Cross Cultural Center | Global Affairs SISS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK Your guide to resources at UC Davis
2017 - 2018
Welcome and congratulations to all of you on your admission to UC Davis. You will be coming to Davis at a time of great change on our campus as well as in the world. Our campus is growing and becoming more international. You are an important part of this growth and internationalization. Because we recognize that the world is also changing rapidly, one of our goals is to provide you with an education that will prepare you for your first job as well as for the work that you will be doing throughout your career. This education will require you to work hard. But there are also many people and many offices here at UC Davis to help you to succeed.
My hope is that you will be successful academically, and that you will also find Davis to be a friendly place that you think of as a second home. Sincerely, Wesley Young, Ph.D. Global Affairs Director, Services for International Students and Scholars
INTRODUCTION
It is an honor to welcome you to UC Davis. The Cross Cultural Center (CCC) is one of several support services designed to nurture your success at UC Davis. I encourage you to explore and participate in the wide-range of programs and services on campus. Whether it is one of our workshops, cultural week celebrations, annual retreats, or leadership opportunities – the CCC provides opportunities for you to explore and network with the UC Davis community. The CCC also provides a home away from home. Stop by, meet and socialize with other UC Davis students, study in our welcoming space, join a planning committee, or seek assistance from one of our staff members. With a Program Coordinator/Advisor and two student
coordinators creating programs and services for international students, as well as over 30 other staff, we are all here to support you throughout your academic and co-curricular pursuits. The new academic year brings a lot of excitement on campus. I am pleased that you are joining the UC Davis family and I look forward to welcoming you into the Cross Cultural Center family. All the best, Bruce E. Smail, M.A. Director, Cross Cultural Center
CONTENTS
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CAMPUS RESOURCES
Cross Cultural Center (3) Services for International Students and Scholars (4) Academic Support (7) Student Organizations (8)
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THINGS TO DO Events & Activities (13) Campus Life (14)
DAILY LIFE IN DAVIS International Markets (19) Public Transportation (20) Banks (21) Finding a Job (22) Health and Wellness (24) Bicycles (25) California Driver License (26)
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STAFF DIRECTORY (31)
Contents
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CAMPUS RESOURCES Palm trees are iconic, ornamental trees that are planted throughout many major cities of California. They are a tourist landmark, adorning California postcards.
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
CROSS CULTURAL CENTER Our Mission
Born out of student activism and political struggle, the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center provides a culturally relevant community space where student voices can be expressed and respected. The CCC cultivates critical consciousness and cultural competency by providing learning opportunities at the crossroads of the many aspects of our identities and experiences. By embracing our cultural and intellectual heritage, the CCC supports student leadership in advancing our collective vision for community empowerment.
Our Vision
As a community center and safe space for students, the following six values guide our work: » Community Building » Identity Exploration » Leadership Development » Advocacy » Cultural Competency » Academic Excellence, Research and Education
The Cross Cultural Center (CCC) supports and advocates for the institutional goals of campus diversity and a multicultural community. We provide a safe space that fosters understanding of and appreciation for the many cultures, traditions, and histories reflected in the campus community. We provide cultural programs and educational opportunities focusing on inclusion; sponsor student-centered performance arts, workshops and interactive retreats; and fund opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their leadership potential.
History
The week of May 14, 1990, four students of diverse backgrounds participated in a hunger strike for social and academic justice at UC Davis. This act, together with the diligent work of a planning committee provided our campus with the Cross Cultural Center. Since its opening in fall 1992, the CCC has developed programs and services in support of the cultural, social, personal and academic needs of UC Davis students.
