Resources for Daily Life
Here are some resources to get you started. Also, our friends at the Berkeley International Office provides a comprehensive guide that offers detailed information on how to get settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit their website for more information on living in Berkeley.
Food Shopping
Berkeley Bowl: Great deals on produce in two locations. The other stuff (bread, meat, cheese, etc.) are all organic and can be very expensive. But you will find that the prices for fruit and veggies are quite affordable.
Monterey Market: This is another great place in Berkeley to shop for produce while not having to spend a fortune. The market can be very busy on the weekends.
Berkeley Farmer's Market: Do you like organic food and love to shop local? Then this is the place for you. Check out the different locations and days.
Trader Joe's: A favorite location with the locals to find gourmet and organic groceries, kosher and imported foods, tasty treats and beverages.
Safeway: A popular grocery chain where you can find a large variety of just about any grocery, produce, baked good and deli item. Discounts on popular items are available with a free membership.
99 Ranch Market: You can find all your favorite Asian groceries, prepared hot and baked foods, and specialty items here.
Sprouts Market: Another great grocery option can be found in nearby Albany.
Furniture
Ikea: World-famous store to find stylish and affordable furniture and home goods.
Target: You can find all your large and small furniture needs here.
Household goods
Target: Visit this location for all your household, beauty, and electronic essentials.
Walgreens: Convenient with multiple locations, and stocked with daily item needs for your bath, beauty, health.
CVS: Another store with many convenient locations where you can buy items for the home, work, and play.
Shopping Centers/Malls
Bay Street Emeryville: Spend the day here shopping at their many brand named and boutique stores, explore their dining options, and cap the day off by catching a feature film at their movie theatre.
Westfield San Francisco Center: Take the BART train for an upscale shopping and dining experience where you can find all the trendy and luxurious stores right in the heart of the city. Watch the latest blockbuster movie here too.
Broadway Plaza Shopping Center: Trek over to Walnut Creek for a different shopping and dining experience at this outdoor suburban shopping mall.
San Francisco Premium Outlets: Name brand and luxury clothing, hand bags and shoes are aplenty at this newest shopping location.
Paperwork
California DMV: This is the place you go to in order to get your California driver's license or your State-issued ID card. Bring some time, there is always a wait. Or make an appointment online. Our friends at Berkeley International Office (BIO) have put together helpful tips as well.
Social Security Office Berkeley: The Social Security Office will assist you with getting your Social Security Number and all issues associated with it. Enter Zip Code 94704.
Public Transit
Public Transit 511.org: This website will tell you how to get from A to B. You can print out bus schedules, check on fares and plan your trips with BART, bus, muni or streetcar.
Amtrak: American train service. Berkeley does have a train station!
The ClipperCard: This FREE card is great for getting around on public transit in the Bay Area. You can load money on it (in all Walgreen's drug stores and ticket machines in BART stations) and then use this cool card for ALL public transportation in the ENTIRE Bay Area. Just swipe it when you board the bus. You won't even have to get transfers anymore.
Car Sharing Program: These two Gig and Zipcare are two car-sharing corporations have many locations in Berkeley. Both have special offers for UC Berkeley students and faculty.
Utilities
Telephone, DSL and Cable TV:
AT&T
Comcast
Water/Sanitation:
EBMUD, Phone: (510) 287-1380
Electricity & Gas:
Pacific Gas & Electric, Residential Services Phone: (800) 743-5000
Banks
Bank of the West - UC Berkeley's official bank
1480 Shattuck Avenue
(510) 649-9191
www.bankofthewest.com
Bank of America
Downtown branch:
2129 Shattuck Avenue
(510) 649-6600
www.bankofamerica.com
Citibank
2000 Shattuck Avenue
(510) 843-0600
www.citibank.com
Mechanics Bank
2301 Shattuck Avenue
(510) 647-0720
www.mechbank.com
Wells Fargo
Downtown branch:
2144 Shattuck Avenue
(800) 869-3557
www.wellsfargo.com
Financial Tools
There are various online tools designed to give you a simple way to create a spending plan, keep track of your spending, and help you stay on top of your finances. There are many tools available to choose from, but here are some examples of free apps and websites: Mint, Good Budget, YNAB (You Need A Budget) and Budgetpulse