Schools: University of Cambridge vs. University of California, Berkeley
Quick Verdict
Both the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Berkeley are world-renowned institutions offering exceptional academic and research opportunities. Cambridge, with its collegiate system and historic setting, may appeal to students seeking a traditional and academically intense environment. Berkeley, with its location in the vibrant Bay Area and strong emphasis on innovation and public service, may be a better fit for students seeking a more diverse and dynamic experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, program interests, and financial considerations.
- Both universities are highly competitive with rigorous academic environments.
- Both universities offer extensive research opportunities and comprehensive career services.
- Both universities have high costs of living in their respective locations and face challenges with on-campus housing availability.
- Both universities have diverse student bodies and resources for international students.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | University of Cambridge | University of California, Berkeley |
|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 21% | Around 11% |
| Tuition Fees (In-State/Out-of-State) | For international students, the tuition fee ranges from "">
| — |
Overall Comparison
University of Cambridge: QS World University Rankings: Ranked #2 in 2025, THE World University Rankings: Ranked #5 in 2024, Acceptance Rate: Approximately 21%. University of California, Berkeley: QS World University Rankings: 10, THE World University Rankings: 9, Acceptance Rate: Around 11%
Pros and Cons
University of Cambridge
Pros:
- Extensive research opportunities available
- Comprehensive career services
- Wide array of extracurricular activities and student organizations
- Support services for international students
Cons:
- Challenging and rigorous academic environment with a heavy workload
- Accessibility of professors and teaching assistants varies by department
- On-campus housing quality varies and demand is high
- Some students feel there is room for improvement in diversity and inclusivity
- High cost of living in Cambridge
University of California, Berkeley
Pros:
- Extensive research opportunities
- Comprehensive career services and strong alumni networks
- Vibrant extracurricular scene with a wide array of student organizations
- Diverse student body
- Resources for international students
- Graduates from specific programs pursue diverse career paths
Cons:
- Rigorous and competitive academic environment
- Demanding workload
- Difficulty in getting individual attention due to large class sizes (reported by some students)
- Limited on-campus housing availability and varying conditions
- High cost of living in Berkeley, especially for housing
- Safety concerns in certain areas of Berkeley
- Some students feel that more can be done to promote inclusivity and address issues of equity
User Experiences and Feedback
University of Cambridge
What Users Love- Extensive research opportunities
- Comprehensive career services
- Wide array of extracurricular activities
- Support for international students
Common Complaints- Challenging academic environment
- Heavy workload
- Inconsistent accessibility of professors
- Variable housing quality
- High cost of living
- Room for improvement in diversity and inclusivity
Value Perception- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations- Academic environment is challenging and rigorous
- Heavy workload
- Accessibility varies by department
- High demand for on-campus housing
- Cambridge is generally considered safe
- Cost of living is high
University of California, Berkeley
What Users Love- Extensive research opportunities
- Comprehensive career services
- Strong alumni networks
- Vibrant extracurricular activities
- Diverse student body
- Resources for international students
Common Complaints- Rigorous and competitive academic environment
- Demanding workload
- Difficulty getting individual attention due to large class sizes
- Limited on-campus housing
- High cost of living
- Safety concerns in certain areas
- Inclusivity issues
Value Perception- Strong academic reputation
- Valuable career resources
- Diverse community
User Recommendations- Students describe the academic environment as rigorous and competitive.
- The workload is demanding, requiring significant dedication and time management skills.
- UC Berkeley offers extensive research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- While some students find professors and TAs accessible and helpful, others report difficulty in getting individual attention due to large class sizes.
- The university provides comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events.
- The quality and availability of on-campus housing can be a concern, with limited spaces and varying conditions.
- The student body is generally considered diverse, with a significant international student population.
- Safety can be a concern in certain areas. The cost of living is high, especially for housing.