<p>Hi gnarmenta,</p>
<p>I’m a transfer student just finishing up my first year at UCD. I’ll be 25 next month. </p>
<p>1) What’s you’re experience been like?
My experience has been great so far. Most of my classmates are younger than me, and sometimes I do feel a bit of a generation gap (believe it or not) but overall I’ve enjoyed the college experience. At first, I was afraid that I would not be able to keep up (since I transfered from a community college), but I’ve managed to maintain a 3.8 GPA.</p>
<p>2) Are you from the Central Valley (Sac Area)? If not, what’s your transition been like? (I’d be moving from SF, which I find it nearly impossible to do).
I’m actually from Vacaville, which is about 20 miles from Davis. I didn’t move when I transferred to UCD, and I still commute to campus. I can’t really help you out here if you are planning to live in a student apartment; although, I can say that Davis is a wonderful city with friendly people and so many things to do. SF is definitely a much busier city than Davis, but I think you’ll enjoy the much more laid-back setting.</p>
<p>3) How often do you visit San Francisco?
I visit San Francisco a lot. The hustle and bustle of the city is nice for the day, but I wouldn’t want to live there. </p>
<p>4) Do you live in Davis? If so, it seems more on the youthful side and do you find yourself wishing you were in a more urbane setting?
Again, I don’t live in Davis, but don’t let the “Aggies” thing fool you. It’s not some farm town with nothing going on–Davis has a lot to offer socially and culturally. Lots of events, outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants, and so on. If you miss the city life, you can always go to Sacramento (although I’d much rather go to SF than Sac–at least it’s closer).</p>
<p>5) What’s your major? Are you satisfied with your major and the academic side of Davis?
I transferred as an English major and recently switched to History. I love the UCD History department and I’ve never had a history professor that I didn’t like. I’ve also taken classes in the English and Russian departments with no complaints. I am very satisfied with the academics at UCD. </p>
<p>6) What are your plans post-undergraduate at Davis? Work, graduate/professional school, staying in Davis, moving to another city?
I’m actually considering moving to Davis after graduation and attending their School of Education for a teaching credential. Although if I don’t move to Davis, I would probably go further west to the bay area. I don’t know about you, but I hate the heat, and Davis gets pretty damn hot in the summertime! </p>
<p>Last thing:</p>
<p>When I was going to community college, I had every intention of going to Berkeley. When it came time to transfer, I applied to Berkeley and was accepted. Deciding between Berkeley and Davis was one of the most agonizing dilemmas I’ve ever had. However, I chose Davis for a few reasons: first, like you, I like the quarter system MUCH better. The 10-week terms fly by, and you have more opportunities to take different classes. Second, the parking/transportation situation with Berkeley was going to be such a hassle; here at Davis, you can drive your car, take the bus, or ride your bicycle (without getting run over).</p>
<p>Finally, I’ve found that (contrary to popular belief) UCD is just as academically rigorous as Berkeley, so don’t feel like you’re settling for less. UCD is a very reputable school; it’s just not as well-known as Berkeley–that’s all. I wish you the best of luck. Hope I could help!</p>