University of California - Davis
Reviews

Shopping

There's only two really small shopping centers in the whole city.

Green and Modern

The campus itself is lovely. It is well manicured, clean, colorful and earthy. There are trees everywhere and is definitely not a pavement wasteland like some other schools. Some may argue that the buildings, although quite impressive, are so modern that they lack character. Its a modern campus (in a tasteful way) - but because of this we do not lack on amenities and functionality. Also, much of our buildings are super eco friendly.

Not Competitive but Challenging

The studies here are the real deal. But I have never felt overwhelmed or stressed about the competition. Its a great community feel where students are happy to assist other through study groups and tutoring. You can make it as challenging you would like through picking certain courses. Registering for classes is a bit daunting and frustrating- but I think that's unavoidable. Sometimes you may not get into the class you want, but you will get in next semester or so. Classes can be very big- but most professors have good reviews and discussion meetings for the lectures are usually more intimate and very helpful. And although I do not advise this, if you happen to miss class one day-its pretty easy to catch up because the professors usually post class notes and work on our campus's academic website called smartsite

Housing Close to Campus Is a Struggle

Finding a nice apartment close to campus is very difficult, especially since students are only guaranteed housing in the dorms for their first year. Apartments close to campus are expensive, and you have to have good connections to get in. The best apartments are The Colleges, located right on campus. However, you can only get in if you know someone moving out or win the "lottery" to get an apartment.

UCD Scholarships

UCD gives out scholarships annually through the financial aid office but it is somewhat difficult to earn them.

Davis Noodle City

Extremely affordable for college students and amazing hand made noodles!

Process Isn't Too Bad

Just as long as fafsa is filled out on time there isn't much to worry about. The financial aid office takes care of everything.

Best Decision

Before I came to Davis, I was hesitant because of what I heard about the cows and small town feel. But now, I'm proud to be a student here. Davis is one of the few true college towns as the businesses surround itself around the campus. Half of the Davis population are students. People study here but they also know how to have fun and relax! Quarter system can catch you off guard which is why you have to be on top of your academics but once you get it, its great. Study hard (if you want good grades). I got one more quarter left at UCD but I've enjoyed it to the fullest. Also, UCD has one of the best study abroad programs ever! I went twice, once for a summer and the second time for a quarter. I'm actually looking into UCD for graduate school!

Awesome School!

Definitely an underrated school. Love the environment there - people are generally friendly and down to earth. Has a laid back feel to it but when it's finals week, people know how to turn into serious study mode. Enjoyed a lot of the lectures here as well. Some of the professors are very approachable and they have a genuine care for education.

Facilities at Davis Area Great.

Plenty of places to study, lounge or find coffee breaks (with a choice of a more local organic flavor versus your standard Starbucks). There's also a new Student Center that has just been built. Campus is beautiful and very green.

Fantastic

There are only a few nights out of every month that I am not excited to eat at the dining commons. Usually there's Mongolian BBQ at the very least, which is amazing. UCD has to have some of the best college food. I eat better here than at home. Just make sure not to start out with a large meal plan your first quarter, but instead with the smallest one. You can always buy more food but you'll lose money if you don't use up all of your swipes!

Delicious and Nutritious

Most people will say that their campus dining halls have gross food, boring food or really repetitive food. I'm happy to say that Davis dining halls are almost none of these. The food is generally delicious and original (occasionally someone'll get lazy at the pizza oven and put out some undercooked pizza bagels). Some items such as grilled cheese, mongolian barbecue and cheeseburgers are served at almost every lunch and dinner and every breakfast (as far as I know, I've only gone to breakfast maybe 3 times this quarter) has an omelet bar. But there's also a lot of variety. Whether it's the random theme nights that they have like harry potter night or comfort food night, or a new kind of pasta, there's usually something there for everyone and there's always a good healthy option.

I must say that although there are lots of different things that they serve and they are coming out with new things all the time, there is a certain taste that is common amongst the majority of the food which I guess can make it a bit monotonous, I'm still enjoying it.

