Dedication and work ethic are important values to any UC Berkeley student. Still, having a balance of work and play is equally important. As Berkeley students, we have access to activities that create long-lasting memories outside of class. There are plenty of activities to choose from, but picking one that is within your budget can feel overwhelming. So, to save you the hassle, I have compiled a list of five free activities to try at UC Berkeley before you graduate.
1. Workshops On Campus
I love finding workshops on campus that can either be student-led or led by someone of particular expertise. Just recently, my friend and I participated in a voguing and runway workshop where we learned the basics of a runway walk, voguing hand and feet movements, and how to exude confidence.Â
This workshop also allowed us to meet amazing, like-minded people. Workshops are frequently available, and the best part is that they are usually free! To stay updated about when workshops are, keep up with social media posts from your favorite clubs/organizations on campus. Also, you can head to Event Services at the MLK Student Union for more information about upcoming events.Â
2. Joining A DeCal
I may be biased about this because I facilitate the Charisma and Connection DeCal, but enrolling in a DeCal is a fantastic way to meet friends. Also, if you need to fill your class schedule with one extra unit, you can do so through a DeCal since classes are usually worth units.Â
Additionally, these classes are a great way to lighten up your class schedule. If you feel overwhelmed with classes and need a class to relieve stress while also receiving units, DeCals are the classes for you. They are also student-led, allowing you or other students to teach on a subject of choice.Â
3. Drugs And The Brain (LS C30T)
Although this class is not necessarily an activity, Drugs and the Brain is the most exciting and fun class I have ever taken at UC Berkeley. Professor Presti is a fantastic lecturer whose GSIs are kind and accommodating. There is absolutely zero math in this class, and the concepts are science related but completely accessible to the non-STEM student (AKA me, an English major).Â
In this class, I wrote about my relationships with plants and news surrounding substances, learned important life lessons about substances and how to prevent overdoses, and listened to Professor Presti’s comprehensive information about any substance you could imagine. Not to mention, the class satisfies the biological science requirement.Â
4. Tour UC Berkeley Landmarks
Did you know students with their Cal ID have free access to the top of the Campanile? I discovered this trick over the summer and was amazed by Berkeley’s beauty. You have a panoramic view of Berkeley at the top of the Campanile FREE OF CHARGE. And definitely do not stop at the Campanile, because UC Berkeley has so much to offer in terms of breathtaking scenery. You can take a romantic stroll through the Berkeley Rose Garden, or embark on a scientific adventure to see dinosaur bones at the Valley Life Sciences Building. The possibilities are endless!
5. Going Behind The Greek Theater To See A Concert
If you do not want to pay for a ticket to see the artist of your choice at the UC Greek Theater, then this could be an alternative way to still enjoy their concert. You can go behind the stadium in direction of the Big C to experience a free concert. The only catch is that you won’t have a great view of the artist, but at least you’ll be able to hear them!
Last summer, I was unaware that Erykah Badu was performing at the Greek, so I walked behind the theater and watched the rest of her show for free at the last minute! While I couldn’t actually see her, I was still able to experience my favorite artist performing without breaking the bank.