Martinez Commons Dorm Checklist 2026

Martinez Commons FAQ

Does Martinez Commons stay open during winter break?

Yes — Martinez Commons is the only UC Berkeley residence hall that stays open during winter break, when most other halls close and residents are required to vacate. This is a significant practical advantage for out-of-state and international students who cannot easily travel home during a break of two to three weeks, or for any student who wants to remain in Berkeley to study, work, or avoid the cost and complexity of arranging temporary housing. If staying on campus over winter break is a priority — for academics, finances, or logistics — Martinez Commons is the only freshman hall that makes that possible.

Does Martinez Commons have air conditioning?

No — Martinez Commons has no air conditioning. Like all UC Berkeley residence halls, Martinez operates without AC, and portable AC units are explicitly prohibited under the Residential Code of Conduct. The building is two blocks south of campus, and while the Southside neighborhood stays mild most of the year, the first weeks of fall semester in August can feel warm in a room that's been unventilated all summer. A box or tower fan is the standard and only permitted cooling solution — it makes a noticeable difference on warm evenings. Pack one before you arrive and set it up on your first night.

What's the bathroom setup at Martinez Commons?

Martinez uses central community bathrooms shared by the floor. The hall has a mix of all-gender and single-gender floor designations: floors designated as single-gender have single-gender bathrooms, while all other floors have all-gender community bathrooms. There are no suite-style or semi-private bathrooms on the residence-hall side of the building. All students sharing a floor use the same facilities, so morning timing coordination matters. A hanging shower caddy and shower sandals are practical additions to your packing list. If bathroom privacy is a priority, halls like Clark Kerr's suite-style rooms or Unit 1's Christian and Slottman offer semi-private arrangements.

What study and fitness amenities does Martinez Commons have on-site?

The main level of Martinez Commons includes an academic center, a gym, and meeting rooms — all available to residents without leaving the building. Every floor also has its own dedicated study room, which means students can almost always find a quiet place to work without going to the library. The academic center provides a more formal workspace for longer study sessions, while the per-floor rooms handle quick study breaks between classes. The on-site gym means no membership fee or commute for basic fitness needs. For out-of-state and international students who stay over winter break, these amenities remain accessible during the extended stay.

Is Martinez Commons a good hall to live in?

That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Martinez Commons has XL Twin · 80"×36" beds with Adjustable frame · clearance varies of under-bed storage, and is not air conditioned. UC Berkeley provides Bed frame & XL twin mattress, desk, chair, dresser, mirror, closet, MicroChill micro-fridge + microwave in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Martinez Commons stacks up against UC Berkeley's other halls above.