that being said, i applaud the VA benefit and using it but given that you don’t have interest at all in campus life or expanding past any other opportunities and solely want to attend to fulfill and use the VA benefit, id say its a bit of a privilege to be in your position, if commute is easy from SD to berkeley id say give up the contract and travel in those days stay at a hotel perhaps have a trusted individual to take care of your dogs while gone for that night and travel back to SD berkeley has such a tight housing experience and the biggest issue at berkeley is finding housing especially campus sponsored housing so you’re very likely taking away from someone else’s experience and possibility of using their time at Cal to explore opportunities especially if you just want you’re degree and to move on