I'm curious about how large the student population is at UC Berkeley. Is it easy to find a community, or does it feel overwhelming? I'm asking because campus size could be a huge factor for my decision.
UC Berkeley is a pretty large school, with around 46,000 students—the majority of whom are undergraduates. It's understandable that the size of the student body could be a huge determinant in your decision. While it is quite a large university, many students report that it's possible to find smaller communities within the larger student body. These might be through clubs, Greek life, sports, or within your academic major.
One thing to note is that larger universities can often offer a wider variety of resources, classes, and academic opportunities simply due to their size. On the other hand, they can also sometimes feel impersonal, and you may not get the one-on-one attention you might expect in smaller colleges. However, every student's experience is unique, and a lot of it hinges on how you approach your time at the university.
Keep in mind that while a large student population can be overwhelming initially, it also means that there are plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar interests and passions. So, don't be too quick to rule out larger universities! Just be prepared to be proactive in joining clubs and making connections.
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