Just read that your S is going to Cal! Go Bears! (Class of 91).
I partied at that very dorm my freshman year - I recall a luau theme and a hot coed (biology major) in a grass skirt.... but I digress.
The campus is gorgeous, the setting amazingly stimulating, the level of intellect among peers is astounding, and the football team is so much better (Go Cal! Beat Stanford!). IMHO, there's no better public university in the world.
Way back in the day, his dorm was considered to be a nice combo of great setting and slightly more conservativism than others (it wasn't coed when I was on campus). Of course, that's all relative at Berkeley! It has great access to the hills behind campus if he gets into running or cycling. Outdoors always helped me to not get too squirrely in that urban setting.
One suggestion for family visits - Zachary's Pizza. Yumm!
By the way, you have a very nice way of keeping an eye on the big picture (e.g., trends of H's mood) in your sitch. I hope you two can carve out the time/space to celebrate your Anniversary.
