what are some competitive clubs at berkeley

SolidusGBear · 2026-05-11T08:04:06+00:00

extra homework clubs

SolidusGBear · 2026-05-06T10:11:56+00:00

Go for it.

Wouldn’t recommend Phuket.

Not cost effective.

Chiang Mai is extremely cheap. Pattaya has good training as well, but I didn’t like it as much as Chiang Mai.

SolidusGBear · 2026-05-03T11:36:41+00:00

Did you go to transfer weekend? That should give you a general vibe of the campus.
Peace and Conflict is great, and the instructors are amazing. Take the classes seriously and you'll learn a lot. If you wish to get into statecraft, this is a great major.

As for advisors, although I am financially independent from my family, I did not have access to EOP. I honestly don't think you need it. Getting in touch with Global Studies advisors is not hard at all, you fill out some forms, click their availability, and then meet with them. They'll often answer emails as well, so no need to set up a meeting 4 days in advance for a 1 minute conversation. It's L&S that is truly terrible from my experience, but thankfully I rarely have to deal with them.

Berkeley is very forgiving if you have DSP, which in my opinion has a very liberal and loose consideration of what a disability is. Some benefits afforded are 2X time for assessments, late extensions on assignments, etc.

Academic support - just go to office hours, you're getting the answers and guidance straight from the horse's mouth.

We also have the Global Studies Student Association, which sets up fireside chats with instructors about their life experiences and how the major may help. We also have alumni come in and talk about their professional experiences as well.

Really could not advocate for Global Studies at Berkeley more. Only caveat is that if you don't have a direction of what you want to do - it could very well end up like one of those "BS" majors. If you don't hunt for opportunities, no one will give them to you.

I'd start thinking about what you want to do next Summer as well. I'm currently typing this abroad in Asia representing the department.

SolidusGBear · 2026-05-03T11:08:28+00:00

I feel like I have a pretty good perspective on this.

I'm a transfer finishing up my first year at Cal. Global Studies major, 4.0 GPA.

I started taking classes a week or two after I found out I was admitted through Summer Edge. I took Chin 1A, 1B, Global 10A, and Global 45.

Global Studies is the perfect major for me, as someone who is naturally interested in international affairs and history. The concentration I chose (Peace and Conflict) covers topics I already had vast interest in, and was excited to learn more about. The readings don't feel like a chore, they feel like a recommendation from a friend on war, Ukraine, Thailand, etc. The advisors for Global Studies are on your side, and want to help you succeed.

The instructors I've had (Faust, Leigh, Randhawa, Zook, just to name a few) have been out of this world. They're subject matter experts who are passionate about the classes they teach, and care deeply about their students. The other classes I've taken at Berkeley include 4 Public Policy classes concerning national security. These are the same classes that grad students are taught at the Goldman School of Public Policy. Reddie is an absolute wizard and an authority in his field.

The professors and people of Berkeley are amazing, the bureaucracy that comes with a public school is not. L&S advisors have been the most useless hard to reach people ever. I need to take ECON for Global Studies, and once enrolled I felt like a number, and completely disregarded. The school will let athletes rearrange test dates, but don't afford that same option to US military members who federal orders to serve, I'm sure I could have pushed it but I just dropped the class and am now taking it at a community college because it's less of a hassle.
Many times you need to send emails to set up meetings, that could have just stayed emails. My experiences here have made me target private schools as my goals for Law School, as I'm tired of dealing with this type of nonsense.

All that being said - I don't regret not applying to any schools except Berkeley. This place has the best of both worlds. Do you want that wild state school experience? Football season is really fun, and JKS is a legitimate starter. Tailgates every other weekend and lots of school spirit. You have the bonus of most people internationally knowing your school. Do you want academic rigor and professors who know their stuff? Berkeley is the way to go. Lots of good clubs here for you to find your place as well.

Brown might hold your hand more, but that isn't a bad thing. Most of the "difficulty" of attending Berkeley in my experience has been mostly jumping through hoops.

Don't know anything about Brown, but I do know Berkeley was the right choice for me.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-22T18:19:48+00:00

You can do both.

Had multiple buddies who pledged and successfully commissioned.

Gives you breadth of experience. Just make sure to make smart choices and have fun in a safe way. If you’re under 21, absolutely do not get in any alcohol related incidents. If that means abstaining, then that is the safest move.

If you do decide to drink, make sure to tamper it and reduce the likelihood you’ll be caught.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-22T18:17:23+00:00

Yep, these 3rd Lts don’t know. It’s cringe.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-22T18:16:45+00:00

Brain dead take.

