Students getting a soil sample in a field.

Tips for Success

Get your UC Davis Toolkit

To support you in building your academic and social networks, UC Davis students and faculty have created the “My UC Davis Toolkit” just for you. The Toolkit is a place for you to read tips from other students, to jot down resources that you learn about, and to reflect on your experiences, thoughts and feelings during your time as an Aggie. We hope you enjoy using the Toolkit!

College is such an exciting time and a huge transition. Independent living, meeting new friends, and managing academic, financial and social pressures can be overwhelming! Here are our top 10 tips to succeed at UC Davis.

 

10 Tips for Success at UC Davis

  1. Learn to Manage Time Effectively Use a planner, calendar, or an agenda app in your phone to stay organized. Include important dates like the add/drop deadlines, dates from the UC Davis Academic Calendar, due dates for coursework, mid-terms, etc. Start each quarter by reviewing your syllabi and writing down all of the important deadlines.
  2. Go to Class This seems obvious, but it can be tempting to sleep in and get notes from a friend or online. Attendance is positively associated with higher grades, and you will retain information more easily if you hear the lectures and participate in discussions.
  3. Ask for Help If you fall behind or are feeling overwhelmed by a class, take advantage of the free tutoring offered at the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center, and be sure to attend your Professor’s office hours. Office hours are a great opportunity to get to know your professors, get help with homework or difficult concepts, and hear the questions other students are asking.
  4. Schedule an Advising Appointment Checking in with advisors early on can help get you off to a smooth start. You don’t have to wait for a problem to come up to make an appointment. Advisors can review your academic plan, talk about opportunities within various majors and minors, and help direct you to many other campus resources.
  5. Visit the Career Center Don’t be intimidated to talk with a career counselor if you have no idea what you want to do after college! The Career Center is here to help you figure it out. Career exploration can include classes, activities, clubs, service projects, internships, and part-time jobs. Having these conversations early can help you feel good about your major, or help you realize you want to make a change.
  6. Get Involved. UC Davis students love our campus for its strong sense of community. In addition to student clubs and Greek life organizations, we have welcoming student centers where you can find your home away from home. Joining a club is a great way to meet other students with similar interests!
  7. Build Healthy Habits College can be a high-stress time for many students, and it is a crucial time to develop lifelong wellness habits. Practicing self-care, getting physical activity, seeking emotional support, prioritizing sleep and eating a nutritious diet will all help you to manage stress and be a more resilient student. Student Health and Counseling Services offers accessible physical and mental health services to all students.
  8. Manage Your Money Most college students are learning to manage their own finances and budget independently. Money plays a critical role in our lives and not having enough of it impacts health as well as academic performance. Financial stress is repeatedly found to be a common source of stress, anxiety and fear for college students. Visit the Aggie Compass to learn more about financial wellness, create a budget, and access financial resources.
  9. Remember You Are Not Alone College is tough! You will be faced with a variety of unforeseeable challenges and adventures over the next few years. You are tough, bright and talented, and you belong here. Remember that you are a part of the Aggie Community and you have a network of support to help you succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Use the resources (insert the comprehensive resource list that we choose) that are here for you, and if you don’t know where to start, talk with an advisor who can point you in the right direction.
  10. Have Fun With twenty-three D1 athletic teams, a legendary Farmer’s Market, state-of-the art recreation and performing arts centers, and traditions like Field Day, Picnic Day and Homecoming, there is no shortage of fun things to do at UC Davis! Take care of business in class so that you can enjoy all that our campus and community have to offer!

 

Student Resources

UC Davis offers resources to help you succeed academically, maintain physical and emotional well-being, connect with cultural communities and resources, and plan for your future. Check out this comprehensive list of student resources and remember, you don’t have to do it alone! Below we've gathered the resource lists from a few different sources to make sure you don't miss anything.