Contact Location: In Student Community Center; map on page 34 Phone: 530-752-4287 Email: ccc@ucdavis.edu Web: ccc.ucdavis.edu
Culture Days
With over 40 years of vibrant history at UC Davis, the Culture Days programs were initially started by students and student organizations that came together to celebrate their culture and provide a platform for education for the whole campus community. These programs provide an opportunity for celebration, education and awareness while contributing to a campus climate that is welcoming, inclusive and safe for all members of the campus community. Culture Days programs include: » Native American Culture Days and Powwow » Asian Pacific Islander Culture Week and Night Market » Black Family Week & Black Family Day » La Raza Culture Days and La Gran Tardeada » Mixed Heritage Week » Middle Eastern & South Asian Community Week
Dear international student community, Congratulations and welcome to the UC Davis family! We are extremely excited to see you at UC Davis this fall. Our work includes creating and executing programs for the international student community in order to bring students together and engage in several events and issues concerning the international community. We hope to see you at one of our events! Sincerely, Deeptansh Chadha, International Community Coordinator, dchadha@ucdavis.edu
Campus Resources
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GLOBAL AFFAIRS: SERVICES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) is a unit of Global Affairs. The mission of Global Affairs is to inspire global curiosity, understanding and engagement. We envision a UC Davis community that engages, thrives and leads in an interconnected world. Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) is here to welcome international students to the UC Davis campus and to help you adapt to life at UC Davis and in the U.S. SISS is helping to build a campus community that includes students and scholars from more than 110 countries and six continents. SISS serves 7,000+ international students, faculty, and researchers and their accompanying family members who come to UC Davis each year. We welcome the world to UC Davis!
Immigration Services
SISS assists incoming and current international students and scholars and their families with visa and immigration issues while they are at UC Davis. In addition to preparing the necessary documents to apply for a U.S. visa, SISS assists international students and scholars in maintaining their legal status while in the United States.
Orientation and Advising SISS also provides oientation, assistance, information, and referral to international students, faculty, and researchers regarding financial, personal, cultural, and academic concerns.
Programming
SISS sponsors programs to help international students adapt to life in the U.S. and at UC Davis, to meet American and other international students, and to succeed academically, personally, and socially during their time at UC Davis. Visit the SISS Programs and Activities web page for more information: siss.ucdavis.edu/programs_and_ activities/index.html.
Drop-In Advising:
Students can see an adviser during our dropin periods (“drop-in” means you don’t need an appointment). See advising web page for details: siss.ucdavis.edu/students/current_ students/advising.html. These meetings are reserved for quick issues that take no more than 10 minutes. The drop-in advisor will help students with issues approved for drop-in on a first come, first serve basis.
Advising Appointments:
SISS can also schedule an appointment with an advisor Monday through Thursday from 9 AM - noon and 1 PM - 4 PM. You can make an appointment either at the SISS front desk or by calling 530-752-0864 ext. 0. Email: siss@ucdavis.edu Phone: 530-752-0864 Web: siss.ucdavis.edu
SISS Office Location:
Third floor of the International Center, 3140 (see map on page 34).
Open Hours:
Monday through Friday, 9 AM - Noon and 1 PM - 4 PM Students are encouraged to call, email, make an appointment, or come to drop-in hours when needed. More information about student advising can be found on our advising web page: siss. ucdavis.edu/students/current_ students/ advising.html.
Message from the Global Ambassadors We are very excited about meeting you at our events. Some of you will have Global Ambassadors as your mentors, and we highly encourage you to take advantage of the many social connections the program offers. We also organize many of the SISS activities for international students and the broader campus community. Typical events include activities like a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving celebration, a scavenger hunt, and many other fun activities to help students meet both international and domestic students. We extend a warm welcome to all of you and hope to see you soon at one of our events! Sincerely, Elizabeth Chang, Emily Ruan, Jonathan Su Global Ambassador Co-Coordinators
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
OTHER RESOURCES International House internationalhousedavis.org International House (I-House) Davis is a non-profit, community-based organization that is not an official part of UC Davis.The mission of I-House is to promote respect and appreciation for all people and cultures. It encourages a global community by providing opportunities for cross-cultural interaction and exchange through programs, activities and services for international students and scholars, international visitors, community members, businesses and academic institutions. The I-House hosts Club-International, also known as Club-I, which is an international group that meets weekly at local restaurants.
Counseling Services shcs.ucdavis.edu/services/counseling.html Counseling Services aims to help students realize their academic and personal goals. Meeting with a counselor can help students clarify issues, explore options and cope with problems more effectively. They provide free, confidential short-term therapy and individual and group counseling to all registered UC Davis students. There is a designated counselor for international students that works half-time at SISS. See staff pages in this handbook.
ASUCD International Undergraduate Student Committee asucd.ucdavis.edu Associated Students of the University of California, Davis (ASUCD), the campus student government created a committee to bring together members of the UC Davis community, including both international and domestic students, and develop plans to voice the concerns of international students.
