University of California-Davis Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

desiree

choose a place you want to live for the next 4 years.

Tim

When I first arrived at school, one of my dorm-mates went door to door, introducing himself and getting everyone to follow him around the building meeting newcomers. I attribute this one person's outgoing attitude to the cohesiveness of my dorm for the rest of the year. Make sure you meet as many people as you can when everyone is still new, and try to include everyone, especially the people who seem outsiders in floor dinners, Frisbee games, and the like. If you make friends now, you'll be friends with these people for the rest of your time in college. After you've mastered the dorm scene, join clubs, intramural sports teams, or your school's student government. You'll meet people who share your interests in an environment that helps overcome that awkward "why are you talking to me, I don't know you" situation that you get into walking up to a stranger.

Kirstin

When I was a high school senior, I wish someone had told me that being myself is the most important part of college. Alot of times in high school, kids tend to try to assimilate to what their friends like and do the same things, but in college there is such a diverse student body and fitting in isn't as important because its easier to find friends with similar interests. I also wish that I would have known that its okay to ease my way in. The first quarter of college doesn't necesarily have to be the quarter where you take a million hard classes--its totally okay to take 3 easy ones so you can grow accostomed to college life, make friends, an learn how to do well thought out work. Lastly, I think that it is important for incoming freshmen to know that taking advantage of resources will help alot with adapting to college life and learning how to be an effective adult. I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunites available in the dorms my freshman year.

PAMELA

Bring a car so you can leave Davis and go to Sacramento when Downtown isn't enough! Make sure you like reading a lot. It's okay if you don't know what you're going to be doing yet, you have time to take GE classes. Definitely bring a bike so you can ride around with your friends. Be ready for what life is about to bring you. Anything can happen. Love yourself and be confident. Take advantage of the things that are offered to you. Learn to balance study time and social time. Learn to cook because after the DC is gone you'll have to cook for yourself. School should come first because when you're done and have your degree, you can have any job you want that will make you happy and you will love doing it so it would not feel like a job at all. Party with people you know and trust. Bring rainy day clothing. The weather here can be ridiculous. Bring appropriate summer clothing because the summer is unbearable. Be happy and find ways to release stree because there will be days where you will get overwhelmed. However, keep fighting through.

Vivian

Be open to new things and don't be afraid to ask questions to anyone, whether it be other students or professors. Pick a major that you really like because you will do well in it. Remember to study but have fun. A balance of those two will yield a satisfying college life. Remember to visit the campus of the school of your choice. Make good decisions.

Irma

The advice that I will give to myself is that it is important to do well in school. If there are advanced placement courses in my highschool, I should take those courses to give me the opportunity to be prepared and succeed. Before graduating, it is a great idea to start looking for campuses that satisfy me. For example, there are many campuses that will not have the major that I would like to study. It is important to research for all the information that I need before applying to the campuses that I first had in mind . Then, after I have completed the application process, it is important to apply for financial aid and to keep myself informed about all the deadlines because if you miss a deadline, there is a possibility that I will not attend to college. Sometimes there is a family crisis that happens before you attend college. For this reason, many freshmen give up and decide to drop out. Please do not do this, if this happens to you, never think that your opportunity has ended. Always have in mind that you are important and that everything in this world is possible, always think positive!

Emily

Skim a lot of the assigned reading

Lexie

College. Back in high school, that one word would have sprung up images of frat parties and students taking tests in large lecture halls that I'd seen in movies. After now knowing what it's all about, I would tell myself that college really is all about that. However, my advice would be to stay focused. Freshman year, I got side-tracked into the greek system and partying instead of studying when I should've. College is all about a balancing act: classes on one side and parties on the other. You have to stay in the middle to stay on track. Otherwise, things could get messy. It's important to understand what you're in college to do. There's more to college life than the drama and drinking games. An education is important, because college only lasts for four years, but you have the rest of your life to think about. It would be a shame to put this education to a waste, because life rarely gives second chances. For a history major, it's more important to know about World War II rather than who won the last beer pong tournament. Stay on task.

Paradee

Nothing, because I believe I did my best when I was in high school, and I am perfectly happy in my college now :)

Stephanie

Be sure to be ready for a different life compared to high school. Not to worry about making friends, because that will happen faster than you realize. Focus on studying and keeping it up. Once you fall behind, you cannot catch up as easily as you did in high school. Focus, FOCUS, FOCUS!!!

