Welcome and Congratulations
Congratulations! Your student has worked hard and sacrificed to get to this moment in their lives. We are delighted that you and your student have chosen to attend UC Davis, and we are honored to be of service. Welcome to the Aggie Family. We hope the following information will be valuable to you and your student.
Keeping your first-year student on track
Academic Calendar
Academic Success
We have three academic success centers located on campus and a variety of programming such as workshops, tutoring and support to help ensure your student’s academic success in a variety of subjects. In addition, please remind your student about the additional resources available at each campus residence hall location through peer mentoring and First Year Experience. Please click here for more information.
Aggie Parent and Family Association
The Aggie Parent and Family Association was created to provide a family network, support and resources to UC Davis family members. We encourage you to consider getting involved by joining the association. You will receive numerous benefits, discounts, and 10% off purchases (excluding text books) at the bookstore. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to network with other Aggie family members while supporting our programming efforts and enabling us to continue to serve UC Davis families.
Center for Student Involvement
The Center for Student Involvement provides your student with hundreds of opportunities to get involved, join a campus community or create a club or organization on their own. Getting involved will enhance your students overall experience at UC Davis.
Communication with your student
Every family dynamic is different from the next. The best way to establish good communication with your student is to sit down prior to their arrival on campus to ask them what their communication preferences are. Do they prefer a phone call once a week, or would they like to communicate via text message, etc.? While there is not just one right way to approach communication, the majority of students tell us that text messages are easiest in terms of their being able to respond to a message at their leisure rather than interrupting them in class or at work, etc. They can respond to a text, if not immediately, at a more convenient time. Remember they will have a tremendous amount going on during their first month on campus. It isn’t always easy to give them their space during this time. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a letter from home, or consider sending a care package.
First-Year Seminar Program
First-Year Seminars tap into the shared curiosity of UC Davis students and their instructors to create communities of people excited to learn. With approximately 300 seminars offered each year, there’s plenty to discover. Our seminar classes are designed to bring UC Davis' newest students face-to-face with instructors and fellow students in small classes where conversation is key. At one to two units each, and limited to a maximum of 19 students, they are intended to be intimate experiences that fit into your student’s busy schedule. Encourage your student to explore this program for more information visit fys.ucdavis.edu
Financial Aid and Scholarships
To qualify for financial aid, you must file either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application using the UC Davis school code-001313. For full financial aid eligibility and consideration, be sure to file your application each year by the March 2 priority deadline. Also, the UC Davis Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships office provides prospective and enrolled students with information and access to internal and external financial resources. They believe in the critical need for student financial support and in the University’s guiding principal of providing equitable access to higher education. They assist students with the UC Davis Scholarship Application process and help students with private and prestigious scholarship searches and applications.
Health and Safety
As parents, there is no topic more important than health and safety. For information on the Student Health and Wellness Center, please click here. There are numerous programs to support your student’s wellness and safety from our “Safe Ride” program, which safely transports students both on and off campus, day and night.
In the Know
Stay connected to campus, keep in touch about important dates and deadlines and learn about the latest news through the monthly parent e-newsletter. For more information and past issues, please click on the link above.
Move-In Weekend
Your student will receive an email in late August notifying them of their roommate assignment, dorm assignment and move-in date. Parent and Family Programs will be tabling at the UC Davis bookstore each day and can answer questions and provide information about where to eat, shop for dorm items or other nearby areas to visit. Additionally, we host a letter writing station each year where parents can stop by to write their student a personal letter. We will mail the letters during the first week of school.
Packing List
Second Year Housing
After their first year, most students find housing in the community, in private housing or apartment complexes. Campus also provides second year housing for those students who would like to continue to live on campus. Other options include campus apartments or cooperatives and UC Davis fraternities and sororities. Events, called workshops, are offered during November and January each year at each dorm location. At these workshops, Student Housing coordinators and property managers from the city of Davis help students prepare to secure housing for the next year and cover the topics of finding an apartment, living with a roommate, the importance of credit and finance, and information about leases. Additionally, the Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD) host a housing day in late January or early February, which is attended by representatives of all major apartment communities in Davis. The Housing Day provides an excellent apartment overview for students. If your student is moving into community housing, below are links to some utilities that may not be included in rent and may need to be activated by your student.
- Electric and Gas: Pacific Gas and Electric
- Water, Sewer and Garbage: City of Davis
- Television, telephone and Internet Options:
- Money—Cashier/Payment and Banking
- UC Davis Accounting and Financial Services-for students
- information on bill payments - see above link
- ATM’s on the Davis and UCDMC campuses
- Banks, Credit Unions and ATM’s in Davis CA
- There are many bank and credit union options in Davis, the above link provides information as presented on the SISS website and is good information for all students.
Summer Storage
Unfortunately, storage units in Davis are generally not available. The UPS Store (140 B St Suite 5) will pick up items and bikes, store them over the summer and return them in the fall.
Transportation
Getting Involved
Ambassador or Parent Council Member
As your student continues to be involved, we invite you to do the same! Volunteer as a Parent Ambassador at events on campus and in your home area. The Office of Parent and Family Programs provides a range of volunteer activities that will help connect you with fellow Aggie Parents, faculty and alumni throughout the school year. Consider applying to become a member of the UC Davis Parent and Family Council. The Council provides a network of parent and family volunteers committed to improving the quality of the university experience for all UC Davis families. Council members help guide the department of Parent and Family Program’s efforts with regard to communication, engagement and enrichment programs for UC Davis Families. Council members participate in two in-person meetings per year and may work remotely to promote additional committee efforts. Council members are encouraged to make an annual gift to UC Davis. Applications are accepted in December and January of each year.
Homecoming and Parent and Family Weekend
Spend time on campus with your student and enjoy an eventful and memorable fall weekend. Be a student for a day by participating in a morning of specially selected faculty presentations followed by a traditional college football game.
New Family Welcome Receptions – Hosted in late August and early September
New Family Welcome events are hosted at various locations by parents, alumni and friends of the university. These summer gatherings are held in California and virtually for Aggies across the globe to join.
Other Opportunities
Visit parents.ucdavis.edu or contact the Office of Parent and Family Programs to learn more about how you can get involved.
Visitor Services 530-752-8111
Student Housing 530-752-2033
Student Health & Counseling Center 530-752-2300
Student Disability Center 530-752-3184
UC Davis Parent Fund 530-754-1100
Parent & Family Programs 530-754-9180
Police (nonemergency) 530-754-2677
Police – emergency 911
Registrar 530-752-3639
Campus Directory Assistance 530-752-1011
Student Alumni Association 530-752-0286
Internship & Career Center 530-752-2855
Financial Aid Office 530-752-2390
Student Accounting 530-752-3646
Athletics Ticket Office 530-752-2471
Mondavi Ticket Office 530-754-2787
Office of Parent and Family Programs
Buehler Alumni Center
One Shields Avenue
Davis, California 95616
(530) 754-9180 – parentprograms@ucdavis.edu – parents.ucdavis.edu