UC Davis
UC Davis is a big, friendly Aggie campus set in flat farmland just west of Sacramento, where nearly everyone bikes and the university runs on the quarter system, so move-in isn't until late September. First-years live in one of three residence-hall areas — Segundo, Tercero, or Cuarto — each with its own dining commons. The Central Valley climate means a hot, dry early fall, cool and foggy winters, and a warm, sunny spring.
What to wear in Davis, month by month
The national lists assume everyone needs a winter coat. Here the real questions are heat, sun, and rain — plus clothes for buildings kept ice-cold against it.
| Move-in (late Sept) | 55–92°F | Hot, dry days and cool nights in the valley. Sunscreen, light clothes, and a layer for evenings. |
| Oct–Nov | 45–78°F | Warm fading to crisp, with the first rains late in the season. A jacket and a light rain shell. |
| Dec–Jan | 38–56°F | Cool, damp, and the famous Tule fog. A warm coat, a rain jacket, and layers. |
| Feb–Mar | 40–66°F | Wet, foggy, and greening up. An umbrella and a warmer layer. |
| Apr–Jun | 48–90°F | Warming fast — dry, bright, and hot by finals. Back to shorts and sunscreen. |
What UC Davis lets you bring
- A bike and a strong U-lock — Davis is one of the most bike-oriented towns in the country
- Sunscreen and light clothes for the hot, dry early-fall move-in
- A warm layer and rain jacket for cool, foggy winter mornings
- Twin XL bedding (confirm your specific hall)
- UL/ETL power strip with a built-in circuit breaker — not a bare extension cord
- Damage-free wall hangings like Command strips — no nails or screws
- Low-draw LED desk and task lamps
- A fan, a reusable water bottle, and UL-listed electronics
- Open-coil / open-flame cooking: toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, hot plates, electric grills, sandwich makers
- Candles, incense, wax warmers, and anything with an open flame
- Halogen lamps
- Extension cords without a breaker; outlet splitters and multi-plug adapters
- Space heaters and personal A/C units (unless your school provides/approves them)
- Hoverboards, e-scooters, e-bikes, and other e-mobility devices
- Weapons of any kind — including decorative — and fireworks
- Personal refrigerators and microwaves — a MicroFridge is already provided
- Air fryers, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, rice cookers, and other open-heating-element appliances (may be stored, not used)
- Weapons of any kind, including knives beyond kitchen use
- Candles, incense, and any open flame
These come from UC Davis's official housing pages and cover the essentials plus the genuinely local rules. Double-check the current official guidance before you buy — policies and renovations change every year.
Getting your room at UC Davis
- 01Spring
Submit the housing application
First-year students are guaranteed a year of housing. After you commit, complete the housing application and rank area and room-type preferences.
- 02Summer
Get your area and roommate
Over the summer you'll learn your area (Segundo, Tercero, or Cuarto), hall, room, and roommate assignment.
- 03Before move-in
Pack light — and bring a bike
Each room already has a MicroFridge, so leave the fridge and microwave home. Sort out a bike and U-lock; Davis is built around cycling.
- 04Late September
Move in for fall quarter
Move-in weekend is in late September, right before fall quarter begins. Arrive at your scheduled time — expect valley heat, so hydrate and dress light.
Where you'll live at UC Davis
Residence hall areas
First-years are guaranteed housing and placed in one of three areas, each a self-contained neighborhood with its own dining commons and services center. You rank preferences on the housing application. Every area has cooling — Segundo and Tercero run off the central campus plant (seasonal heating or cooling with some thermostat control), while Cuarto's suites have their own year-round thermostats.
On the northwest corner of central campus: Alder, Bixby, Gilmore, Malcolm, Miller, Ryerson, and Thompson halls, with a big dining commons and lakeside setting.
The largest area, southwest by the fields — 15 halls including the newer tree-named LEED buildings (Cottonwood, Currant, Live Oak, Redwood, Sequoia and more) plus Campbell, Kearney, Laben, Potter, and Wall.
A block northwest of central campus: Shasta, Tahoe, and Yosemite halls — suite-style rooms with their own year-round thermostats.
The UC Davis move-in checklist
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Bedding6
Bath5
Laundry4
Storage & organization6
Making it livable6
Desk & study4
Electronics6
Cleaning5
Kitchen — within the rules5
Health & meds4
Clothing — see the seasonal guide8
Move-in day go-bag5
Your items
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Davis logistics, sorted
How to send a package to a UC Davis student
[Hall Name]
[Hall Street Address]
Davis, CA 95616
Everyone bikes here
A MicroFridge is included
Davis & around
The Arboretum & the Quad
The UC Davis Arboretum's shaded creek-side path and the central Quad — the campus's green heart and a favorite study spot.
Downtown Davis
A walkable, bike-friendly downtown of cafes, bookstores, and restaurants right off campus, with a well-loved Farmers Market.
Sacramento
The state capital is a short drive east, with San Francisco about 90 minutes west and Lake Tahoe a couple of hours away.
Davis shopping
Target and groceries on the east side of Davis for dorm supply runs and quick restocks.
Where to stay near UC Davis
Hyatt Place UC Davis
On campusThe on-campus hotel by the Mondavi Center and Conference Center — free breakfast and a short walk to downtown. The obvious first choice.
Hallmark Inn
~1 miA comfortable, well-located downtown Davis hotel walkable to campus and restaurants.
Best Western Plus Palm Court
~1 miA reliable full-service option in the heart of downtown Davis.
UC Davis gear & gifts
UC Davis — links & contacts
- Student Housing & Dining: Visit page
- Residence hall mailing addresses: Visit page