I remember when I first got my official tour of the UC Berkeley campus during Cal-So and the campus seemed so huge. It's funny to look back on those days because now that I'm coming up upon my graduation the campus actually seems small. After exploring various parts of the campus and the general campus vicinity, I have come to find my favorite sites to study, hangout, and relax during my down time.

Rather than just having one place to study, I have many. Where I have chosen to study has seemed to change each year. Freshman year I liked to study in my dorm room and the common study areas. Sophomore year was my year of intense library studying - 4th floor Moffit, by the windows was my designated spot. Junior year I branched out to various cafes (I suggest finding one that allows customers to use their restroom because after hours of studying and a large coffee/tea to keep you going, having access to a restroom is a must). Lastly, senior year has been a mix of studying at my house, outside, and at cafes - depending on my mood. I think it's important to change up the atmosphere you study in so it's not so monotonous. I like to go places where I'm not confined in a dark room with no natural sunlight, this seems too depressing to me. If you find that the place that you choose to study isn't working for you I urge you to try one of my suggested places.

Now, let's get to the good stuff, places I like to go NOT to study. I like to go anywhere with a good view - the top of the fire trails is amazing! In my free time I like to be outdoors; whether it's on campus, in my backyard, or tanning and relaxing at Strawberry Canyon, as long as I'm outdoors and the sun is shinning, I'm happy. Speaking of "good views", one of my favorite places on campus to hangout and kill time in between classes are the Dwinelle benches. Last semester my best friend and I would have our people watching routine every Wednesday during our lunchtime break. We would grab a coffee or Jamba Juice, sit on the Dwinelle benches, chat and do some people watching (lunchtime = prime people watching time!). If you enjoy people watching every now and then, I suggest the Dwinelle benches - it's always a lively area.

Although the UC Berkeley campus may seem large at first and it may be hard to find places that best suit you, over time you will find what works best with you. I suggest that you take the time to explore our campus and find new and exciting places. Even though I don't think the campus is quite as large as I first did, there's still many places for me to check out. Just yesterday a fellow PAL told me that the top of Barrows Hall has a fantastic view of the bay on a clear day, this is definitely something I must see. I would love to hear about you're favorite hangout places, so feel free to post a comment on my blog!