University of California, Berkeley
Also known as: UC Berkeley
3 Star University
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
Also known as: UC Berkeley
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 20 January 2025 | University holiday honoring civil rights leader; all classes and offices closed, impacting students and staff. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Instruction Begins | 21 January 2025 | Start of spring term classes; new beginnings for coursework and research activities. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday; no classes, time for reflection on American history. |
| ✊ | Cesar Chavez Day Holiday | 31 March 2025 | Honors labor leader; university observes with events promoting social justice. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 24 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest and travel; affects all students and faculty. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 28 March 2025 | Return to classes after rejuvenation period. |
| 🌸 | Spring Recess | 31 March 2025 | Additional day off aligning with Chavez Day. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Spring Instruction | 9 May 2025 | End of regular classes; preparation for finals begins. |
| 📝 | Spring Semester Finals Week | 12 May 2025 | Intensive exam period for spring term. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Honors military personnel; university closed. |
| ☀️ | Summer Sessions Begin | 27 May 2025 | Start of optional summer courses. |
| 🎉 | Juneteenth Holiday | 19 June 2025 | Celebrates emancipation; observed as university holiday. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2025 | National holiday; fireworks and barbecues common. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Instruction Begins | 27 August 2025 | Kickoff of fall term with orientations. |
| 👷 | Labor Day Holiday | 1 September 2025 | Honors workers; extended weekend break. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2025 | Recognizes military service; classes suspended. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Holiday | 27 November 2025 | Family gatherings and feasts; multi-day break. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Fall Instruction | 12 December 2025 | Conclusion of fall classes. |
| 📝 | Fall Semester Finals Week | 15 December 2025 | End-of-term examinations. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 22 December 2025 | Holiday season break for rest. |
Are you planning on applying to UC Berkeley next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at UC Berkeley. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | UC Application Opens | 1 August 2025 | Start of application period for fall 2026 admission. |
| 💰 | FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application Opens | 1 October 2025 | Financial aid applications begin for prospective students. |
| ⏰ | UC Application Submission Deadline | 30 November 2025 | Final date to submit applications for fall 2026. |
| 📊 | SAT/ACT Test Deadline | 6 December 2025 | Last test date considered for admissions. |
| 📅 | Financial Aid Priority Deadline | 2 March 2026 | Priority for aid applications. |
| 📬 | Admission Decisions Released | 31 March 2026 | Notifications sent to applicants. |
| ✅ | Statement of Intent to Register Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Deadline to accept admission offer. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 30 November 2025 | For transfer students applying for fall 2026. |
| 🌍 | International Student Document Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Submission of required docs for internationals. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 December 2025 | For merit-based scholarships. |
| 🏠 | Housing Application Opens | 1 February 2026 | For admitted students seeking on-campus housing. |
The University of California, Berkeley, commonly known as UC Berkeley, operates on a semester-based academic calendar that structures the year into fall, spring, and summer terms. This system allows for a balanced distribution of coursework, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities, aligning with the university's reputation as a leading public research institution. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has a rich history of academic excellence, with traditions that include spirited events like Cal Day and the Big Game against rival Stanford. The calendar incorporates national holidays such as Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as well as university-specific observances that reflect its commitment to diversity and social justice. For instance, the calendar often includes breaks that coincide with cultural celebrations, providing students and faculty time for reflection and community engagement. Compared to other universities, UC Berkeley's calendar emphasizes flexibility, with options for intersession courses during breaks, which can help students accelerate their degree progress. This structure impacts students by offering predictable periods for intensive study and rest, aiding in mental health and academic performance. Prospective students should note how the calendar aligns with admissions cycles, while international students benefit from extended breaks for travel home. Faculty use the calendar to plan syllabi and research, ensuring alignment with grant deadlines and conferences. Parents and staff appreciate the predictability for coordinating family events. To get insights into teaching quality, check out Rate My Professor for reviews on UC Berkeley instructors. Overall, the calendar serves as a foundational tool for success at this vibrant institution, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
At UC Berkeley, semesters typically begin in late summer for fall and mid-winter for spring, providing a robust framework for class planning. Students can strategize their course loads by considering prerequisites, major requirements, and electives, often using tools like the Berkeley Academic Guide. Planning ahead helps in balancing rigorous STEM courses with humanities, especially in popular departments like Computer Science or Environmental Science. Tips include attending advising sessions early and utilizing waitlists for high-demand classes. The calendar's structure allows for mid-semester adjustments, but early planning minimizes stress. Faculty often release syllabi aligned with these dates, enabling students to prepare for projects and group work. International students might plan around visa requirements during transitions. For professor ratings that can inform your choices, visit Rate My Professor to see what others say about teaching styles. This proactive approach enhances academic outcomes and extracurricular involvement.
