Did you know Facebook is not a complete waste of time? For those of you who spend too much time on Facebook (which is basically everyone), instead of browsing through your ex’s photos or mindlessly scrolling through your newsfeed, you can join these very useful UC Berkeley related Facebook groups. This means you can be somewhat productive while on Facebook… maybe.

Study Tips and Other Good Things

What is it: Run by the always helpful Professor Chang, some of the few things you can ask and learn more about include: Telebears,  how to deal with boring lecturers, how to pick your roommates, grading curves, and (of course) study tips.

Why it is awesome: This group is basically the best of every world. Unlike most of the other groups (see below), here you have free range to talk about any topic. There are currently over 2,000 members in this group which means you will get a prompt response to whatever is troubling you. The best part is Professor Chang, who is actively involved in trying to help any and all students. Professor George Chang is a Cal alumnus and taught in the College of Natural Resources for over 30 years. Not only is he helpful in this group, but you can even add him on Facebook or drop by the dining halls to chat with him IRL (in real life).

UC Berkeley – Class of 201_ (Official Group)

What is it: Whoo! You’re a freshman and you just got into Cal. You’re really excited so you find this group where everyone else is excited about coming to Berkeley in the fall. Here are the ones from Class of 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. You can usually just search “UC Berkeley – Class of 201_” in the Facebook search bar for each class.

Why it is awesome: As a freshman, everyone is excited and lost before we all come to Berkeley. The group usually starts with the ”how-do-you-dos,” which may or may not lead to friendships later on – I have heard of people finding roommates and lifelong friends through one of these groups. Since everyone is on the same boat, it’s great to have a place to talk and worry together about what size dorm sheets should you buy (twin XL), how does Telebears even work, or if there is anyone else coming from your homestate. I have heard that these “Class of __” groups are usually the most active in the beginning of the year when everyone is still super excited to start college and then gets quiet until senior year when graduation is getting closer. Nevertheless, join one of these and meet your peers!

Note: If you would like to help these confused, excited, and awesome incoming freshman, join Class of 2017. You can help them figure out what is a coed bathroom?

Housing

“Find places to live, roommates, etc.”

What is it: Don’t have a place to stay? No worries. If even after your search on Craigslist you cannot find a single apartment or room, check out this group for other people who are looking for roommates, subletters, or apartment mates.

Why it is awesome: Unlike Craigslist, where everything is just a bit shady, here you can be sure you are talking to one of your peers. You can message them over Facebook and perhaps creep on their profile for a little while to make sure they are not too weird before you agree to meet them in person or live with them. To join this group, you also need a berkeley.edu email address which means everyone in the group should be a student or someone from the campus. That makes finding a roommate or subletter much safer as well.

Free & For Sale

“Find fridges, futons, textbooks, and tons of other stuff.”

What is it: Like eBay but better. You can sell things, buy things, or get things for free. This one is pretty self-explanatory. You can sell or buy anything ranging from makeup to bed frames. Popular items sold include: tickets to football games and concerts, clothes, and textbooks. Free things include readers, small trinkets like keychains, or coat hangers.

Why it is awesome: This group is especially great for buying and selling textbooks since the people in this group are your fellow Cal students, the books they sell will probably be the right edition. Then when you meet up with them to buy the textbook, you can even ask them some hints and tips for the class. If you are buying clothes, you can probably arrange to meet up with the seller and try it on or take a look at it in person before your purchase.

Note: You should turn your notifications off these groups but most importantly, for this one. This group goes crazy during football season.

The Group for Your Major

What is it: So you are a computer science major, pre-business, or perhaps a psychology or math major? These are major specific groups where you can ask your fellow mechanical engineers what class you should take, what that Econ professor was like, or ask someone the last minute sociology reading.

Why it is awesome: Some topics such as a specific class or professor in a field cannot be answered in a general group like “Study Tips.” Here you can ask someone who has either taken the class before or is in the same class with you. Not only can you learn more about your classes, you can also ask about major related questions such as how to declare your major, are there any clubs or events for your major, and even about internships and jobs.

There are so many groups on Facebook that are geared towards and for Berkeley students. The ones above are just a few key ones you probably should join, if you are not a part of already. To see a full list of all the Cal related groups you can join, check this out. Go Bears!

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