UC Berkeley's Anchor House, a remarkable gift built especially for transfer students, opens for student residents on August 21, 2024.
Anchor House redefines the student living experience. The building provides a transformational design tailored to the unique needs of transfer students, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds and are often first-generation college students. More than 95% of UC Berkeley's transfer students come from California, and they comprise more than 20% of all undergraduate students.
At the core of Anchor House is a commitment to fostering a sense of community and belonging. The building features an array of thoughtfully designed spaces to encourage social interaction and support among residents. Large lounges, meeting rooms, and a community kitchen serve as hubs for connection and collaboration. These communal areas are more than just physical spaces; they are integral to building a vibrant, supportive community where transfer students can thrive.
Health and wellness are central to the Anchor House experience. The building boasts an impressive 8,600-square-foot indoor/outdoor fitness center, providing ample opportunities for physical activity and mindfulness. Additional wellness spaces and various outdoor areas—including terraces, balconies, and a central landscaped courtyard—offer serene environments for relaxation and reflection.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Anchor House’s design. As a certified LEED Gold building, it incorporates numerous eco-friendly features to minimize its environmental impact. A rooftop vegetable garden and energy-efficient appliances are just a few of the sustainable elements that not only promote green living but also provide educational opportunities for students to engage with environmental stewardship.
Another unique feature of Anchor House is its Maker's Space, operated by the Berkeley Art Studio. This innovative space offers classes and resources for creative and hands-on projects, encouraging residents to explore their artistic talents and develop practical skills in a supportive environment.
Inside, each fully furnished apartment is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Single bedrooms with large, openable windows ensure ample natural light and fresh air, while a full kitchen equipped with modern appliances, an in-unit washer and dryer, central air conditioning, and high ceilings create a welcoming living environment. These features collectively support students' academic success and personal well-being.
Beyond providing exceptional living spaces, Anchor House is dedicated to addressing the broader needs of transfer students. Offering housing directly next to campus, reduces the need for students to live further away, fostering greater integration into campus life. Additionally, the new Transfer Student Center offices on the first floor provide easy access to essential support services and resources, further enhancing the student experience.
Best of all, Anchor House is entirely a gift, and a most impressive one. It's from the Helen Diller Foundation and includes the cost of project design, construction, and furnishings. And the gift will keep on giving, in perpetuity: Proceeds from Anchor House’s net operating revenue will fund two-year scholarships for an estimated 400 low-income students at Berkeley each year.
In addition to a unique residential experience for transfer students, Anchor House also offers the campus's first commuter lounge, a place that students who travel to campus via public transit can easily walk to from downtown Berkeley. It offers storage lockers, restrooms, and seating for approximately 225 students.
Additional Information
- Berkeley Housing: Apply to live at Anchor House; Virtual room tours and rates
- Berkeley News: UC Berkeley breaks ground on Anchor House (Feb. 2022)
- Berkeley News: Introducing Anchor House, a remarkable gift for transfer students (Aug. 2024)