20LEGEND

How tough is it to get a single room at any of the Coop houses for a freshman?

I'm an International, and am basically looking to cut down the crazy room and board cost ...

Suggestions welcome...

Castel

Cutting down? The less people per room, the more it costs...

You should get an apartment if you want to save money.

20LEGEND

Off campus or on campus? What's the rent usually like?

Castel

Supposedly ~$3000 cheaper.

gc07

Coops don't price by what type of room you get. Its decided after you move in, but as a new member you're more likely to get a double, triple, or even a quad. I'm not 100% sure but there might be lower rates for international students... if you go for the smaller, northside houses I hear its easy to get a single even as a new member. I'm not sure how easy of a time you'll have getting into a house for Fall '08 if you haven't turned in application by now though.

RedTapePatrol

If you're an international, then why not do I-House? International House Berkeley: Student housing complex and multi-cultural program center

Ektaylor

Only upper-division and grad-students are allowed to apply.

siliconvalleymom

You know that you will be expected to work at a coop, which is something to factor in when you are comparing costs.
Many people feel that the food quality/variety is better in the dorms than the coops.