About

See what students say:

Academics

Situated on a "large campus [with] lots of land" in northern California, the University of California Davis is "a prestigious research university with great professors and brilliant students." With a longtime "focus on the agriculture and biological science," Davis has cultivated a "strong science-based education." Students also praise its "other great programs such as engineering and political science," as well as the "large variety of majors and [programs] offered" by the university. "Davis does have a fast-paced quarter system," but the "resources available to assist students" help them "feel at ease with their quarters." Beyond the "abundant research, internship, and job opportunities," Davis students rave about the support they receive from "tutoring and advising resources, opportunities to have a focus within each major, study abroad opportunities," and "all the counselors who can answer every question." "Professors here are true experts," and they have generated "a great research legacy in the animal, ag, environmental, health, and food sciences." "Top researchers are clearly going to get a place at UC Davis," which means that "classes are full of challenging, hands-on experiences." Students benefit from "passionate and devoted" scholars who "have their own research projects going on, and apply what they are teaching to their work." Students point out that "research skills do not translate into teaching skills," so some professors who "are pioneers," "superb at research," "and enthusiastic about their field of study" "might not be too good at teaching." But even when professors "seem to be more focused on research," "teaching assistants who want to help students" and "are also really great and amazing people" provide support. These stellar "TAs have a HUGE impact on classes" and contribute to the "very supportive campus community." Overall, UC Davis students agree that "the majority of my professors [care] very deeply about teaching" and provide a "challenging, but rewarding and successful academic experience."

Student Body

Davis is a "pretty diverse community" where most students are "very friendly and thoughtful" and "few are quick to judge." As one undergrad notes, "Most students spend their days biking furiously from class to class," but "everyone is very nice and welcoming." "Anyone can ask any student for directions and the student will gladly stop biking to help out." While Davis "is a top university, you don't feel like everyone is competing against you" and "help from your peers" is easy to find. And while Davis students "are academically rigorous," they are "quirky and [creative]" too, creating "the perfect mixture of serious about studying and down to earth and fun." They like to make the most of the "beautiful campus," and "on sunny days, the quad is always filled with students lying down or sleeping in the hammocks." "Most people get involved in one of the clubs or athletics" groups, and "most are also very open to making new friends or trying something new."

Campus Life

UC Davis students boast about belonging to a "green school" that "promotes sustainability." Many students gravitate toward "outdoor activities to fill their time," like "pick-up soccer," visiting the local farmers market or "reading at the arboretum." Students tell us that "even if you don't have a car," the "bike paths make it really easy to get around the city and campus" and the "free convenient bus systems" ensure there are "plenty of transportation options" available to students. Many say that Davis owes its "relaxed vibe" to the "close-knit" campus community where "everyone is very supportive of each other" and to the surrounding town that "supports the school." But many students point out that "despite the friendly community, we can still be educationally competitive." The "fast paced quarter system" keeps students busy, but students still say they maintain a good "balance between school life and their social life because of all the opportunities and activities to do on campus." With "700+ clubs on campus including [many] Greek organizations," and a variety of identity and cultural-based centers and programming, students have many opportunities to connect. The downtown Davis nightlife is "mostly low-key," but students can enjoy "good food, open mic night, trivia night," "local shows, line dancing, and just about everything in between." And because it is near "Tahoe, San Francisco, [and] Napa," Davis is "a great location for day trips or weekend trips."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Visitor Services, Alumni and Visitors Center
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8507

Phone
5307528111

Email
visit@ucdavis.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
Memorial Union/Coffee House
Activities and Recreation Center (The ARC)
Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
The UC Davis Arboretum
http://daviswiki.org/

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Napa Valley
Old Sacramento
Lake Tahoe
San Francisco
Davis Farmers' Market
http://daviswiki.org/

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
9am-noon and 1pm-5pm
5307528111

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Mon-Fri 10am and 2pm Sat-Sun 11:30am and 1:30pm
Average Length: Varies

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Not Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available

Arrangements
Contact Visiting Center

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Limitations
Available only during summer sessions. Contact US Davis Summer Housing Off./Conference Housing: 530

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Sacramento International Airport is 20 miles from campus. Davis Airporter Limousine Service (530-756-6715) is available to/from the airport; call at least one day in advance. Bus service to the airport is available from the campus. Rental cars are also available at the airport.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From Sacramento and from San Francisco, take I-80 to the UC Davis exit, which will lead you right to the campus. From the north, take Hwy. 113; exit at either the Russell Blvd. or UC Davis (Hutchison Dr.) exit and go east to campus.

Local Accommodations
The 18-room Davis Bed and Breakfast Inn (422 A St.; 530-753-9611) is just across the street from the university. The low price includes a full breakfast. Best Western University Lodge (123 B St.; 530-756-7890), just 2 blocks away, is another basic facility. A half block away is Aggie Inn (245 1st St.; 530-756-0352), with pretty rooms, a spa and sauna, continental breakfast, and moderate rates.

Admissions

Applicants: 76,225
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Average HS GPA: 4.00







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