dim sum near campus.

Boba Spots

TP TEA – Popular tea chain near campus.

Yi Fang Fruit Tea – Known for fruit tea and classic milk tea.

Sweetheart Café – Longtime Berkeley boba and snack spot.

Sharetea – Classic boba chain on Telegraph.

Purple Kow – Berkeley boba spot known for large drinks and sweet milk teas.

Chicha San Chen – Tea-focused boba shop near campus.

Plentea – Boba shop near the residence hall area.

Teaspoon – Tea and boba drinks near Downtown Berkeley.

HEYTEA – Known for fruit tea, cheese tea, and newer Berkeley-area buzz.

Boba Ninja – Boba and late-night style drinks near Southside.

Matcha / Tea Cafés

Binge Coffee House – Vietnamese coffee, matcha, and café food near campus.

De Matcha – Matcha-focused café on Telegraph.

Forest Tea Bar – Tea and matcha café on Shattuck.

Qargo Coffee – Coffee, matcha, and café drinks on Telegraph.

Asha Tea House – Tea house in Downtown Berkeley.

8 Grams Matcha – Matcha café on Bancroft.

Yume Mori – Matcha café near Downtown Berkeley.

Gold Bean Cafe – Coffee, matcha, and specialty drinks near campus.

💡Alumni Tip: Use the Snackpass app to order ahead, earn rewards, and find discounts. It is especially useful when you have a short break between classes.

CAL VOCABULARY

Berkeley has its own language. You do not need to know everything right away, but these are terms you will hear early and often.

Cal – UC Berkeley. Students, alumni, and fans often say “Cal.”

Golden Bears / Bears – Berkeley students, alumni, and athletic teams.

Go Bears – The all-purpose greeting, signoff, and cheer.

Sproul – Sproul Plaza, the central student gathering area.

Sather Gate – The iconic campus gate near Sproul.

The Campanile – Sather Tower, the tall clock tower and one of the easiest campus landmarks to spot.

Berkeley Time – The campus convention that classes usually begin 10 minutes after the listed start time.

Bear Territory – A Cal crowd chant created in 1982 by Ahmad Anderson, a former Cal football player.

More Cal Terms

FSM – Free Speech Movement Café

GBC – Golden Bear Café

GSI – Graduate Student Instructor

The Glade – Memorial Glade, the big lawn near Doe Library

Doe – Doe Library, one of Cal’s main libraries

VLSB – Valley Life Sciences Building

Main Stacks – The large underground library stacks connected to Doe

RSF – Recreational Sports Facility, the campus gym

GBO – Golden Bear Orientation

💡Alumni Tip: Berkeley will feel big at first. Give yourself time to find your places, your people, and your routines.

TRANSIT + SAFETY TIPS

Most students do not need a car. Walking, buses, BART, and campus shuttles cover most day-to-day needs.

Getting Around Berkeley

Student Transit Passes
Student transit benefits are included in mandatory student transit fees and provide unlimited rides on eligible services.

EasyPass
For AC Transit buses around Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, and nearby cities.

BayPass
For eligible Bay Area transit, including BART, buses, trains, and ferries.

Bear Transit
Campus shuttle service connecting campus, residence halls, Downtown Berkeley BART, and nearby areas.

Downtown Berkeley BART
Useful for getting to Oakland, San Francisco, airports, and other parts of the Bay Area.

💡Alumni Tip: Walk your class route before the first day. Berkeley is hillier than it looks on a map, and some buildings are farther apart than they seem.

Night Safety

Use campus safety services at night instead of guessing your route.

Safewalk
Walking escort service available in the evening and late night.

Night Shuttles
Evening shuttle routes around campus and nearby areas.

Door-to-Door Service
Late-night ride option after shuttle hours.

Smart habits: Walk with others when you can, know your route before leaving, keep your phone charged, and use campus safety services when available.