u/Loose-Dream9167

Hi everyone, I’m an incoming female freshman at UCB and I just got assigned to a Temporary Quad in Unit 2. It’s a converted lounge shared with three other students, and the contract is about $23,805 for the year…really sucky placement ik😭😭 I only have 3 days to decide whether to accept it, so I’m urgently trying to explore other options.

if anyone knows of
- girls looking for another roommate
- i’m open to upperclassmen/sophomores with an open spot (along w other freshmen ofc)
- other freshmen trying to find apartments
- good apartment openings near campus
- Berkeley housing group chats, Discords, or other places to search

I’m looking for something safe and reliable, ideally near campus. I’m also worried about making friends if I live off campus as a freshman, so I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has done that too!

If anyone knows someone looking for a roommate, has apartment leads, or can point me toward active housing resources, please comment or PM me. I’m trying to make a decision quickly and would so so appreciate any help!!

Thank you sm!

I'm deciding between UCLA and Vanderbilt and need to decide before May 1st. Both are ranked 17th in the

U.S. according to U.S. News!

I'm pre-med

I'm in-state for UCLA

I do not qualify for need-based aid at either school

Vanderbilt

- Admitted to Peabody College

- Received the Peabody Dean's Achievement Scholarship (can't change schools)

- Scholarship amount: $69,823/year

- This covers full tuition; it's not a full ride (only merit-based and not need-based

- Estimated remaining direct billed cost: ~$27,071/ year

- Estimated total cost after gift aid: ~$31,697/year

- In the Southeast...big change in environment

UCLA

- In-state for UCLA

- No need-based aid

- Would be paying standard in-state cost

- Biology major

- More familiar environment (more asians like me lol)

Other basic differences:

- Vanderbilt is smaller and private

- UCLA is much larger and public

- Cost of Attendance: $45,353

I'm trying to decide as a pre-med student, especially in terms of cost, opportunities, advising, research, GPA environment, and overall value. Also, I'm oopen to any environments whether that be something more familiar or something totally new! Tof, I do usually value ranking, but they're very similar ranking-wise so it has to come down to something else...

Which would you choose and why? (I would REALLY appreciate actual reasons/advice instead of just stating one college or the other! I’m really indecisive and have been procrastinating this decision for forever.) Thank you in advance 🙏🙏

EDIT: Thank you everyone for the advice! Here is the estimated cost of attendance for UCLA (I'm sorry I didnt' include it earlier!): $45,353