Specify on your UC Berkeley application that you would like to live on campus in the dorms. Rate the dorms in the order you prefer, but know that you may not get the dorm you want, as the college uses a lottery system to assign dorms.
Accept your housing contract. This lets the college know that you agree to live in the dorm assigned to you. You may be able to switch dorms after the first two weeks, but vacant space is offered to students on the waiting list first, so you may have to stay in the assigned dorm.
Visit the Cal Rentals website if you prefer off-campus housing. Landlords who are willing to rent to UC Berkeley students post advertisements there throughout the year. Only students and faculty members can access these listings by using their CalNet ID, reducing competition from outside renters. If you do not yet have your ID, you must supply the website with documentation that you are attending the college, such as an acceptance letter.
Check websites such as Craigslist and Moving Off Campus.com to look for rentals available in the UC Berkeley area. These websites offer rentals to anyone, however, so you may be faced with more competition than those advertisements on Cal Rentals, but you may also find more options.
Apply to live at International House. International House offers single- and double-occupancy rooms to all students, particularly those from other countries. Living with students from other countries can offer you a more diverse atmosphere.
Join the Berkeley Student Cooperative. The BSC owns several properties a short distance from campus and offers low-cost housing to its members. To be a member, you must agree to help with cooking and cleaning, as well as other activities as decided by the co-op. The goal is to work together.