Angela

Go to a community college first. Save money and spend the two years getting your general education done, slowly becoming more independant from your family so once you move out it's not a huge shock to your system, or theirs. Make friends with people in your classes. Talk to them about their goals and plans for the future and network with them so you have a wide variety of people you can turn to for advice. Utilize your school's academic counseling centers, financial aid offices, careers centers-anything that will help you make the right decisions for getting through college and on the right track for your future. Also, make sure you major in something you love! Otherwise you will suffer the entire time you are in college, not only wasting time, but probably dragging your grades down too.

Aisha

Be prepared to meet lots of new people, especially when moving into the dorms. Living in the dorms is a unique experience, which you should not miss out on. There are always people around to study or hang out with, and many will be your friend and hang out once you move out of the dorms as well. Get involved in clubs because this is a good way to meet people with similar interests. Be sure to have fun in whatever clubs you do, otherwise there is no point in being a part of it.

Kimberlee

UC Davis is a place where you will create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't hesitate to try new things and meet new people, because these are the people who you will remember for the rest of your life. Do not doubt yourself either; you have already proven that you can do anything that you set your mind to. College is definitely going to be tough, but with dedication, hard work, and new friends by your side, anything can happen. Just remember one thing: no matter how difficult or impossible something may seem, never give up. Be ready for an amazing beginning to the rest of your life, starting now.

Elizabeth

Looking back I would tell myself as a high school senior that college is amazing and not to be so concerned and worried. When I first came here I was apprehensive about doing gymnastics and how I would get along with the coaches and the team. Also, I have always been shy so it took me awhile to open up and really start to socialize. Knowing what I know now, I would have been more social at the beginning and talked with more people. In high school people judge you by what you wear and who you hang out with, but in college many people wear sweatpants to class and I feel like they are much more accepting of who you really are. Also people are much more friendly, in high school it would take awhile for you to study or hang out with people. However, in college I would study or hang out with people after only meeting them once or twice. College is a great experience and allows you to grow and try new things, you should embrace it and take advangtage of all of the opportunies presented.

Margaret

If I could go back in time and offer advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry about people's judgement of my decision to take a year off after high school. I was really concerned with the judgement of people who assumed there was only one way to get to college- directly out of high school. However, I decided to take a break and travel as much as I could, and looking back, it was the best decision I could have made.

Yng

I would advice myself to always stay focus in school.

Rachel

I know the first quarter is going to be hard for you; the dorm life will be startling and moving away from home will be a huge change. But just get out there anyway. Meet new people, take chances. Don't worry about getting embarassed or looking like a fool. Have fun and expand your horizons.

Carolina

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not give up no matter how hard it may seem to be in college. I know how stressful it can get and how much work there is to be done. I would want myself to dedicate all my time on my work and on trying to obtain the highest grades I could possibly get. Being one of the students who always got high grades in high school and going to one who isn't at the top anymore in college is difficult but I know now that giving up is not the answer because it won't get you far or anywhere.

Tierra

Study!!! I didn't really know how to study in high school because I didn't have to. Once I got to college, I had to learn fast. I wish I could have learned how to study sooner because it would have helped me a lot. In terms of making the transition, I would tell my self to just go with the flow. Be friendly to everyone because you don't know who will become a life long friend. Be open to all ideas and opinions because not everyone thinks the same way you do.

kristy

Take life seriously and learn the material instead of just memorizing for the tests

Tanya

Dear Tanya, Before you go off to college, I hope you have an idea of what you would like to study because it will make life so much easier. But if you dont, dont worry, just make sure you take advantage of the courses offered your freshmen year. Take courses in different fields so you can see what interests you best. It doesnt matter just how crazy and random the course may sound, try it. The point of your freshman year is to experience. Take a plants, a chicana/o studies, a political science, and a music course who knows maybe you decide to major in one of those fields. Also, dont forget where you come from, and who you "really" are, be smart and think twice before you act, your going to be over 400 miles away from home - and wont have mom to tell you what you can and can't do, so act like a young responsibe adult, if you party - party safe - if you drink - dont over do it, theres nothing cool about not remebering a thing from last nights party. And lasty, don't forget to write to mom and dad - and grandma too.

Gabrielle

Work a lot harder, retake the standarized tests more, and don't set your goal to be Harvard.

