University of California - Davis - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

UCD students have no problem admitting that Davis isn’t the most bustling university. In fact, that’s one of the things they most appreciate. Although entertainment is limited in a small suburban setting, students seem grateful for the relaxing environment after a stressful day spent over the books. Since the town is essentially built around the University, students enjoy the convenience of a college town and the comfortable atmosphere of a community. Davis is also just a car ride away from Sacramento, San Francisco, Tahoe, and Cache Creek. It’s close enough to the beach to throw together a full-day adventure or even a weekend camping trip.

The majority of students express overwhelming satisfaction with the local atmosphere. Although some complain about the lack of entertainment, others claim that all it takes to have fun in town is a little creativity. Students who prefer the hum of metropolitan life will undoubtedly appreciate Davis’s close proximity to Sacramento and San Francisco, but it’s important to keep in mind that the town of Davis itself is far from fast-paced. If students are flexible and able to make their own fun, this small town may fit just right, but you have to be creative.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The downtown area is home to... The downtown area is home to quaint little coffee shops and restaurants, and the whole town has that nice, small-town feel to it. The town’s covered in parks and bike paths, making it a great outdoor town, as well as a very environmentally-conscious town. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Davis is a very small town—that’s... Davis is a very small town—that’s probably the first thing you should know about Davis. It’s not for big-city kids. It’s very laid-back, very friendly, and very open. I found it really refreshing coming from the Los Angeles area myself. I love the atmosphere here. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Don’t come to Davis if you’re... Don’t come to Davis if you’re lazy. First off, you’ll flunk out of school, and second, your social life will suffer. Here, parties don’t come to you; you go to them. If you get up and get out, Davis has a lot to offer, but if you expect an invitation from the clubs, chances are, you’ll spend a lot of time sitting around by yourself complaining that there’s nothing to do in this town. Also, don’t come if you’re lazy because the women seem to like really driven guys, so you’d strike out there, too. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I love the atmosphere in Davis. It... I love the atmosphere in Davis. It is such a great college town, and all the people are very friendly. No, I don’t think other universities are present. Definitely visit the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings and Wednesdays. That is so much fun. There are no places I would stay away from. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

dino says: University of California - Davis 2016 Engineering

The local atmosphere is really... The local atmosphere is really nice in Davis. People are really smart and nice, and you will definitely like the local culture in Davis. There are always concerts in the quads and other places. 12345 Local Atmosphere: May 11, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Four Fun Facts about Davis:
• Davis was originally Davisville (1868–1917) until the railroad put it on the map, and so the story goes, the name was shortened to save on printing costs.
• Davis has the highest number of bikes per capita in all of America.
• Every Wednesday from April to September, the farmers’ market hosts live music to serenade the shoppers.
• A portion of the Arboredum is dedicated to Dr. Ruth Storer, the first practicing female physician in Yolo County.

Local Slang:
Dry – Alcohol free, “I’ve been dry all quarter.”
Hella – Very or a lot, “Davis is hella cool; there’s hella cows here!”
Tree huggers – Environmental activists.

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