Berkeley Student Cooperative facts for kids
The Berkeley Student Cooperative (BSC) is a special type of student housing. It helps students from the UC Berkeley and other colleges find affordable places to live. The BSC houses and feeds over 1,300 students in 17 houses and three apartment buildings.
Students who live in the houses help out by doing "workshifts," usually about five hours a week. This helps keep the costs down. The BSC is run by a group of leaders, mostly students, who are elected by the members.
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| Abbreviation | BSC |
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| Nickname | The Co-ops |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Type | Corporation |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) |
| Purpose | Student housing cooperative |
| Headquarters | 2424 Ridge Road, Berkeley, California 94709 |
| Location |
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| Services |
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Membership
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Approximately 1250 |
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President
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Gyn Gomez (2024–2025) |
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Executive Director
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Joshua Fenton |
| Website | bsc.coop |
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Formerly called
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History of the BSC
How the Co-ops Started
In 1933, during a tough economic time called the Great Depression, many students needed affordable places to live. A YMCA director named Harry Lees Kingman had an idea. He inspired students to start a cooperative house in Berkeley.
In this house, students would work together to share food and lower their rent. This idea was based on "Rochdale Principles." These principles include things like democratic control (everyone gets a say) and buying food together to save money. The first house started with ten students, and soon more joined.
Growing Bigger
Later in 1933, students rented a large house called Barrington Hall. It could fit 48 students. The next year, they rented another house, Sheridan Hall, for 100 students. These two houses joined to form the University of California Students' Cooperative Association (UCSCA).
In 1935, UCSCA moved Barrington Hall to an even bigger apartment building, housing 200 members. The first house for women, Stebbins Hall, opened in 1936. Other houses like Sherman Hall, Oxford, and Atherton also opened. Oxford became a central kitchen, preparing meals for many of the houses.
Changes During Wartime
When the United States entered World War II, fewer male students were around. Sherman and Atherton houses temporarily closed. The USCA also helped by taking over the lease of the Japanese Student Club's building, which became Lexington Hall, housing women. Barrington Hall was rented to the Navy and got a full makeover.
After the War and New Houses
After World War II, many students returned to college thanks to the GI Bill. The UCSCA bought Ridge House and Cloyne Court Hotel to house more men. Later, they bought another building for women, similar to Stebbins.
In the 1950s, the association changed its name to the University Students' Cooperative Association (USCA). This was because of new state laws. In 1960, Kidd Hall was purchased. In 1966, the USCA opened the Ridge Project, one of the first co-ed (for both male and female students) student housing projects in the country.
Modern Era and New Themes
In the 1960s and 1970s, the USCA bought more houses, including Davis House, Andres Castro Arms, and Wolf House. These had been sorority houses. The 1970s also saw the opening of Lothlorien Hall, a house for vegetarians, and Kingman Hall. The USCA also built its first apartment buildings, Rochdale Village Apartments, Fenwick Weaver's Village, and Northside Apartments.
In 1987, the Ridge Project was renamed Casa Zimbabwe. In 1989, members decided to close Barrington Hall. In the 1990s, two new theme houses opened: the African American Theme House and Oscar Wilde House. Oscar Wilde House was the first co-op for LGBTQ+ students.
In 2007, the organization changed its name again to the Berkeley Student Cooperative (BSC). This new name made it easier to find online and showed that it also included community college students.
How the BSC is Run
The BSC is managed by a board of directors with 28 members who vote. Each of the 17 houses and 3 apartment buildings chooses a representative to be on the board. Larger houses can have up to four representatives.
The BSC also has a team of about 20 permanent staff members. These staff members help with things like maintenance, office work, and food. Students also work as managers in each house and apartment building. These student managers are chosen by the people living in their house. Each house also holds regular meetings to make decisions about their living space and budget.
Central Co-op Services
The BSC has a Central Office, Central Kitchen, and Central Maintenance facilities. These are located near the Casa Zimbabwe building.
