Choosing where to live at UC Berkeley is one of the most exciting parts of your academic journey — whether you're a freshman starting your path toward a bachelor cap and gown, a master’s student juggling labs and late-night study sessions, or a PhD candidate edging closer to the day you’ll wear your doctoral regalia. Berkeley offers a range of student housing options that combine convenience, community, and campus access.

This CAPGOWN guide walks you through top student housing choices — including Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Foothill, Stern Hall, Manville Apartments, UC Village, and Ida Jackson House. You’ll find key details, location insights, Reddit opinions, and practical takeaways to help you find the right place to live — no matter your academic level.

Unit 1 – Central, Social, and Student-Friendly

Address: 2650 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720

Unit 1 offers undergraduates an ideal mix of community and convenience. Just minutes from campus classrooms, MLK Student Union, and dining halls, it’s a top pick for students looking to dive into Berkeley life.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:

• Central location near classes and downtown.
• Active community with welcoming social events.
• Steps from Unit 1 Dining and study spaces.

Fun Fact: Unit 1 includes several halls such as Freeborn, Putnam, and Slottman — each with its own unique vibe and residential themes.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Unit 1 is super social — always something going on, sometimes loud but great for freshmen.”
“Rooms are small but it’s worth it for the community feel and location.”

Unit 2 – Balance, Community & Campus Connection

Address: Towle Hall, 2650 Haste St, Berkeley, CA 94720

With a strong sense of community and quick campus access, Unit 2 is perfect for students looking for both academic structure and social connection.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:

• Great for first-year students building a friend group.
• Popular layout and active residential life.
• Easy access to classes and Berkeley shuttles.

Fun Fact: Unit 2 is home to Residence Hall Assembly events that regularly bring students together for social and academic support.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Unit 2 has the best social atmosphere. Bathrooms are shared, but the energy is amazing.”
“Towle is the best of Unit 2 if you want a balance of quiet and events.”

Unit 3 – Modern, Inclusive & Campus-Adjacent

Address: 2400 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720

Unit 3 is centrally located and walkable to nearly every Berkeley hotspot. With strong community vibes and academic support programming, it’s a go-to for students who want a well-rounded campus experience.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:

• Close to Eshleman Hall and Lower Sproul Plaza.
• Diverse mix of residents and themed floors.
• Study lounges and tutoring centers on-site.

Fun Fact: Unit 3 is one of the largest residential complexes and includes the Academic Services Center for on-site advising and peer tutoring.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Best location if you’re always on campus or involved in clubs.”
“Unit 3 can be a little chaotic, but that’s part of the fun if you like being in the middle of everything.”

Foothill – Hillside Views & Study-Focused Living

Address: Foothill Student Housing, Foothill Student Housing 4, 2700 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720

Foothill’s scenic hillside location offers peace and focus. Its layout and natural surroundings make it a favorite among students seeking a study-first environment, including many graduate students in engineering and sciences.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:

• Steps from STEM buildings like Etcheverry Hall.
• Quiet halls and small-group suites.
• Close to nature and hiking paths.

Fun Fact: Foothill is known for its split-level buildings connected by outdoor walkways — a favorite for students who love fresh air and scenic views.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Foothill is the most peaceful dorm, perfect for serious students.”
“It’s a bit of a walk uphill, but worth it for the quiet and views.”

Stern Hall – All-Women’s Academic Community

Address: 2700 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720

Stern Hall supports academic achievement and personal growth in a quiet, all-women’s community. Its supportive atmosphere has been a defining part of student success stories for generations.

Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:

• Tightly knit, supportive atmosphere.
• Beautiful location near Northside and campus libraries.
• Study-first culture, ideal for pre-med and STEM students.

Fun Fact: Stern Hall was established in 1942 and remains one of the few all-women's dorms in the UC system.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Stern is underrated. Super peaceful, and the sisterhood is real.”
“Great if you want to focus and not worry about distractions.”

Manville Apartments – Private, Graduate-Only Living

Address: 2100 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94720

Manville Apartments are designed specifically for single graduate and professional students. These furnished studio units offer independence, quiet, and immediate access to downtown and campus.

Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:

• Private kitchens and bathrooms.
• Ideal for focused grad work.
• Minutes from Berkeley Law and downtown.

Fun Fact: Originally built to serve Berkeley Law students, Manville now hosts graduate students across various disciplines seeking quiet, single living.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Manville is quiet and efficient. You don’t get distracted here.”
“Perfect if you want your own space as a grad student.”

UC Village – Family-Friendly Graduate Living

Address: 685 Liberty Ship Way, Albany, CA 94706

UC Village is perfect for graduate students with families or partners. It offers two- and three-bedroom apartments with family resources, childcare connections, and a peaceful neighborhood vibe.

Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:

• Affordable, spacious, and family-oriented.
• On-site preschool and childcare support.
• Green space, play areas, and community events.

Fun Fact: UC Village spans over 52 acres and is one of the few dedicated university housing communities for student families in the UC system.

R/Berkeley Says:
“UC Village is amazing for grad students with kids. Quiet, safe, and super supportive.”
“It’s not close to campus, but the shuttle makes it manageable and worth it.”

Ida Jackson House – Modern & Inclusive Graduate Living

Address: 2333 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Ida Jackson House is one of UC Berkeley’s newest graduate housing communities. Designed for single graduate students, it features fully furnished apartments, community lounges, and inclusive spaces.

Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:

• New construction with modern finishes.
• Quiet, inclusive space with community events.
• Short walk to campus, cafes, and public transit.

Fun Fact: Named after Ida Louise Jackson — the first African American woman to teach in Oakland Public Schools and one of the first Black women to earn a master’s degree from UC Berkeley.

R/Berkeley Says:
“Ida Jackson is modern, quiet, and super clean — best choice for new grad students.”
“It’s new and well-managed. Easily my favorite spot for grad housing.”

Final Thoughts?

Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring dorm life or a doctoral student seeking quiet independence, UC Berkeley has housing options that meet every need. Each location carries a unique blend of academic energy, personal growth, and community spirit.

And when it’s finally time to cross the stage, CAPGOWN is here to make sure you look the part. We offer premium UC Berkeley doctoral regalia, and master or bachelor cap and gown sets—designed with authenticity, comfort, and tradition in mind. Wherever you lived on campus, celebrate your accomplishments with the regalia trusted by Bears at every level.