See what Students are Posting about University of California, Davis

Campus Environment

Davis's college-town feel is consistently discussed positively. Students describe the campus as safe, quiet, bike-friendly, and community-oriented, offering a less urban, more relaxed environment compared to other UC options.

Some see this atmosphere as ideal for focusing on academics and building a close-knit friend group, especially for STEM-focused students.

Prestige Comparisons

Students sometimes debate Davis's prestige relative to UCSD, UCSB, and other top UC campuses. For STEM majors and health-related fields, Davis is viewed as highly respected, but some perceive it as slightly lower ranked for certain non-STEM areas.

Despite occasional concerns about prestige, many posts emphasize that outcomes for Davis graduates are strong, especially within California industries.

Program Strengths

UC Davis is praised for strong programs in agriculture, environmental science, biology, animal science, and veterinary medicine. Students targeting pre-vet, environmental fields, or life sciences see Davis as a top UC choice.

Engineering is also mentioned as solid, especially for students focused on practical, applied programs rather than research-only environments.

Social Life

Compared to campuses like UCSB or UCSD, Davis is often described as having a quieter social scene. While there are still events, clubs, and activities, students note it is not a major party school.

Some students prefer Davis's balance of moderate social life with strong academic support, while others lean toward livelier UC campuses depending on personal preferences.

Fit and Comfort

Overall campus comfort, including safety, friendliness, and supportive culture, is mentioned repeatedly. Students who prioritize a welcoming environment often lean toward Davis even when other options may offer marginally higher prestige.

Waitlist Outcomes

Some students share experiences navigating waitlist results at Davis and other UCs. Posts reflect uncertainty about timelines and how to prioritize Davis offers alongside waitlist possibilities at UCSD, UCLA, or Berkeley.

Peer School Comparisons

Decisions often involve comparing Davis to UCSD, UCSB, UCI, and Cal Poly SLO. Students weigh academic strengths, cost, campus environment, and social opportunities when making final choices.

Factors like specific major rankings, Regents offers, and desired campus feel often tip the decision in Davis's favor.

Cost and Value

In-state affordability is a major decision factor. Students highlight Davis as a financially smart option when compared to private schools or higher-cost UC campuses, especially when factoring in scholarships and Regents awards.

Many note that for majors where prestige differences are minimal post-graduation, Davis's value proposition is hard to beat.