- Central Office handles all applications for housing. They decide where students will live based on things like how long they've been a member and their preferences.
- Central Kitchen orders and delivers food to all the houses. They also handle orders for supplies like toilet paper and cleaning products.
- Central Maintenance takes care of big repairs and renovations in the houses. Smaller repairs are handled by student managers in each house.
Help for Students in Need
The BSC offers special priority to students who might need extra support. This includes students from the UC Berkeley Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), students with disabilities, transfer students, and international students studying abroad.
Being Eco-Friendly
Many houses and apartments have a "Waste-reduction Manager" (WRM). These managers help residents recycle plastics, glass, paper, and cardboard. They also help with composting food waste. WRMs put up information sheets and hold workshops to help everyone make eco-friendly choices.
Living in a cooperative is naturally sustainable. Sharing meals and facilities means less waste and less use of resources. It encourages everyone to work together for a greener lifestyle.
BSC Properties
The BSC currently runs 20 houses and apartments. They own 16 of these buildings. These homes can be small, with 17 residents, or very large, with over 100 residents. The BSC also owns the land where Barrington Hall used to be, which they now lease to another landlord.
Special Historical Buildings
Many BSC properties are very old and beautiful. Some date back to 1904. Two of them are even considered architectural landmarks: Cloyne Court, built in 1904, and Kingman Hall, built in 1914. Other notable buildings include Ridge House, designed by John Galen Howard, and three buildings designed by Julia Morgan: Davis House, Wolf House, and Person of Color Theme House (Castro).
Ridge House
Ridge House is a grand mansion built in 1906. It was designed by John Galen Howard, a famous architect who also designed many buildings at the University of California, Berkeley campus, like the Campanile. Ridge House is located near the university. It was bought by the BSC in 1945 and now houses 38 students. Even though it's been updated for students, it still has original fireplaces and a secret stairway!
Davis House, Wolf House and Person of Color Theme House
Julia Morgan was the first woman architect to be licensed in California. She designed three buildings now owned by the BSC: Davis House, Wolf House, and Person of Color Theme House (formerly Andres Castro Arms).
Davis House was built in 1913 as a large family home. It's located near the campus and houses 36 residents. It's known for its beautiful wood-paneled rooms and fireplaces. The BSC bought it in 1969. Residents sometimes call it "the retirement home" because it's often home to students who have lived in co-ops the longest.
Wolf House was built in 1905 and moved to its current location in 1915. It's located near other student houses. The BSC bought it in 1974. In 2002, a ramp was added to make it easier for students with disabilities to access the building.
Person of Color Theme House (Castro) was built in 1911 in a Mediterranean style. It has a striking red brick staircase. The BSC bought it in 1971 and named it after Andres Castro, a long-time chef for the BSC. In 2016, it became the Person of Color Theme House to support minority and low-income students.
Houses
| Name | Photograph | Rooms and Residents | Address | Notes |
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| African American Theme House |
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21 Residents
3 Singles – 6 Doubles – 2 Triples |
2347 Prospect Street Berkeley, CA 94704 | This house is near the California Memorial Stadium. It became a co-op in 1997. It welcomes students of all backgrounds. House members promote their theme by doing community service and hosting student events. They often call themselves "Afros" and the house "Afro House." |
| Casa Zimbabwe |  |
124 residents
31 Singles – 30 Doubles – 11 Triples |
2422 Ridge Rd, CA 93021 | Opened in 1966, Casa Zimbabwe, or CZ, is near the university. It was built specifically to be a cooperative living space. It was one of the first co-ed student housing options in the nation. |
| Cloyne Court | .JPG) |
140 Residents
38 Singles – 39 Doubles – 8 Triples |
2600 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709 | Cloyne Court, or Cloyne, was built in 1904 as a high-class hotel. It became a BSC co-op in 1946. In 2014, the house became substance-free and focused on academics. |
| Davis House | |
36 residents
8 Singles – 11 Doubles – 2 triples |
2833 Bancroft Steps Berkeley, CA 94704 | Designed by Julia Morgan and built in 1913, it became part of BSC in 1969. It is considered a very nice residence. It is named after Bill Davis, an early member of the Berkeley co-op. |
| Euclid Hall | |
24 Residents
14 Singles – 5 Doubles |
1777 Euclid Ave Berkeley, CA 94709 | Residents of Euclid Hall are called Euclidians. It was originally the University of California Japanese Students' Club. During World War II, the building was leased to BSC and returned in 1948. BSC bought it in 1967. |
| Hillegass Parker House |
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57 Residents
57 Singles |
2545 Hillegass Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 | From the 1970s until 2005, this was Le Chateau, a large co-op. After some issues, BSC changed it in 2005 to a co-op for graduate students or students aged 25 and older. It was refurbished, and the outdoor pool was filled in. Residents are known as the "Hippos." |
| Hoyt Hall |  |
60 Residents
31 Singles – 13 Doubles – 1 Triple |
2519 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709 | Hoyt Hall is an all-women cooperative, purchased by BSC in 1953. It was named after Alice G. Hoyt, who greatly helped the cooperative. Hoyt and Sherman Hall are the remaining women-only co-ops, though both are co-ed during the summer. |
| Kidd Hall | |
17 Residents
3 singles – 7 Doubles |
2562 Le Conte Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 | This is the smallest house in BSC. It was named after Alexander Morrison Hall, a law professor who was on the BSC faculty board. It has a backyard redwood forest area. |
| Kingman Hall |  |
50 Residents
11 Singles – 18 Doubles – 1 Triple |
1730 La Loma Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709 |
This hall was originally a fraternity in 1914. It joined the BSC as Kingman Hall in 1977. It is named after Harry L. Kingman, who encouraged the BSC founders. The hall is considered a Berkeley Landmark. |
| Lothlorien |
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58 residents
14 Singles – 15 Doubles – 2 Triples – 2 Quads |
2415 Prospect Street Berkeley, CA 94704 |
Commonly known as Loth, this is a vegetarian-themed house. Many residents are vegetarians and vegans, but it's not required to live there. Lothlorien has a unique communal culture that blends art and progressive activism. |
| Person of Color Theme House (Castro) | |
56 Residents
7 Singles – 20 Doubles – 2 Triples – 1 Quad |
2310 Prospect Street Berkeley, CA 94704 | This house was a large family home that became a sorority before BSC bought it in 1971. It was named Andres Castro Arms after a long-time chef. It became Person of Color Theme House in 2016 to support minority and low-income students. |
| Ridge House |  |
38 Residents
11 Singles – 6 Doubles – 5 Triples |
2420 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709 | Ridge House is an architecturally unique building. It sits on "Holy Hill" just north of the Berkeley campus. It has intricate architecture and great views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. |
| Sherman Hall | |
40 Residents
8 Singles – 13 Doubles – 2 Triples |
2250 Prospect Street Berkeley, CA 94704 | Sherman Hall is an all-female house, co-ed in the summer. It is one of two women-only houses in BSC. Sherman is located near the California Memorial Stadium. It opened in 1942 and was originally a sorority house. |
| Stebbins |  |
64 Residents
18 Singles – 23 Doubles |
2527 Ridge Road Berkeley, CA 94709 | Stebbins Hall is on the north side of the UC Berkeley campus. It was bought in 1936 as the first all-women cooperative house. In 1971, it became co-ed. It was named after Lucy Ward Stebbins, a former Dean of Women. Residents call themselves "Stebbinites." |
| The Convent | |
25 Residents
25 Singles |
1601 Allston Way Berkeley, CA 94703 | The Convent is a former convent located about a mile from campus. All residents must be UC Berkeley students. Like Hillegass/Parker House, it houses only graduate students or students aged 25 and over. All residents have single rooms. It is known for being quieter and cleaner. Its rec room used to be a chapel. |
| Oscar Wilde House | |
38 Residents
8 Singles – 15 Doubles |
2410 Warring Street Berkeley, CA 94704 | This house is located near other fraternities and sororities. It was bought from a fraternity and opened as a co-op in 1999. It was the first gay-themed student co-operative housing in the country. It was named after Oscar Wilde, a famous Irish author. |
| Wolf House | |
29 Residents
9 Singles – 7 Doubles – 2 Triples |
2732 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 | Wolf House is two blocks from the university. Residents call themselves "wolves." It is in the Southside area of Berkeley, near other fraternities and sororities. It was a sorority house before BSC bought it in 1974. |
Apartments
All BSC apartment units are designed to be accessible for people using wheelchairs.
