As a freshman this past school year, I noticed that the staff and faculty at UC Davis was very knowledgeable, helpful, and accommodating to the schedules of students. I learned a lot in my classes, but it wasn’t what I would call easy. I always did well in high school, but at UC Davis there’s a much more noticeable connection between hard work and success. In high school, you can just know the material, hardly study, and still get good grades. This is not the case at UC Davis. To earn good grades, you must put in lots and lots of time studying effectively. I, personally, treat my scholastic career like a fulltime job by spending 40 or more hours per week studying. There is no question that you will learn a lot at UC Davis, but how well you do in your classes is totally dependent upon how hard you study.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I had the time of my life at UC Davis and am counting down the days until I return as a sophomore. The main reason I chose Davis over other campuses was because I liked the feel of the community. Not only is it a small town atmosphere, but the people in Davis are very friendly. In fact, they’re beyond friendly; it’s not uncommon for people to go out of their way to help you, and it’s very comforting to be in such welcoming surroundings. There is an endless list of other sensational attributes that Davis has to offer, such as the bowling alley and arcade located in the very center of campus, the always entertaining Division 1 athletics program, the largest annual student-run event in the nation (Picnic Day), a very new and cutting edge work out facility, semiweekly farmer’s markets, a very proactive Greek community, and running/bike paths encircling a large pond and arboretum. Davis also has great one-of-a-kind restaurants such as the Hotdogger (a hole-in-the-wall hot dog vendor), Burgers and Brew (a local burger joint that is open until 3 A.M. every single night), and the delicious Yoloberry frozen yogurt eatery. These restaurants are local to Davis and cheap enough for college students to enjoy. But as if that’s not enough to satisfy one’s appetite, the campus has an amazing buffet-style dining commons that serves meals for all types of eaters and is kept immaculate during operating hours (and it’s conveniently open until midnight on weekdays). I chose UC Davis because I loved the people I met and the positive atmosphere that is ubiquitous throughout the small town. Students, professors, and residents all seem to be outgoing, genuine, and truly down to earth people. After spending a year at school though, I’ve realized that there are so many other wonderful things Davis has to offer as well.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I believe that the cost of tuition at UC Davis is worth every penny. The degree you earn from UC Davis is a very prestigious achievement and can take you almost anywhere in your future. The school also has a plethora of majors to choose from should you decide to change majors. The campus has its very own internship and career center that is very useful in helping students find local internships, jobs, and research opportunities. The dining commons are definitely worth the money because they’re quality smorgasbords, and the food and services are well above average. The new fitness center, the ARC (Activities Recreation Center), is a nicer work out facility than the fitness center I’ve worked at for three years now, and it comes included with the price of tuition rather than costing 92 dollars per month like my hometown gym. I’ve been very impressed with the overall quality of the professors, the food, the gym, the library, and the services offered by the school, and I would say that it’s worth all the somewhat expensive cost.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I would recommend visiting any college that you are considering and base your decision on the feel of the community (big city or small town, warm or cold weather, relaxed or competitive, etc.) as well as whether or not they have your major. If you're not sure what major you want, it would be wise to pick a college that has lots of majors to choose from. Probably the most important factor in your college-selection process should be based on the feel of the campus when you visit it. Some campuses are very focused on academics; others are more relaxed and social. I visited campuses where everyone I saw was isolated and either listening to mp3 players, reading books, or just walking or sitting alone. I didn't see anyone talking to anyone else or socializing at all, and that just wasn't for me. Then I visited UC Davis where I saw people running together, sitting together, studying together, talking to one another, playing frisbee and other sports, and in general just enjoying themselves and the company of others...and that's the college experience I knew I wanted. But I can't speak for everyone...some like the rigorous feel of a focused campus.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
People who are friendly and like meeting others, people who are open to diversity, people who like a small-town feeling, people who enjoy bicycle riding, people who have yet to decide a career path, and people who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority.
