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Aside from my delightful attendance at UC Berkeley, the dormitory experience (Unit 2, Cunningham) had downsides. Aside from being next to People's Park and Downtown Berkeley (Telegraph Ave.), there are, unfortunately, a lot of homeless or mentally ill individuals that lurk about. It can get dangerous if you aren't alert, but that's the reality; I don't wish to sugarcoat it. The streets can be busy but dim, so it is crucial to be alert and have an alarm or pepper spray on hand. We have warning systems of crimes committed in Berkeley, which is a helpful feature to avoid said areas. It's recurrent, but their situation is much like a wallflower. But aside from that, the social lounges are occupied by overflow students, and our common lounge needs to be better maintained; pieces from the gaming equipment are missing. Unit 2 is okay. Great staff thoroughly work on the building (i.e., restrooms, elevators.) Sadly, there is one elevator; if it doesn't work, you'll have to resort to the stairs every three flights to get to your dorm. And for Cunningham, if you got the rooms facing towards the street instead of the courtyard, enjoy yourself watching some hockey field or soccer games (although their practices can be nosy in the early mornings, along with their consistent practice where they are blasting music.)
Nevertheless, it is something, and the dorms come with a comfortable mattress, wooden cabinets, a microwave, and a 3-foot mini fridge. The dorms are large and spacious. The floors have narrow halls. The restrooms, however, have locks on the left when you enter. Sinks spew boiling water, or there is an issue with the pressure or leakage.
Additionally, the showers in the restrooms are compact, and the water pressure can be adjusted on the nozzle accordingly. The showers come with two hooks and a small rack (not big enough to hold a bigger shower caddy.) There are two nozzles for hot and cold water, but the water usually feels like pins and needles.
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