the truth about UC Davis....

Emma Bishoff
6 Apr 202017:11
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Emma shares her experiences and insights about UC Davis, addressing common concerns and misconceptions. She dispels the myth of Davis being a boring farm school by highlighting the vibrant campus life, the importance of owning a bike due to the large campus size, and the availability of various activities and resources. Emma also discusses dorm life, emphasizing the benefits of making friends within your dorm and the different types of dorms available. She provides practical advice on managing finances, such as using Aggie cash for snacks and utilizing free bus services instead of personal cars. Emma encourages students to take advantage of on-campus resources like the gym, health services, and academic support. She also touches on the social aspects of college, including Greek life and the balance between academics and social activities. Lastly, she offers tips for academic success, suggesting that students take challenging courses early on and utilize tutoring services. Emma's video is a comprehensive guide for prospective students, painting a picture of UC Davis as a welcoming, supportive, and academically rigorous institution.

Takeaways
  • 🚲 The importance of owning a bike and using locks at UC Davis due to the large campus size and the convenience it provides for getting around.
  • 🏠 Dorm life at UC Davis varies, with Segundo being in a good location and offering a more traditional dorm experience compared to the newer Tercero.
  • 🍲 Utilizing Aggie Cash for food on campus and considering off-campus options for better value and variety.
  • 🚌 Taking advantage of free bus services around Davis for transportation instead of using personal cars, which can be impractical for freshmen.
  • πŸš΄β€β™‚οΈ Jump bikes being a popular and cost-effective alternative to personal cars or ride-sharing services for short trips around town.
  • πŸ€— Being open to meeting new people and making friends in the dorms, which can lead to a more enjoyable college experience.
  • πŸ‹οΈβ€β™€οΈ Using on-campus resources like the ARC for fitness and health services, and the Writing Center for academic support.
  • 🌳 Exploring different parts of the campus like the MU Quad and the Arboretum to take advantage of the natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • πŸ€” Not being overly stressed about roommate selection, as there are options to change if compatibility issues arise.
  • πŸŽ“ The academic rigor at UC Davis, particularly for STEM majors, and the importance of striving for high grades to maintain a good GPA.
  • πŸ“š Taking advantage of free tutoring services for freshmen to assist with challenging courses.
Q & A
  • What was Emma's initial impression of UC Davis before attending?

    -Emma initially thought UC Davis was a small town in the middle of nowhere that would smell like cow manure and be similar to a farm school.

  • Why is having a bike essential at UC Davis according to Emma?

    -A bike is essential at UC Davis because the campus is very large, and it can take up to 25 minutes to walk from one end to the other. A bike helps students get to classes on time.

  • What are some tips for securing a bike at UC Davis?

    -Emma suggests using tons of locks, securing both the seat and the tire to the frame, and using a detachable light that should be removed when not in use. She also recommends following UC Davis's bike lock tutorials for proper security.

  • What are the three types of dorms at UC Davis mentioned by Emma?

    -The three types of dorms mentioned are Tercero, Segundo, and Cuarto. Tercero and Segundo are on-campus with communal bathrooms, while Cuarto is off-campus and suite-style.

  • How does Emma feel about the dining options at UC Davis?

    -Emma appreciates the late-night dining options, particularly at the DC (Dining Commons), which is open until midnight and provides a convenient snack option for students studying late.

  • What advice does Emma give about managing expenses at UC Davis?

    -Emma advises using Aggie Cash for on-campus purchases, checking Facebook Marketplace or local shops for items instead of the school store, and utilizing free bus services instead of bringing a car or using Uber/Lyft.

  • How does Emma suggest making friends in the dorms?

    -Emma recommends being open and introducing oneself to people, making as many friends as possible while staying genuine, and having friends on the same floor for company and study partners.

  • What resources does Emma highlight for academic and health support at UC Davis?

    -Emma highlights the ARC (gym), student health and counseling services, the Writing Center for tutoring, and various clubs and organizations that offer support and resources for students.

  • What does Emma think about the social life and nightlife at UC Davis?

    -Despite its location, Emma finds that there is a good social life and nightlife at UC Davis, including Greek life and parties. She emphasizes that students go there for school, so there is a good balance.

  • How does Emma describe the atmosphere at UC Davis?

    -Emma describes the atmosphere at UC Davis as very chill, peaceful, and filled with outdoor activities. She enjoys the nice weather and the friendly community.

  • What is Emma's major at UC Davis and how does she find the academic rigor?

    -Emma's major is Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (MPB), which she finds challenging, especially in the upper division. She emphasizes the need to strive for A's due to the 4.0 grading scale and the difficulty of the courses.

  • What advice does Emma give for students considering Greek life at UC Davis?

    -Emma advises going through the rushing process to experience the benefits of Greek life, which include a sense of community, resources, and opportunities for personal growth and networking.

Outlines
00:00
🚲 Navigating UC Davis with a Bike

Emma discusses her initial perceptions of UC Davis as a small town with a farm school vibe, which was not entirely accurate. She emphasizes the importance of having a bike due to the large campus size, which can take up to 25 minutes to walk across. She advises freshmen to secure their bikes with locks, especially during the first few weeks, and to learn the proper way to lock a bike by following UC Davis's social media tutorials. Emma also shares her personal experience of not having any bike accidents during her freshman year and encourages new students to overcome their fear and start biking from the first day.

05:00
🏠 Dorm Life and Saving Money at UC Davis

The video covers different types of dorms at UC Davis, including on-campus options like Tercero and Segundo, and off-campus at Cuarto. Emma shares her preference for Segundo due to its proximity to Trader Joe's, restaurants, and downtown, as well as its newer facilities. She also talks about the convenience of late-night dining options and the importance of utilizing Aggie Cash for food trucks and campus eateries. Emma suggests avoiding high spending on textbooks and transportation by using campus resources like the bus system and Jump bikes, and being open to making new friends in the dorms.

