University of California—Davis (UC Davis)

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."

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."

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."