Have you ever had boba? This question seems crazy because it seems like at this point in 2025, EVERYONE has tried boba at least once. But.. you would be surprised! Earlier today I was working my lovely Campanile shift as a Campus Ambassador and I was having small talk with this guy in the elevator. During this very intriguing conversation, boba got brought up somehow, and this guy goes: “I’ve always wanted to try Boba but it seems to complicated.” CRAZY how there’s still people who have yet to try boba, but you know what: we listen and we don’t judge. So that’s why I’m here, because if you have never tried boba (which hopefully you have) then let me give you a recommendation! And to spice things up, it’ll be specifically catered to you based on what undergraduate you are enrolled in at Berkeley (and if you are reading this and you are NOT currently a Berkeley student, or a graduate student, or have no idea… then jI have something for you too). I’ll also explain why for each, and maybe give you some drink recommendations while we’re at it!
To preface what the undergraduate colleges are at Berkeley, we have:
College of Chemistry
College of Computing
Data Science and Society
College of Engineering
College of Environmental Design
College of Letters & Science
Haas School of Business
Rausser College of Natural Resources
Now, let’s see what your suggested treat of the day will be!
College of Chemistry: Plentea
Plentea is located right next to Unit 3, and honestly, my biggest reason for giving Plentea to you chemistry kids is because they put their drinks in actual mason jars or a glass bottle type thing, which reminds me of the beakers that you guys would use during your labs and experiments. It’s also a solid, reliable boba spot—just like your chemistry formulas (hopefully). If you’re looking for a drink recommendation, go for the Thai Milk Tea. It’s bold, slightly complex, and has the perfect balance, just like a well-done titration.
College of Computing, Data Science, and Society: HEYTEA
You guys are all about innovation, algorithms, and efficiency, so obviously, I had to give you HEYTEA. First of all, HEYTEA is a little bougie (and so are you guys with your fancy AI models and data analytics), but most importantly, it’s one of the pioneers of cheese foam tea. If anyone appreciates a well-crafted, mathematically optimized tea-to-foam ratio, it’s you guys. Plus, their ordering system is smooth and digital-friendly (more data)! If you haven’t tried it yet, get the classic Crisp Grape Boom. Trust me, it’s data-driven perfection.
College of Engineering: The Alley
Let’s be real. Y’all are always in the depths of Soda Hall or Cory pulling all-nighters, so you need a boba place that can fuel your caffeine addiction while still giving you something fun to look forward to. Enter The Alley. Their drinks are consistent (something you appreciate as engineers), the aesthetic is clean and minimalistic (fits your practical mindset), and their Deerioca (brown sugar tapioca) drinks have just the right amount of sugar to keep you awake during that 3 a.m. grind. Try the Ube Taro Deerioca, becaise it’s an engineering masterpiece in beverage form.
College of Environmental Design: ShareTea
Y’all are the creatives, the ones out here designing the future of cities and architecture, so you need a place that has a little personality. ShareTea is a classic, but it’s also versatile, just like you. Whether you’re feeling a fruity drink or a rich milk tea, ShareTea’s got options. Plus, there’s something about its cozy, slightly chaotic energy that matches the vibes of Wurster Hall perfectly. If you need a rec, go for the Okinawa Milk Tea. It’s got depth, it’s got character, and it’s got just the right amount of boldness, just like your designs.
College of Letters & Science: Purple Kow
L&S is the biggest college at Berkeley, so I had to give you guys the boba place that serves the biggest drinks. Purple Kow is famous for its MASSIVE portions, and honestly, that just fits your whole vibe. L&S students are doing a little bit of everything. whether you’re deep in philosophy discussions, working on a film project, or grinding through physics homework, you need a drink that will last through it all. If you haven’t had the classic Purple Kow Caramel Milk Tea with boba and pudding, you’re missing out. It’s chaotic, just like your broad range of majors, but also oddly comforting.
Haas School of Business: Sweetheart Cafe
Haas students, you guys are all about networking, entrepreneurship, and making that $$$, so of course, you get Sweetheart Cafe. This place is strategically located right on Bancroft, making it the perfect spot for you to grab a quick drink in between finance lectures and coffee chats. It’s a solid boba spot that gets the job done: efficient, reliable, and exactly what you need when you’re balancing five internships. Go for the Honey Green Tea with boba, since it’s a simple, classic choice that never fails, just like your business strategies.
Rausser College of Natural Resources: TPTea
You guys are out here saving the planet, thinking about sustainability, and appreciating the beauty of nature, so I had to give you TPTea. First off, their ingredients are high-quality and natural, which fits your whole aesthetic. Second, their teas are light, fresh, and just earthy enough to make you feel connected to nature even when you’re drowning in environmental policy readings. Try the Tie Guan Yin Milk Tea, since it’s got a smooth, floral taste that’ll make you forget (at least for a second) about all the climate change reports you have to read.
Graduate Students: Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea
Grad students, you guys are on a whole different level of stress, and you probably need something refreshing to keep you going. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea is perfect for you because it’s fresh, natural, and gives you just enough energy to survive your research, TA duties, and thesis deadlines. Plus, it’s a little more refined than your usual boba spot, which fits your whole academic vibe. Get the Signature Yifang Fruit Tea, since it’s a perfect mix of sweet, tart, and energizing, kind of like your fluctuating emotions during finals season.
Undeclared Students: Happy Lemon
You don’t know what you’re majoring in yet, and that’s totally fine. But because you’re still figuring things out, I had to give you Happy Lemon. It’s a fun, chaotic, and slightly unpredictable boba spot, just like your academic journey. You can go for a safe option like the Classic Milk Tea, or you can go wild with something like the Salted Cheese Green Tea. Either way, just like your major, you’ll figure it out eventually.
Non-Students: Teaspoon
Maybe you’re a Berkeley local, a visiting friend, or someone who just wandered into this blog post by accident… either way, I got you. Teaspoon is your place. It’s a chill, friendly spot with consistently good drinks, perfect for catching up with friends or just treating yourself after a long day. If you’re new to boba, go for the House Milk Tea, as it’s simple, delicious, and never fails. Just like a good trip to Berkeley.
So there you have it! Your official Berkeley boba assignment. If you disagree, that’s fine, but just know that deep down, you kind of see the logic, right? Now go forth and sip!