| Name | Photograph | Apartments and Residents | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenwick Weavers' Village | |
102 Residents
36 Apartments of 1 to 4 bedroom |
2415 Dwight Way Berkeley, CA 94704 | Fenwick Weavers' Village was named after a professional group from Scotland that started in 1761, considered by some to be the first co-operative. This village opened in 1980 and is next to Rochdale. Only UC Berkeley students can live here during Fall and Spring semesters. It has a park, basketball court, and garden. |
| Northside Apartments | |
26 Residents
13 One Bedroom Apartments – 3 Studio Apartments |
2526 - 2540 Le Conte Ave. Berkeley, CA 94709 | Northside Apartments are near other co-ops. It opened in 1960 and has two small apartment buildings. The atmosphere is different from the houses because many residents are working on advanced degrees. |
| Rochdale Village |
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259 residents
96 apartments 1 to 4 bedrooms |
2424 Haste St. Berkeley, CA 94704 |
Rochdale Village was named after a town in England where the Rochdale Pioneers developed the ideas of cooperation. It opened in 1970. It was one of the first student housing projects to get special funding from the government. More than 80% of its residents are part of the university's Educational Opportunity Program, which helps students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. Only UC Berkeley students can live here during Fall and Spring semesters. Some units are wheelchair accessible. |
Past Co-op Locations
The following places were once part of the BSC but are now closed or no longer operated by them:
- A rooming house on the Southside (1933)
- The first Barrington Hall (1933–1935)
- Second Barrington Hall (1935–1943; 1950–1989)
- Sheridan Hall (1934–1943)
- Atherton (1937–around 1942)
- Oxford Hall (1938–1977)
- The first Kingman Hall (late 1930s–1946)
- Lexington Hall (1942–1948), leased during World War II
- The first Rochdale (1943–1945)
- A house in San Francisco's Buena Vista neighborhood (1944–1957)
- Eisenfitz, Clod-haven, and Ridge Annex (1959–1960)
- Le Chateau (1977–2005), which became Hillegass-Parker House
Famous People Who Lived in BSC Co-ops
Many notable people have lived in BSC co-ops:
- Beverly Cleary (1936–1938, Stebbins Hall), a famous author of children's books like the Ramona series.
- Narsai David (1953–1955, Cloyne Court), a chef and food expert.
- Andreas Floer (1983–1985, Barrington Hall), a mathematician.
- Nathan Huggins (1952–1954, Oxford Hall), a history professor at Harvard University.
- Ed Masuga (1999–2002, Le Chateau), a singer and songwriter.
- Norman Mineta (1949–1950, Ridge House), a former United States Secretary of Transportation.
- Peter Montgomery (1967–1971, Cloyne Court), a mathematician.
- Gordon Moore (1950, Cloyne Court), who helped start Intel.
- Leon F. Litwack (1948–1951, Oxford House, Ridge House and Cloyne Court), a Pulitzer Prize winner and history professor.
- Nancy Skinner (California politician), who lived in Barrington Hall.
- Steve Wozniak (1971–1972), who helped start Apple Inc.
See also
- Berkeley Student Food Collective (BSFC)
- Network of Bay Area Worker Cooperatives (NoBAWC)
- North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO)
