UQ Program: Bachelor of Arts (Drama/Psychology)
I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Arts (Drama/Psychology) at UQ, and have just completed a semester abroad at the University of California, Berkeley Campus. Between the classes I took and the friends I made, it is definitely a semester I wouldn’t swap for anything in the world.
I took four theatre classes (3 practical, 1 theoretical) and one visual art class. These classes were all completely amazing and unique experiences, and even halfway through the semester I could barely believe that I was getting to take them. The workload was quite high, but rarely seemed like a burden because I enjoyed the subjects so much, and I still had plenty of time to socialise.
My experience outside of the academic arena at Berkeley was just as rewarding. I lived in a co-op (Cloyne Court), and that was definitely one of the best decisions of my exchange. Co-ops are student run houses near campus that range in size from 12 to 150 people, and there are around 15 of them at Berkeley. Living at Cloyne meant that I met a lot of people quickly (mainly Americans) and got to know them really well over the semester. It felt like a big family, who while studying at Berkeley still managed to party every weekend.
The USA is probably one of the cheaper countries to go on exchange to. Living in a co-op will set you back around $3300, but that not only covers your accommodation, but also all your food. UCB requires you to purchase their health insurance for a bit under $800. A VISA (and all it’s associated fees) is about $500. Add flights and you’re looking at around $6000 for basics. On top of that is luxuries and travel money (both highly encouraged).
Five Top Tips:
1. If you’re an acting student, take TH11 with Chris Herold – it will be the best class of your degree.
2. Live in a co-op (run by the Berkeley Student Co-operative) – instant community and seriously cost effective for accommodation and food (and we’re not talking crappy dorm food here, this is 24/7 access to freshly stocked organic produce that you can do with what you will)
3. Get coffee from Philz Coffee on Shattuck in the Gourmet Ghetto – it makes up for all the terrible coffee everywhere else in the country.
4. Join the RSF – unlimited access to all gym/pool facilities on campus for only $10 a semester.
5. Know that the most stressful part is getting your VISA – after that everything will be smooth sailing. Put in all the paperwork (especially the stuff to UCB) as early as possible. The DS-2019 takes forever to get to you, and you can’t book your VISA appointment til after you get it (by which time all the ones you want are full, of course). Stick with it, don’t pull your hair out, and two weeks after getting over there you’ll have forgotten all about it.