Cal is a huge school, and it is understandable that everyone, new and veteran students alike, can get a little lost in the hustle. Here is a basic guide to some of the many things you will run into during your four years at Cal, put into a convenient alphabetical structure so you can save your brain power for some actual schoolwork this week.
A is for As, as in the things that you probably got all throughout high school and hope to continue getting here. There is about a 99.99 percent chance you won't graduate with that perfect 4.0, but the fact that we try, anyway, is what sets us apart from the rest.
B is for big game. First played in 1892, the Big Game is that magical time, once a year, when we get to show our lesser known rival at the bottom of the Bay --Â I think it's called Stanfurd? -- who the real champions of NorCal are, even if we don't always win the game.
C is forCampanile. That big thing smack dab on the middle of campus that rings every hour loudly enough to wake the sleeping students in your Chem lecture? Well, in case you somehow missed it, the Campanile is the third largest bell and clock tower in the world, and one of Berkeley's most recognizable landmarks.
Dis for Dead Week. Praise whoever made this creation possible, because it gives you an extra week of much needed studying between classes and finals. Not to mention, if you find yourself studying in the library, you might just catch a glimpse of a certain naked run.
Eis for easy As. We've all got breadth requirements and prerequisites that we have to grind through. The key to getting through these is to find a class where you can get an A without too much of a work load. Bonus points if the class is actually interesting.
F is for football season. It has been named by some as the best time of the year. A time when, win or lose, we as a campus get to go out, fly our blue and gold flags, sing the Cal Drinking Song, and cheer on our beloved Golden Bears.
Gis forGreek life. Despite the fact that only 10 percent of Berkeley undergrads are involved in the Greek system, you have probably encountered at least one of them in class, during a party, or raising money for their philanthropy on Sproul.
H is for high school, as in Berkeley High, located about a block past Shattuck. You'll either run into them on the streets, with their family, or while they're unsuccessfully trying to enter a frat party by saying, "No way, I'm totally not 15!" Easy to spot because most of them haven't hit puberty yet.
Iis for international students. When you are one of the best educational institutes in the world, people are going to want to come from all over the place. Take the opportunity to befriend some of them and become cultured during your four years here.
Jis for jaywalking. We like to think of that red blinking hand at the other end of the crosswalk as more of a suggestion than a rule. Hey, as long as the road is clear, you're good to go. We've got classes to get to.
Kis forKip's. A cheap college bar located on Durant, Kip's is where you'll find most of the upperclassmen who have graduated from going to frat parties, but still want to stay out until 2Â a.m. It is a popular spot for hanging out, grabbing a drink, and avoiding underage kids.
L is for libraries. You will most likely find yourself searching for a seat, procrastinating that essay, sleeping, or -- every once in a while -- actually studying. However, if you are thinking of getting a spot in a library when finals roll around, you are probably going to have to set up a tent and camp out there all week because those places get packed.
Mis for Memorial Glade. It's a great place to study or tan in between classes, assuming it's not raining, foggy, or under 60 degrees. It also hosts multiple free concerts and a certain special gathering on April 20, every year.
Nis for number one public university in the world, at least according to a little source called US News and World Report. Although, we really didn't need anyone to tell us that we're the best, it feels good to get recognition for all the hard work that goes on here.
Ois for out of state. Like the international students, these kids came from all over just so they could attend Berkeley. And while they will always hold their original states close to heart, and probably talk about them at every chance they get, Berkeley has become a second home to them. Just don't ask them about their tuition.
P is forPeople's Park. People's Park is a place with such a rich history full of protests, movements, riots in the '60s, and amazing people. While it can seem a little off-putting to some, it is definitely worth checking out.
Q is for 'Quakes. Earthquakes are just one of those things that are a part of life for people who choose to live directly on a major fault line. Big or small, you will, undoubtedly, experience at least a few during your four years at Cal. As a Midwesterner, I still have no idea what to do in case of an earthquake so I don't have any good advice.
Ris for RSF. No one wants to gain that freshman 15. A membership to the RSF is recommended.
S is forSproul Plaza. Thanks to the Free Speech Movement of the '60s, students are allowed to use Sproul as an open area for protests, charity collections, advertising for events being held by various groups on campus, and more. Just be ready to dodge the onslought of flyers that will be thrown your way if you walk through Sproul to get to class.
T is for Telebears. This is a surefire way to make every student at Cal curse loudly, tear out some hair, and threaten to drop out not only once, but twice a semester. Who is ready for Phase 1?
U is for used books. Buy these. For the love of all thing good, buy your books used --Â online, from the store, from the random junior still living in your dorm -- if you don't want to end up $500 in debt to the student store each semester.
Vis for vegetarians and vegans. While all campuses have kids who prefer the no-meat life, Berkeley seems to have amassed a much larger population than most. Luckily, it is great at catering to the needs of its vegan and vegetarian students, thanks to its dining hall choices and restaurant diversity found around town.
W is for weed. It's impossible to walk around the streets of Berkeley without seeing or smelling someone lighting up within a 10 foot vicinity. I'm pretty sure it's all medicinal.Â
X is forXanax. The only way you'll survive four years of midterms, essays, and competitive classmates. Just kidding of course!
Yis for Yelp. When you have a town with as many great food options as Berkeley does, you are going to need a little help deciding. Yelp is a great way to look at pictures and reviews of local food places. Plus, it gives you an excuse to try every possible restaurant in sight -- you know, for research!
Z is forZZZzzz. While we all hope to get that doctor recommended eight hours a night, there is a high chance that you will find yourself pulling all nighters every so often. Just remember, sleep is good! Try to relax and get some every now and then.
Now that you've got the alphabet down, go read a textbook and study because it's Cal's midterm season!!