10:01
πŸ“š Academics and Campus Resources at UC Davis

Emma highlights the availability of on-campus resources such as the ARC gym, free classes, student health and counseling services, and academic support like the Writing Center and tutoring. She encourages students to take advantage of these resources and to explore different parts of the campus, including the MU, the quad, and the Arboretum. She also addresses common concerns about adjusting to college life, the social scene, and the balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Emma provides insights into the orientation process and course registration, stressing the importance of staying on track with degree requirements.

15:01
πŸŽ“ College Life, Greek Life, and Academic Challenges at UC Davis

In this part, Emma talks about her experience with Greek life, noting that while rushing was exhausting, the benefitsδΊ‹εŽ came. She mentions the time commitment and the opportunities for networking and advice from older members. Emma discusses her major in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (MPB), acknowledging the difficulty of the program compared to other majors. She advises new students to aim for high grades due to the 4.0 grading scale and to take advantage of tutoring services. She also recommends taking harder classes early on to determine if a major is the right fit and to utilize the support available from peers in the dorms.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘UC Davis
UC Davis, also known as the University of California, Davis, is a public research university and the focus of the video. The speaker shares her experiences and insights about the university, which is central to the video's theme of providing advice and information for prospective students.
πŸ’‘Bike
A bike is a bicycle, a human-powered vehicle used for transportation. In the context of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a bike at UC Davis due to the large campus size, making it a crucial tool for getting around efficiently and avoiding tardiness for classes.
πŸ’‘Dorm Life
Dorm life refers to the experience of living in a residence hall or dormitory, typically in a university setting. The video discusses different types of dorms at UC Davis, including on-campus and off-campus options, and the speaker shares her personal preference and experiences, highlighting the social and logistical aspects of dorm living.
πŸ’‘Aggie Cash
Aggie Cash is a declining balance account associated with a student's university identification card, used for making purchases on campus. The speaker advises students to utilize their Aggie Cash for food and other items, as it is provided to them every quarter and can be used at various campus locations.
πŸ’‘Transportation
Transportation refers to the means of moving people or goods from one place to another. In the video, the speaker talks about the importance of using campus buses and Jump bikes as cost-effective and convenient modes of transportation around Davis, especially for students without a car.
πŸ’‘Roommate
A roommate is a person with whom one shares a living space, such as a dormitory room or apartment. The video emphasizes the importance of being open to making friends with one's roommate and setting clear boundaries to maintain a harmonious living situation, which is crucial for a positive college experience.
πŸ’‘On-Campus Resources
On-campus resources refer to the facilities, services, and opportunities provided by a university for its students. The speaker highlights various resources at UC Davis, including the ARC (student recreation center), health and counseling services, and academic support like the Writing Center, which are designed to enhance students' college life.
πŸ’‘Greek Life
Greek life refers to the social culture associated with fraternities and sororities at colleges and universities. The speaker shares her experience with rushing and being part of a sorority, noting that while it can be time-consuming, it also provides a sense of community, resources, and support for its members.
πŸ’‘Major
A major is the main academic subject or field in which a student chooses to specialize during their studies at a university. The video discusses the speaker's major, Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (NPB), and how it is a challenging but rewarding field of study with a variety of required classes.
πŸ’‘Academic Advising
Academic advising is the guidance provided to students by counselors or faculty to help them make informed decisions about their academic progress and course selection. The speaker mentions that orientation at UC Davis includes meeting with major advisors and using websites to track degree progress, which is essential for students to plan their academic journey.
πŸ’‘Independence
Independence refers to the state of being self-governing or self-reliant. In the context of the video, the speaker reflects on the newfound independence she experienced living away from home at college, emphasizing the personal growth and self-sufficiency that comes with managing one's own life while at university.
Highlights

Emma shares her personal experience and advice about UC Davis, dispelling misconceptions about the campus and environment.

UC Davis is not just a 'farm school'; Emma found the experience to be much more enriching than expected.

The importance of having a bike and multiple locks on campus due to its large size and the convenience it offers for transportation.

Bike safety tips, including how to properly lock a bike and the use of a detachable light.

Emma's dormitory experience and her preference for Segundo dorms over Tercero, based on personal experience.

The benefits of using Aggie Cash for on-campus purchases and the convenience of late-night dining options.

Recommendations for avoiding high spending on transportation by utilizing campus buses and Jump bikes.

The significance of being open to making new friends and setting clear boundaries with roommates and peers.

Utilizing on-campus resources such as the ARC gym, health services, and academic support like tutoring and the Writing Center.

Exploring different parts of the campus like the MU Quad and Arboretum for relaxation and enjoyment.

Emma's tips on adjusting to college life, including the importance of independence and making friends within your dorm.

The social life at UC Davis, addressing concerns about nightlife and the availability of Greek life and parties.

Orientation details and how it helps students register for classes and understand degree requirements.

Emma's favorite aspect of Davis is its chill atmosphere, the outdoorsy culture, and the pleasant weather.

Her advice on exploring nearby cities like Sacramento and San Francisco for a broader college experience.

Insights into the Greek life process at UC Davis, including the rush experience and the benefits of joining a sorority.

Emma's major in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (MPB) and her experiences with the academic rigor of the program.

Strategies for academic success, such as taking harder courses in the first year and utilizing free tutoring resources.

Her closing thoughts on UC Davis as a great school with a supportive community and numerous opportunities.

Transcripts
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