Semu

First thing i will tell myself is to find a job. Money is a big issue when it comes to college especially if your parents don't earn enough to support your college costs. Getting a job and saving money can help with the transition to college because you are independent. Secondly, if i was giving myself advice as a high school senior, i will tell myself to use available resources that colleges and high schools provide. In another words, know what classes i will have to take and the requirements of those classes. Most college courses require you to take advaced placement tests, knowing this, one might want to study before taking those tests, because failing to pass the tests might hold you back.

Vincent

The passion and idealism you carry over from high school might not necessarily end up translating into the future. Four years at a university might not seem like a long time, but it is a very important four years in terms of your own growth as a person. You might find out halfway into your college career that you ar eno longer the same person you were in high school, and that you no longer have the same ambitions, and concurrently, that you no longer hold the same ideals. It tends to be a scary time; your future is clouded and you feel as if you lack direction. Relax and see it as an opportunity to do some exploring. You might discover a hidden talent or a new passion to guide the rest of the way. It helps to stop thinking sometimes and just do. Life has a funny way with people; it never leaves us without direction for too long. You'll have plenty of time to stress out in the future.

Kristin

Undecided on a major? That's OK at UC Davis.

Marcus

Really be open in exploring possibilities in college, don't be afraid to try new things or being accepting of new ideas, and make sure you are always enjoying your time here.

Trevin

I will tell myself that all classes are way different from high school classes. AP classes are only the tip of the iceberg. Classes are exponentially harder and getting an A is not impossible, but doable. It takes time and effort to do well on your classes. Don't be lazy and get everything on time. Do your assigned and recommended homework because they help on midterm. Go to office hours and learn from your professor and get to know him/her better. Time management is the key and social life also plays an important role in college life. Meet as many people as you can and don't be shy on exploroing your campus. Getting to know you're adviser and meeting upperclassmen in your intended major is also a good thing. Take advantage of all the available help and resources you school is providing. Lastly, cherish every moment you spend as a college student because you will build life-long friends and knowledge that you will apply in your everyday life.

Tianna

Knowing what I know now the first thing I would tell myself as a high school senior would be that as scary as it seems at first, it does get easier. College is similar to high school in many ways except for the fact that college allows you to do things on your own terms. For that reason it is good to take a variety of classes in your first year to find out what you really like, though at the same time the earlier you figure out what you want to do, the better your courseload will be as well as your ablitiy to finish on time. Likewise, I would advise myself to apply for scholarships the summer after you graduate seeing as many scholarships are offered for students who have just graduated. I made the mistake of waiting till now to apply for scholarships and now I am struggling to figure out how to pay for college instead of enjoying my college years. Lastly, I would urge myself to get involved with as much as possible because I now realize that college is much more than an academic experience, it is a life experience and a life lesson.

Derek

A college is a place where you need to feel like the student belongs. When a person decides on a college they need to go to a school that makes them happy and allows them to feel like they are starting a new chapter in their life. I chose UC Davis because it allowed me to have my independence as well as stay within a reasonable distance to my parents. UC Davis also allows me to pursue my career goal of becoming a doctor, and at the same time meet all sorts of new people. Making friends is essential, because the people you meet are going through the same things as you. In the end my best advice would be to chose the place that you know will make you happy.

Stephanie

let their kids choose

Ida

I was told to choose a school in the same manner I would select a shirt; pick one that is comfy, that looks good on you- by complimenting who you are. I did not go to the most prestigous school I got in to - and I beleive I am ultimatley happier because of it. Pick the college that is right for you not because that's where others want you to attend. Be thorough about your research- try to learn about the school through different sources- visit if possible. Once you are at school take advantage of all the diverse opportunities available- there are so many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. However realize that your time is finite and you will have more demands on your time than actual time so be efficent. Ultmitaley I think most people love college once they get there- its almost more about being in college than the actual school.

Brian

Parents shouldn't force their children to attend schools they are not interested in,; this includes applying to schools they are not interestedin as well. Students must be happy at their school and study hard! The works begins from day one and there is no time for breaks.

SAMANTHA

I would advise parents and students to visit all the campuses they have in interest and learn as much as they can about what the school has to offer, especially in the area of their study. For the students, make sure to be a hardworker, a great time manager, and very organized. Take your education importantly, but also have fun with it.

Elizabeth

My best advice to parents and students who are about to embark on the college choosing experience is to pick the college that best suits the incoming student. Your college is ultimately your academic and social network for the next four plus years and it is highly influential in the life that the student will go on to lead. What parents and students must do, is to visit the campuses that they are interested in. You will not know how you fit in with an atmosphere until you go and visit it. More important than a school's academic prestige, school spirit, research opportunities, or social life is whether or not the student fits in there and feels comfortable. Feeling welcome in a setting is what is going to help you excel. So, no matter what, visit the college you are interested in to see if you could see yourself living happily there for the next four years of your life.

Kevin

Find a college that fits one's personality. UC Davis for me fits that very well. It is a relaxed college town and non-hetic places are easy to find. Yet at the same time I can easily go to the gym and play basketball or workout, also on the weekends I can find a party to go to. I would tell a prospective student that if they are a person that enjoys relaxing then go to a smaller college or a college similar to Davis with a small college feel. Contrary to that if they enjoy being around many people and are a more fast paced person than attend a colege that is in a big city. Just consider school that fit one's personal lifestyle to not only have a good environment to learn, but to enjoy their time at the college of their choice.

Sarah

There are many pieces of advice that I could give but most of them, I am sure, have been said. However, one piece of advice that cannot be reiterated enough is to follow instinct. Students should pursue what they truly enjoy and succeed at while parents need to be supportive in any way they can. Students, find a major that is truly enjoyable and gratifying. It is extremely rare that a student straight out of high school will know exactly what they want to do. Do not be afraid to apply as undeclared! Try out some interesting classes while clearing out those GEs. Do not try to push through a torturous course load. You will be miserable. Of course there will always be hard courses, but they should be exciting challenges. I have seen so many college students half way through their schooling, headed towards a career they hate. I was almost one of them. Parents, help your child find their niche. Interest is the key to ambition. Dedicated, ambitious students will not only succeed in life but soar. Remember, it is important to be supportive but not intrusive. College is the student's opportunity for independence and self discovery.

Laura

The right college might not always seem right at first. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw. Getting stuck at a "less than dream school" because of money or other issues may cast a negative light on heading off to college. However, college is what you make of it. It may sound cliche, but it is a common saying for a reason. A positive attitude is necessary to make the most of the college experience. You can wallow in pity, anger, and sadness for not getting your top choice, or you can open yourself up and put all you've got into the school. If you want to have an amazing college experience, you have to make it amazing. Join clubs, try out sports, go to concerts and events on campus. Get involved in the things that interest you and make you happy. Now is the time in life to explore yourself and your passions, leaving all other's opinions behind. The more you give your school a chance and envision yourself fitting in and having fun, the quicker this will become a reality. Just consider that the top school isn't always best; the underdog may surprise you.

Alex

I will tell them to go visit the college first, before applying for it. And should gather more information about the college too.

Julia

Ask students who have attended or are attending the school you're interested in to get a honest account of the campus. Also, go visit the schools because visiting allows you to get a feel of the campus.

Lani

I definitely had a hard time when college acceptance and rejection letters came back. I had been rejected by most of my top choices and therefore when the deadline to respond to schools came around, I was still waiting to hear about my appeals to those schools. Because of this I responded to UC Davis without really investing much thought into it, because I was sure that I would get admission on appeal to UCLA and Berkeley. When I didn't, I was crushed and disappointed and started my freshman year with a bad attitude. However, it slowly dawned on me that I could make my college experience what I wanted it to be no matter what school I went to. Opening my mind made my college experience a hundred times better. I fell in love with UC Davis and strongly advise high school seniors to consider all of their options, because the right school for them DOES exist, it just may not be found in a way they expect it to. I am pumped to return to Davis and can't wait until fall!

Yong

In two words : reach out. When you get to your college or university, you're going to realize that there are a ton of people. Just remember that every one of them is a potential friend. In your first year, you'll likely live in the dorms. Don't coop yourself in! Reach out to your roommates, your floor, the floors above and below and especially the people outside your floor! You'll learn that by joining clubs, fraternities and even going to your library, not only will you feel more connected to the school, but you'll also meet tons of new people. And don't be shy! No one knows who you are! So stick your anxiety in your high school lockers and walk into the world of college ready to meet new people, make lasting friends and reach out to everyone around you!

Ping

Self control is everything.

Lisa

It is really important to find a school that will help you achieve your life goals--if you know what you want to do with your life, you have to consider how good the department for your major is and how well-known it is to others. It is helpful when your future boss can look at your resume and see that you have graduated from a prestigious learning facility. The environment is also very important for one's personal enjoyment and learning experience. For instance, it is nice that my school is quiet and thus helps me study more efficiently, but the area around my school is barren and boring and tends to make me very bored. However, a friend goes to a school right by beach found herself very distracted her freshman year by the malls and clubs that were around, and she went from having a 3.9 GPA in high school to having a 3.2 GPA in college. Every college will have a scene for everyone. All you have to do is be yourself and try to put yourself out there. Be prepared and enthusiastic for new experiences because that's what college is about!

Chase

VISIT the campus! You can discover so much about a campus by seeing it!

Geoffrey

The best and easiest way to find the right college seems to be talking to the students themselves! But students are often single minded about their college experience. If a student generalizes one or two bad experiences they've had, they might ruin your whole impression of a school you might have otherwise loved. So instead of asking general questions about "class size" or "extracurriculars" you can get a more accurate description of a student's college experience by about a typical day or even week in their life at school. This allows you to hear first hand about the pros and cons of a school IN the CONTEXTof a students daily or weekly life. Current students are "experiencing" their college expereince right now, and the more students you talk to about each campus, the more well-rounded a description you can get each school. For instance, most prospective students would probably react badly if told that parking on campus can be terrible. However, in context, the student might hear a description like, "...I walk or ride my bike to campus most mornings..." and get a completely different (and more accurate) discription of life at the school entirely.

salvina

Campus is key. If you do not like the area, you will not enjoy being where you are at.

Robert

The hardest part about choosing the best fit college is knowing what you want in the first place. So decide on major necessities, like a gym, big library, or research facilities... Included in this is environment. Focus on population density, urban vs. suburban, and faculty/student ratios. They will deeply impact your ability to feel comfortable and enjoy what the school has to offer. One should consider how they might be inspired by the surrounding culture. Look for the most extracurriculars that relate to your passions. Thanks to Davis I fell in love with bikes and became an ambassador of sustaianable practices. So ensure that there are locally popular music venues, or art galleries, or strong community aspects of any sort. College towns are very supportive and motivating environments. Social interaction is key, don't hesitate to make connections with professors and other faculty. Similarly, it's important to have good public transportation. Saving money can be crucial for those trying to afford college. I've never needed a car, or considered it. Basically, take advantage of the local oppurtunities and get involved. You'll be happiest and most willing to engage if your passions guide your college search.

Chuethao

I?m all in, for a good College Finding the right college to attend is a long and agonizing process having to read and fill in information on piles of paper. For students, finding the right college that suits one?s taste, environment, and atmosphere is a priority and a must such as in the dorms or town that they might find themselves living upon. The living space that a person lives in effects how one study and live. That?s why it is crucial that students research extensively for good college and what they have to offer. It is important that students should know what kind of services that the school offers such as free tutoring or academic advising. Such services are important to students because it helps students progress along their career and keep their grades up. To make the most of college experiences, students need to make sure to stay active and make friends. There may be many programs and volunteer work that college may offer to help keep students active such as giving out free meals. When making a friend, never be shy because college friends will help you through college and share laughs.

Ellen

The more you know about your interests and what you want to do with your life (the more you know about yourself, really), the easier it will be for you to pick the right school for you the first time around. Don't choose a school based on prestige; make sure that it's a good school, but don't try and go for the "best" school if it doesn't focus on what you're really interested. If you don't know what you're interested in right away, take as many and as varied classes as you can and try to find what you are passionate about. Especially in large schools, you definitely need to find your niche; you'll be lost and overwhelmed otherwise. Whether it's through a job, a sorority/fraternity, or clubs, you need to find a home away from home that you can be yourself in. Above all, don't compromise yourself - stay true to your values. You'll end up making true friends and future colleagues that will last you the rest of your life.

Justin

One of the biggest pieces of advice that I wish I had been given was that of finding something I enjoyed doing and trying to do as much of it as I could. For me, this involved learning more about the biological sciences. I found my way into a research lab in my third year and have not turned back. Students should find a college is targeted and known for its work in a particular field. The students should be encouraged to find something not only on campus that interests them, but also something in the community. Be it a local bike church or a farmer's market, there are boundless opportunities at every college campus available to students that leaves it up to the student to take advantage of them. I would encourage parents to tell their students what they did during their college careers and tell the students what they wish they would have done more of. Often times, students get caught up in their social life that they forget there is another world they can be involved in. Parents can impress upon their children the importance of their future and how necessary proper education is.