Living in Berkeley

Surrounding the university campus is the city of Berkeley, with a multitude of coffee houses, micro breweries, local independent shops, theater companies, restaurants, and some of the best bookstores in the world. The distinctive architecture of the city — from arts and crafts bungalows and apartments for students to landmark mansions in the hills — has provided shelter and home to generations of students. Berkeley is populated by a unique mix of writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, scientists, engineers, business professionals, theologians, and philosophers: a community that thrives on the power of the mind and creative expression. The area boasts the headquarters of pharma/biotech firms (such as Chiron and Bayer USA) and Pixar Animation Studios. Berkeley is also home to the world-famous Chez Panisse restaurant, where California cuisine was born. Students sip fine coffee at Caffe Strada, hold social gatherings at a local Bar of the Week, or mountain bike in Tilden Park in the Berkeley Hills.