As a freshman this past school year, I noticed that the staff and faculty at UC Davis was very knowledgeable, helpful, and accommodating to the schedules of students. I learned a lot in my classes, but it wasn’t what I would call easy. I always did well in high school, but at UC Davis there’s a much more noticeable connection between hard work and success. In high school, you can just know the material, hardly study, and still get good grades. This is not the case at UC Davis. To earn good grades, you must put in lots and lots of time studying effectively. I, personally, treat my scholastic career like a fulltime job by spending 40 or more hours per week studying. There is no question that you will learn a lot at UC Davis, but how well you do in your classes is totally dependent upon how hard you study.
I had the time of my life at UC Davis and am counting down the days until I return as a sophomore. The main reason I chose Davis over other campuses was because I liked the feel of the community. Not only is it a small town atmosphere, but the people in Davis are very friendly. In fact, they’re beyond friendly; it’s not uncommon for people to go out of their way to help you, and it’s very comforting to be in such welcoming surroundings. There is an endless list of other sensational attributes that Davis has to offer, such as the bowling alley and arcade located in the very center of campus, the always entertaining Division 1 athletics program, the largest annual student-run event in the nation (Picnic Day), a very new and cutting edge work out facility, semiweekly farmer’s markets, a very proactive Greek community, and running/bike paths encircling a large pond and arboretum. Davis also has great one-of-a-kind restaurants such as the Hotdogger (a hole-in-the-wall hot dog vendor), Burgers and Brew (a local burger joint that is open until 3 A.M. every single night), and the delicious Yoloberry frozen yogurt eatery. These restaurants are local to Davis and cheap enough for college students to enjoy. But as if that’s not enough to satisfy one’s appetite, the campus has an amazing buffet-style dining commons that serves meals for all types of eaters and is kept immaculate during operating hours (and it’s conveniently open until midnight on weekdays). I chose UC Davis because I loved the people I met and the positive atmosphere that is ubiquitous throughout the small town. Students, professors, and residents all seem to be outgoing, genuine, and truly down to earth people. After spending a year at school though, I’ve realized that there are so many other wonderful things Davis has to offer as well.
I believe that the cost of tuition at UC Davis is worth every penny. The degree you earn from UC Davis is a very prestigious achievement and can take you almost anywhere in your future. The school also has a plethora of majors to choose from should you decide to change majors. The campus has its very own internship and career center that is very useful in helping students find local internships, jobs, and research opportunities. The dining commons are definitely worth the money because they’re quality smorgasbords, and the food and services are well above average. The new fitness center, the ARC (Activities Recreation Center), is a nicer work out facility than the fitness center I’ve worked at for three years now, and it comes included with the price of tuition rather than costing 92 dollars per month like my hometown gym. I’ve been very impressed with the overall quality of the professors, the food, the gym, the library, and the services offered by the school, and I would say that it’s worth all the somewhat expensive cost.
I would recommend visiting any college that you are considering and base your decision on the feel of the community (big city or small town, warm or cold weather, relaxed or competitive, etc.) as well as whether or not they have your major. If you're not sure what major you want, it would be wise to pick a college that has lots of majors to choose from. Probably the most important factor in your college-selection process should be based on the feel of the campus when you visit it. Some campuses are very focused on academics; others are more relaxed and social. I visited campuses where everyone I saw was isolated and either listening to mp3 players, reading books, or just walking or sitting alone. I didn't see anyone talking to anyone else or socializing at all, and that just wasn't for me. Then I visited UC Davis where I saw people running together, sitting together, studying together, talking to one another, playing frisbee and other sports, and in general just enjoying themselves and the company of others...and that's the college experience I knew I wanted. But I can't speak for everyone...some like the rigorous feel of a focused campus.
People who are friendly and like meeting others, people who are open to diversity, people who like a small-town feeling, people who enjoy bicycle riding, people who have yet to decide a career path, and people who are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority.