UC Davis Pros and Cons

The video begins by referencing a previous video about UC Davis that contained general information and statistics. The speaker then introduces the topic of discussing the pros and cons of UC Davis, noting the absence of such a discussion for the university compared to other UC schools. The video aims to assist prospective students making decisions around admissions, which typically occur in March, with plans to return to campus in Fall 2021. The first pro highlighted is the university's brand reputation and prestige, with rankings in public and national universities. The academic workload is described as challenging but manageable, and there is a wide variety of classes and majors offered, including a unique tractor driving class. The speaker also emphasizes the friendly and helpful nature of the people at UC Davis, including staff, faculty, and local residents.

The summary of the second paragraph focuses on the convenience of local food, drinks, and shops within walking distance of the campus, particularly the University Mall (Umall) with Starbucks and Trader Joe's. The variety of dining options available to students is emphasized, from pizza to Thai, sushi, and Vietnamese cuisine. The environment at Davis is portrayed as bike-friendly and safe, with the expectation for riders to know certain rules and to secure their bikes properly. The opportunities available to students at UC Davis are vast, including on and off-campus jobs, internships, clubs, and the option to create a club if one doesn't already exist. The campus itself is large, providing quiet study spots and hosting events like Picnic Day. The speaker also mentions the Arboretum as a place for relaxation.

The first con addressed is the difficulty of parking on campus, with a lack of available spaces leading to students sometimes finding it more convenient to walk. The speaker shares personal experiences of the struggle to find parking and how it impacted their decision to drive or walk to class. The second con is the large size of the university, with over 30,000 undergraduate students leading to crowded introductory classes. The inconsistency in teaching styles among professors and the competitive registration process for popular classes are also mentioned. The speaker describes how the size of the school can affect the learning experience and the accessibility of resources.

The third con discussed is the weather in Northern California, which can be extreme, with heavy rain in the winter and scorching heat in the summer. The speaker acknowledges that while the weather is not the university's fault, it is a factor to consider. The perception of Davis as a boring place is the fourth con, with limited activities on weekends and a need to travel to nearby cities for a more vibrant social scene. Lastly, the lack of school spirit at UC Davis is mentioned, which the speaker attributes to the students' focus on academics and the university's humble nature. However, recent successes in sports and scientific achievements are highlighted as signs of an upward trend in recognition for the university.