Everything I Could Have Wanted and More.

I was originally attracted to Davis because of their animal science program and now that I'm here, I can't imagine a better place to be. In my first quarter, not only have I spent hours wrestling a sheep, training it for a stock show, vaccinated a baby goat and milked a cow, but I've also played on the Las Vegas strip with the band-uh and played Don Juan with the symphony orchestra, not to mention the fact that we're going to Spain this spring. Everyone here is extremely friendly and there are tons of organizations and programs that can help you with any problem you may have.

It's totally worth risking some pepper spray in the face every once in a while.

Amazing from My Limited Experience

I just finished my first quarter at Davis and it was definitely everything I could hope for and more. The professors were great and from what I heard were really helpful during office hours. They definitely expect more than high school but I didn't feel like it was a huge change and I'm managing my courses fairly easily while balancing that with orchestra and band. I'm an animal science major and have gotten tons of hands on experience even in my first quarter of being here.

Nice Variety

There's a pretty good variety of food available on campus; at the Silo there are a few fast food places like McDonalds, a Starbucks, a crepe stand, and a curry truck. At the Memorial Union there is more coffee and a wide range of other food that seems to be run more by the school and students rather than being part of a chain. I could probably eat on campus every day and never get tired of it, if I could afford to. There are also a few Cargo coffee stands scattered across campus.

The Beauty of Davis

The students at Davis are very diverse. For the most part, boys like working out, playing sports, and going for bike rides. Most guys at Davis are cute. Girls are really friendly and pretty as well. They like to be involved in clubs and organizations. Every one at UC Davis is studious, friendly, and passionate about their studies. Students contribute positivity to the environment on campus.

Biology

They are very helpful especially if you live on campus. They have student advisors that are willing to help you plan out your schedule for your major. They also offer tutoring for all the science and math classes that you have to take as a Biology major.

Freshman Dorms at Cuarto

The best place to be. Cuarto is cut up into the Emerson, Thoreau, and Webster halls. It is a little bit off campus, but the benefits are better because if you live in Emerson you have 5 other people living with you in a suite and pretty spacious (much better than regular dorms). There are two bathrooms that you share with 5 other people (much better than sharing one with a whole hall of people). I should also mention there's a pool and jacuzzi in Emerson as well as activity centers to play pool and ping-pong.

A Lot of Classes and Careers to Choose from.

the professors really understand the students here and try to be of an assistance as much a possible.

Know the Bike Laws

Bikes are EVERYWHERE on campus, and campus police try to enforce bike laws, such as use of headlights and stopping at stop signs. They TRY to enforce these laws, but they often don't. However, if you use common courtesy you'll probably be able to avoid an accident. If you're driving in a car on or near campus, be wary of bicyclists, because they tend to assume that any cars will get out of their way.

UC DAVIS CAMPUS

Overall UC Davis is a great campus. Shields Library is very nice and offers many areas inside to study in quiet and get your work done. There are always plenty of campus activities around if you want do meet new people, and they usually send out massive facebook invites so you are kept up to date on new events on campus. Overall, the whole campus is very nice and the buildings are close together so it makes it easy to get from class to class.

UCD Nightlife

There are a few converted restaurants downtown that make for decent dance clubs on the weekends, but the real scene in Davis is found spread around town at house parties and house music shows, which are always happening and generally 18+ and quite laid-back.

The Arc

The Arc has everything you could possibly need from a rock climbing wall to badminton courts to a boxing area to rowing machines, you name it. New and sparkling. Its great

Undergraduate Education

UC Davis is great for undergraduates because of the focus that is put on these students. As an undergrad here, you can take part in research, study abroad, take a wide variety of classes and recieve all the help and support you need from counselors and advisors.

Guys and Girls

The majority of the students studying at Davis are Asians and coming from a High School where hispanics were the majority it feels a little intimidating. However, I love the students here and most of them are great people.