Bowles Hall is a coed residential college at the University of California, Berkeley,[2] known for its unique traditions, parties,[3][4] and camaraderie.

[8] Although a university-operated residence hall, its male-only tradition, classic façade, partitioned four-man rooms, and common areas gave it a social, fraternity-like atmosphere.

With its pale stone exterior, five-arch entry arcade, and crenelated tower, it was listed in 1989 in the National Register of Historic Places as an example of 'Collegiate Gothic' architecture.

[9] From 2006 to 2014, a group of former residents worked with Berkeley officials, planning the Hall's restoration and reconstitution as a co-ed residential college.

[10] In order to avoid having the aging residence hall dismantled in the late 1980s, a group of Bowlesmen successfully petitioned to have the building added to the National Register of Historic Places (#89000195, 1989).

In 2006, the Haas School of Business was planning to turn Bowles into an educational center and conference facility,[15][16] but the university backed down from the decision.

[citation needed] In the late 1940s and the 1950s, Rose Gilmore, the widow of a Berkeley professor who was looking for her own calling at Cal, fulfilled the position of Head Resident.

[19] Traditionally the Cal Band parades from nearby Memorial Stadium through the campus and streets of Berkeley after a home football game.

[23] The tradition of playing "By" for Bowles Hall is said to have begun back when the entire football team lived there.