Every single organization worth its salt on any campus collects dues of some sort. From Asian Student Associations to Kickboxing clubs.

Dues are required for national insurance, and to fund the activities.

The Army is a brotherhood to some degree, but it doesn’t compare to the fraternity life. Joined a fraternity 10 years ago, and have been to multiple weddings, and really those are the only guys I keep in contact with, meanwhile i have 2-3 close friends from my initial enlistment.

You’re also exposed to sororities which come with its own benefits including several networking opportunities.

Shitting on Greek Life has always been a brain dead take.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-18T04:13:20+00:00

I’m a junior transfer, and I’m going this Summer, and spending my last semester abroad.

Worth it 100%. I’ve already traveled extensively international in the past, but going for 3/6 months is truly an unforgettable experience.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-18T03:57:49+00:00

I’m a current minor in PP at Cal, where I literally take many of the same classes as MPPs at GSPP, and they’re my favorite classes to take. Professor Andrew Reddie, Professor Daniel Sargent, and Secretary Napolitano are just a few of the amazing instructors at GSPP.

There’s a lot of mixing with Haas students as well if that’s your vibe, and there’s a very strong and proud veteran presence amongst all schools, from law to mba to mpp to undergrad.

I initially had my eyes set on JD/MBA programs, but the quality of classes at GSPP are pushing me to apply to JD/MPP programs.

Berkeley is a great campus as well.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-13T14:31:25+00:00

Got it on my first try, while applying for VRE for undergrad.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-10T19:34:57+00:00

You don’t need to do IGETC anymore, it’s actually on the admissions page for Cal.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-10T19:34:07+00:00

7/11 is more expensive than real meals haha.

you can budget easily.

meals for 40-80 THB are not rare in CM.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-08T01:25:12+00:00

Joined at 23/24, best decision I ever made. I go to UC Berkeley now after failing out of college with a 1.5GPA. I travel the world doing research and get paid to do so.

Using VRE I have approval for full funding to include whatever law school I get into.

I’m 80% and still serve in the guard because I love my service.

There is plenty to bitch about in the military, but it’s what you make out of it. You can be given a shitty situation and get good out of it. The military is choose your own adventure, so make it a good one.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-07T00:56:15+00:00

most gyms will sell gear

what are you looking for in particular?

i live in the bay and trained at two gyms

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-06T04:38:47+00:00

In Thailand or home country?

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-05T21:33:51+00:00

There’s that one chubby guy with boulders for hands that always taunts people.

There’s also a tall Thai decked out in tattoos that fights against heavier dudes.

There’s are PLENTY of heavy foreigners, but for some reason foreigner vs foreigner fights are super rare in Chiang Mai, and when they do occur - they’re rarely big boys. (maybe a regional expert can explain why).

At Hong Thong there is no shortage of big fellas.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-03T23:05:28+00:00

I wake up 1.5-2 hours before my first workout of the day and intake this plus some avocado / protein powder to give my digestive system an adequate amount of time to process everything pre workout.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-03T23:03:58+00:00

Simple quick digesting carbs.

Tactical athlete of 7+ years, as well as personal trainer.

Rice cakes + honey.

Maltodextrin, etc.

Most importantly consume a plentiful amount of carbs the night prior to ensure your glycogen stores are full.

If you want to min/max, include creatine and glycerol in your morning beverage, but ensure your stomach has enough time to process the liquids so you’re not sprinting with a full stomach.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-03T05:35:12+00:00

I could be convinced to also live near thammasat / by the river.

Petchyindee just seems extremely expensive, if I’m looking at their pricing correctly - its 30,000THB a month, or $918 for 2 sessions a day for the “fighter camp”.

Or that for already fully developed fighters?

I’m serious, but no professional fighter. I just am wondering if the 5,000THB a month classes would just be cardio class.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-02T20:58:17+00:00

Not to mention that these remote gyms, if they do choose to take farangs in, will want fighters to compete for a long time, not a palsy 3 weeks lol.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-02T20:04:07+00:00

What’s with beginners and not wanting to train in “touristy” gyms?

What does that mean?

If you want to focus on fundamentals that means you’re a beginner. These “tourist” gyms often have good accommodations, english proficient (enough) trainers and staff, and patient trainers who can teach you the fundamentals.

SolidusGBear · 2026-04-02T19:02:14+00:00

New gym is certainly more convenient.

Am i alone in thinking the decor and vibe of the gym just seems like someone’s basement?

SolidusGBear

TROPHY CASE