[BioE MS: UW vs. UCSD]

I was admitted to both with no funding and as a non-resident. It looks like UW would be the better financial decision if I can find a TA-ship (full tuition waiver vs. half-waiver at UCSD with a TA-ship), but I'm also getting the sense that UCSD tends to make the MS-to-PhD transition easier and that it might be easier to find a TA position at UCSD. Does anyone have any information about whether it's really difficult to find a TA position at UW (the admissions site suggests so) and if I'm correct in thinking a UCSD MS may give me a better shot at getting into the UCSD PhD program down the line? Also, does anyone know how coursework compares between the two programs?

[Berkeley, CA]

The above answer has the best recommendation, which is University Village. Here's some more information about options that definitely aren't scams, but may not have online applications/leasing processes.

Some well-known realty companies include Premium Properties, K&S, and North Berkeley Properties. I personally know Premium's application process can technically be done online/over email, but I'm not sure if they want to meet you in person (since I signed my lease in person.)

Some major apartment buildings near campus, which are run by reputable but greedy companies that jack rent up a bit above even Berkeley market rates, include:

- New Californian Apartments

- Gaia

- The Berk (not sure if this available to grad students)

- Hillside Village

- Berkeleyan

- El Granada (relatively cheap studios available sometimes)

There are a ton more of these "luxury apartment buildings"; you can probably find them on Zillow or Google Maps.

I also agree you should try to add yourself to the Berkeley Housing Facebook group, if you haven't already. Also consider finding a temporary sublet when you first move here (there's usually an oversupply over the summer), while looking for a more permanent place in person.

Take a look at this too, if you haven't: https://och.berkeley.edu/