What's the student population like at UC Berkeley?

I'm interested in UC Berkeley for its academics, but I'm also curious about the size and diversity of its student body. Does a large student population affect the campus experience or class sizes?

UC Berkeley boasts a large and richly diverse student population. As of 2024, it has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 31,000. Diversity extends to both ethnicity and geography, with students coming from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

While this large student population indeed has implications for class sizes, particularly in popular or foundational courses which can have hundreds of students, UC Berkeley strives to create an engaging and accessible educational environment. They achieve this through sections and discussion groups associated with the large lectures, which are led by graduate student instructors, or GSIs. These sessions are generally much smaller, often comprising around 20-30 students, providing opportunities for interactive learning and personalized attention.

Being part of such a large student population often means increased exposure to a variety of perspectives, experiences, and cultures. This can offer significant enrichment not just to one's academic pursuits, but also to personal growth. Campus activities, clubs, and organizations are diverse and extensive, catering to a broad range of interests and passions and fostering a dynamic sense of community. However, keep in mind that it could potentially feel overwhelming to some, as navigating such large communities can be challenging.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that UC Berkeley is a public university and thus has a higher proportion of in-state students, with approximately 70% of the students coming from within California. Still, there's a significant percentage of out-of-state and international students, contributing to the campus's diverse environment.

Overall, the experience in a large university like UC Berkeley varies from student to student. While some might thrive in such an environment, others might prefer a smaller, more intimate campus experience. It's always a good idea to consider how comfortably you can navigate and adapt to the environment in addition to the academic offerings when choosing a college.