The Berk on Arch

Title: A Nightmare at "The Berk" - Housing for Students
Rating: A BIG 0!!!!!!!! stars

I recently had the misfortune of residing at "The Berk," a so-called housing for Berkeley students that turned out to be a nightmarish experience beyond belief. I feel compelled to share my harrowing encounter to warn others who may be considering this place as their residence.

Upon entering my "charming" abode, I was greeted by an olfactory assault that hinted at the horrors to come. The hallways were reminiscent of a sewage treatment plant, and the stench lingered inescapably throughout the building. It soon became apparent that "The Berk" was not only a questionable choice for housing but a breeding ground for filth and unsanitary conditions.

Let's start with the hygiene hazards that plagued every corner of this supposed haven for young adults. The shared bathrooms were reminiscent of a crime scene. Overflowing toilets were not an uncommon sight, and the maintenance crew did little to remedy the situation promptly. Overcrowded toilets became the norm, creating an environment where residents had to master the art of tightrope walking just to avoid the unsightly mess.

Now, let's discuss the rodent infestation, a delightful surprise that awaited me in my "cozy" living space. Rats roamed freely, nibbling on whatever remnants of edible substances they could find. I'd often wake up to the pitter-patter of tiny feet scurrying across my floor, a stark reminder of the dire state of cleanliness and pest control at "The Berk."

The provided pictures on their website, which must have been taken in a parallel universe, were a cruel joke. Instead of the pristine, welcoming spaces depicted, reality showcased vomit-stained carpets, overflowing trash bins, and feces-smeared walls. The stark contrast between expectation and reality was disheartening, to say the least.

Management at "The Berk" deserves a special mention for their unparalleled incompetence. Attempts to bring these issues to their attention were met with indifference and empty promises. It seemed that the only efficiency they demonstrated was in promptly cashing rent checks, while genuine resident concerns were conveniently brushed aside.

Adding to the surreal experience was the revelation that this was not exclusively housing for young adults. The age diversity skewed well beyond the expected demographic, with individuals in their 30s and beyond attempting to coexist with STUDENTS!! That is next level concerning!

In conclusion, "The Berk" stands as a cautionary tale for anyone considering housing for students. The promises made by management are nothing more than a mirage, concealing the true horror that awaits unsuspecting residents. If you value your sanity and basic standards of living, steer clear of this living nightmare at all costs.

NOTE: VIEW IMAGES WITH CAUTION!!!!

Great if you are cool with living with 20-30 other people... though it can be a bit exhausting socially sharing a kitchen and common room. It's nice that all the cleaning is taken care of. Location is great, but price is high for sharing my bedroom with two other people. (Other rooms have varied prices)