"Desperate"' yes; Desperate to be close to class at Cal. This may North Korea for those used to life w/daddy; or I could see thinking this was another hell if I had just escaped the Moonies- as 43% of UCB students now have, according to the UCB demoigraphic data. But I was also told the rooms have 2 generations-long waiting lists, so whatevah. Maybe it's the commoners that lives here. In my case this seems like home now since the gym is only 1block away. I can happily learn to sleep standing up, like my 5 roomies. We cool.

About the grounds, the fake Guernica art on the bldg. is an inspired Only-In-Berkeley Gaudi rip. I'm surprised that political commentary- as well as the bits of glass tessera and stones that cover the bldg and rain down are not considered terrorist hazards yet. Same for the rusting stairways- They could use a coat of purple Rustoleum.

Of course the acoustics are an engineering marvel. I can follow every nattering phone conversation from across the courtyard like they're in the room. I'm in the Blessed quiet zone of the 3rd floor of life but it does get ridiculous.
Now a big Thanks to Whoever has pointed out the trick about reaching thru the windows to the doorknob- not enough people figure out how to burgle. You might try locking that window. Except the air seems to all run off a single shaft for each bldg... So you know what everyone eats for breakfast. If you are on chemo you won't like that. But if you smoke out, maybe you will be making lots of friends.

In my case my unit has windows at both ends. It must suck to be in the airless under- ground cells. Do they still have human rights in the 21st Century' Who knows. Maybe some of you *are* better off dead than living here. But it's prime for students who prefer studying over performing the middle-class ritual.

The high rents is comparable to all places UCB adjacent, and you make kissy-kissy to get in. Luis, the former manager, sounds like the lecher for the job. I like someone that can quietly accept a bribe and not get all teary about the rules. But Luis has been gone for years, and is rplaced by no-nonsense Dave who does *not* stalk the 17-yr-old women.
OTOH the owner is the same as them all, likes to see the blood. I got this ridiculous demand that I had to keep my blinds "down" on my plants for "aesthetic reasons". I bet that one still isnt in the contracts.

PARKING: Secured. waiting list.
Noise: Often very- in August & then right around semester breaks.
Saftey: Very. Anyone who denys that is just a twit. Sure you have the homeless, but they;ve all been vetted by Social Services. They can be gr8 resources too if you need help... Surely at least your TA's will be impressed if you incorporate society's cast-offs in your honors analysis.

New pets are "not allowed"- but... "behind doors" it aint the fascist dorms.

I lived here from 2003- 2007.

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