The University of California - Davis

When I first came to Davis I thought I just picked the safe school that felt comfortable and close to home. This is an enormous school with over 30,000 students. It's overwhelming for the first quarter or so. As my years went on I have met outstanding people ready to help others. I also realized that by getting involved with school/jobs/extracurricular I felt more connected and seen as an individual. Davis is an excellent college town and the community here is amazing and active. They are environmentally friendly and bike friendly. There is always something going on whether it is primarily student related or involves the entire community. It is a small town, but the students here know how to have a fantastic entertaining fun time. I love the programs offered here and the resources available. Many students just don't take the time to look for them or are too scared to ask their professors. Everything is set at the students feet, it is just a matter of students taking advantage of the situation. There are over 400 clubs here at UCD and many more to be created. There are several volunteer/internships available which could turn out to be a 3 month interview for certain positions. Davis has so much to offer from its town, community, academics, and social life. Yes this school is not perfect and may not be meant for some people. Yes, you will have some professors that are arrogant, TAs that don't care, or snooty premed/prelaw students, but you will find that anywhere.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2008

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Campus Aesthetics: F

UCD is a great school. It is one of the last college towns in the United States. Contrary to what people say, Davis is NOT a boring town. There are always things to do. They may not be right at your finger tips, but if you go looking for them, they are there. Walking downtown on a thursday, friday or saturday night gives way to a ton of opportunities and fun. The campus is beautiful and very well planned and developed. While parts of it are old, they are getting rebuilt and retrofitted to the new or current buildings. There are tons of student clubs and organizations to join and participate in. Most people who speak negatively of Davis are the people who sit in their room and complain that they are bored. If you have the ambition of going out, getting involved and having fun then UCD is the school for you. Davis is never boring.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2008

Individual Value: A+, Scholastic Success: C+

UCD is a fantastic school, and I am proud to be able to call myself an Aggie! After having spent the last four years here as an undergraduate,I feel as though I have been exposed to a variety of opinions, people, and areas to study. Davis has really opened my eyes to a world that is bigger than I am.

There has been no point in my college career when I ever felt lonely. I have always been surrounded by friends and classmates who may be down to go see a movie, to sit at a coffee shop and talk, or play intramural sports. If clubs and organizations are what you are looking for, then go to the SPAC website. There you will find the listings for over 450 clubs and other types of organizations. If we don't have something, then start your own club! I did it three years ago with some of my friends and it was such an easy process. UCD has so many opportunities to get involved and make friends, but you do have to be willing to put forth the the effort.

The classes at UCD are what you make of them. If you want to slack off and get easy A's then there are some opportunities for that. However, if you are truly at the University level to learn for the sake of learning, and not because you think that you should, then UCD is the place for you! There are professors in every department who are willing to help get you more involved in your field. I graduated with a double major and a minor, and the hardest part for me was deciding what area I wanted to focus my attention on. Teachers are also mandated to have office hours, and the biggest mistake that you could make at UCD is not asking them for help when you need it.

The city of Davis is a small suburban town, and anyone who attends the school expecting something else will be disappointed. There are bars and movie theaters, coffee shops and boutiques. It was amazing to me how many of my friends came to Davis freshman year and complained about the city. When I asked them if they had ever been to the city before they said no. I had before I applied, and I LOVED IT! It is very cute and friendly. When I go to the farmer's market, I feel like a true member of a community, not just a temporary student. There is a very relaxed feeling to the downtown area.

There is no doubt in my mind that UCD was the perfect place for me to spend my college years. Now that I am a graduate student here too, I look forward to more wonderful years. I am a loyal Aggie. GO AGS!

4th Year Female -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A, Collaboration/Competitive: B+