Exam periods at UC Berkeley are strategically placed at the end of each semester, allowing ample time for review. Preparation tips include forming study groups, utilizing the library's resources, and attending review sessions. The university offers wellness programs to manage exam stress, emphasizing balanced study habits. Historical patterns show that exams often follow reading periods, giving students a buffer. For insights into professors' exam styles, check Rate My Professor.
Thanksgiving break at UC Berkeley provides a much-needed pause in the fall semester, typically encompassing the holiday and surrounding days. This time allows students to travel home, recharge, and participate in family traditions. Planning tips include booking flights early due to high demand in the Bay Area and coordinating with roommates for dorm closures. The break aligns with Berkeley's emphasis on community, often featuring campus events like food drives before the holiday. For those staying, local attractions like hiking in the Berkeley Hills offer relaxation. This period impacts work schedules for student employees, so advance notice is key. Integrate this into your overall planning by reviewing the academic calendar for seamless transitions back to classes.
UC Berkeley's calendar includes key holidays like Thanksgiving, spring break, and others such as Veterans Day and Cesar Chavez Day, reflecting California's diverse culture. These breaks offer opportunities for travel, whether to nearby San Francisco or international destinations. Planning involves checking for campus closures and aligning with family schedules. Spring break is ideal for rejuvenation before finals, with tips like budgeting for trips and staying safe. The university promotes cultural awareness during these times, enhancing the educational experience.
Faculty and staff at UC Berkeley align work schedules with the academic calendar, focusing on deadlines for grants, publications, and evaluations. This ensures synchronization with student timelines, facilitating effective mentoring. Tips include using project management tools and attending professional development workshops.
Meetings and grading periods are timed with the calendar, allowing for efficient operations. Explore job opportunities at Higher Ed Jobs. We invite employees to rate their employer experiences.
Historically, UC Berkeley's calendars have evolved to include more flexible options, like online sessions during past disruptions. Patterns show consistent semester lengths, aiding long-term planning.
Key events like orientation and commencement mark calendar highlights. Invite students to rate professors or view results at Rate My Professor.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 19 January 2026 | Civil rights observance; university-wide closure. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Instruction Begins | 20 January 2026 | Commencement of spring academic activities. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 16 February 2026 | Presidential honor day; no classes. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 23 March 2026 | Mid-semester respite for students. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 27 March 2026 | Resumption after break. |
| ✊ | Cesar Chavez Day Holiday | 31 March 2026 | Social justice day observance. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Spring Instruction | 8 May 2026 | Spring term wrap-up. |
| 📝 | Spring Semester Finals Week | 11 May 2026 | Final assessments period. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Military remembrance day. |
| ☀️ | Summer Sessions Begin | 26 May 2026 | Summer learning starts. |
| 🎉 | Juneteenth Holiday | 19 June 2026 | Emancipation celebration. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026 | Observed national holiday. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Instruction Begins | 26 August 2026 | Fall term launch. |
| 👷 | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Labor recognition day. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2026 | Veterans' honor day. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Holiday | 26 November 2026 | Thanksgiving break. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Fall Instruction | 11 December 2026 | Fall classes end. |
| 📝 | Fall Semester Finals Week | 14 December 2026 | Fall exams. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 21 December 2026 | Winter holiday period. |
