Experiencing Berkeley: Studying on the West Coast Amid Silicon Valley Innovation
Hello everyone! I’m Niko, a 24-year-old business and data science student from Hamburg, Germany, currently diving into the Berkeley Global Access Program (BGA) at UC Berkeley.
My academic journey has taken me across Germany, Italy, Portugal and now the heart of California’s Bay Area. I’d like to share why studying on the U.S. West Coast feels worlds apart from Europe and what makes Berkeley and the Bay Area an inspiring place to learn, grow and experience.
Embracing a Unique Campus Culture at Berkeley
One of the first things I noticed at UC Berkeley was the strong sense of university pride and culture. Every other student is decked out in Berkeley merchandise, from hoodies to caps—a level of school spirit you rarely see in Europe. While my studies in Germany and Italy were mostly confined to the academic realm, with limited campus activities, Berkeley students actively connect beyond the classroom. The immense pride and community here give a sense of belonging that’s both inspiring and energizing.
The connection students have to their university and how proud they are is quite amazing here.
The sense of camaraderie at Berkeley is something I hadn’t experienced at universities in Europe. Even at Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal—where there are student clubs and social opportunities—the scale and enthusiasm at Berkeley are on another level. From cheering for volleyball games to joining academic clubs, students have countless ways to engage and immerse themselves in the community.
Immersive Learning With Practical Projects and Collaboration
The academic style at Berkeley has also been a refreshing change. Unlike my experience in Germany, where studies were highly theoretical, courses at Berkeley integrate practical projects, midterms and frequent collaboration with classmates. This hands-on approach reminded me of my time at Nova SBE, but goes further with challenging coursework that pushes students to think innovatively and adapt quickly.
The teaching style here requires you to constantly interact, collaborate and push boundaries, making the learning experience both dynamic and fulfilling.
Professors and classmates bring an impressive level of expertise and motivation. Sharing perspectives with people who are not only academically brilliant but also genuinely passionate about making a difference in the world has been inspiring. This mix of rigorous academics with a collaborative spirit sets Berkeley apart from my previous experiences.
Exploring a Diverse Range of Courses at Berkeley
As I’ve already completed my master’s credits at Nova SBE, I had the freedom to explore courses based purely on my interests. Here are a few highlights:
- Introduction to General Astronomy by Alexei Filippenko: One of the most engaging professors I’ve had, Professor Filippenko made everything—from the reasons behind a red sunrise to general relativity and black holes—feel fascinating and accessible.
- Ethical and Effective Entrepreneurship in High Tech with Lee Fleming: This case-based course explored ethical challenges in tech entrepreneurship. The discussions with classmates on these real-world issues made it an eye-opening experience.
- Student-Led Courses (Decals): Berkeley’s unique DeCal courses, taught by students, allowed me to dive into meurotechnology and generative AI. In neurotechnology, I worked on a project predicting Alzheimer’s using EEG data; in AI, I explored the mechanics of neural networks and large language models—an exciting, hands-on look at topics shaping our future.
The Bay Area: A Hub of Innovation and Exploration
Living and studying near Silicon Valley offers an inspiring energy that resonates throughout the campus and community. Being surrounded by people who are actively working on groundbreaking projects and startups is unique. Having worked in startups and venture capital back in Europe, I’m thrilled by the Bay Area's “innovation mindset,” which permeates the culture here.
The energy here is just different. You see highly motivated people trying to bring the next huge innovation to market—I’ve gained quite a lot of inspiration through that!
Outside of academics, the Bay Area also offers endless opportunities to explore. From day trips to iconic locations like San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, to weekend getaways in Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon, California has no shortage of adventure. The proximity to nature and major cities adds to the allure, making Berkeley not just an academic choice, but a life experience.
Conclusion: An Opportunity of a Lifetime
My time at Berkeley has been transformative, not just academically but personally. The vibrant campus culture, practical learning approach and dynamic Bay Area have made this semester one of the most enriching experiences of my life. For anyone considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the Berkeley experience.