Women’s Resources and Research Center
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender, Queer,Intersex, Asexual Resource Center lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu The purpose of the of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center (LGBTQIARC) is to provide an open, safe, inclusive space and community that is committed to challenging sexism, genderism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism. The LGBTQIARC promotes education about all sexes, genders and sexualities and promotes space for self-exploration of these identities.
wrrc.ucdavis.edu The Women’s Resources and Research Center (WRRC) provides the space and resources for women to explore the intersections of their identities and develop themselves as allies. The WRRC allows students to network for academic and social advancement both individually and within diverse communities. The services, space, gallery and library of over 12,000 volumes are free and open to all. They also hold leadership and educational programs.
Campus Resources
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Student Stories
SHENGLING (WILBURN) WANG 4th year Majors: Communication and Economics Country of Origin: China
What resources helped you most to adapt to your life in the US and at UC Davis? There are three resources that helped me the most to adapt to UC Davis and the US. Center for Leadership Learning offered me a great opportunity to explore my leadership styles through workshops and annual leadership conferences. The program helped me become more confident and comfortable to face challenges and uncertainty. Also, Student Academic Success Center helped me develop successful study skills, such as time management, stress management, and test taking strategies. Lastly, the Cross Cultural Center gave me a unique opportunity to learn about diversity and improve my intercultural competence through retreats and cultural days.
What advice would you give to first year international students?
Favorite restaurant in Davis: Yakitori Yuchan
Favorite place to nap on campus:
College life is more than taking classes. Think of college life as a pizza. Studying is like pizza dough. You need to add other ingredients and spices to enrich your college experience, such as clubs, extracurricular activities, and internships. Center for Student Involvement (CSI) and Internship and Career Center (ICC) are great resources. You can explore many student organizations and career opportunities as well.
What have you appreciated the most about your experience at UC Davis?
The transition from the receiver end of support to the contributor end has been an amazing experience for me. By providing academic advising to 6000 students in First Year Experience, I have learned how to contribute to the quality of student life, and I appreciate the help that other people provide me. More importantly, I have developed a sense of belonging through devoting myself to serving first-year students. I am proud to be a contributor at UC Davis. Although my family is far from the United States, I have experienced strong mutual bonds in this campus community by influencing others and being inspired by others. I hope to pass down the love and care I have received from others to more students and motivate them to contribute to our community as well.
What do you wish you knew as a freshman? Freshmen can get one free ticket in the Robert Mondavi Performing Arts Center!
The ARC
Favorite place to study on campus:
Shields Library 24-Hour Study Room
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Academic Advising
All international undergraduate students have academic counselors specifically assigned to them in each college. Counselors are your first resource if you are having academic difficulty (grades below a C). Contact information can be found by logging onto the Online Advising Student Information System(OASIS) at students.ucdavis.edu. Your International Academic Counselor can assist you with: » Degree and General Education requirements » Course planning for your first year » Academic policies, regulations and petitions
Foundations of Success for International Students
“Foundations of Success for International Students” is a course designed to help international students adapt to UC Davis and American life. It is a year-long series of seminars for new international students offered by the School of Education and Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS). With a different theme each quarter, EDU98 Foundations of Success (2 units, P/NP grading) offers an introduction to American culture and the university experience and develops essential student skills through interactive activities and presentations by guest speakers from across the campus. Topics include: Academic Expectations, Quarter System, American Cultural Celebrations, Academic Writing Rules, Conduct Expectations, Culture Shock, Friendships and Campus Involvement, Time Management, and many more. Visit the webpage for more information: bit.ly/ucdavissuccess.
Student Academic Success Center
SASC offers programs to help UC Davis students succeed. Programs include: tutoring, study skills, mathematics, science, writing and English as a Second Language, among others. SASC also has a team of peer advisers, student assistants, tutors and readers who are available to help and advise students about academic issues. Visit their Web page for more information: success.ucdavis.edu.
The Academic Advising Centers are hubs of information for residence hall students. The centers are located in all three living areas— Segundo, Tercero, Cuarto. RHAT provides drop-in advising to help students plan their course schedules, talk about major interests and options, discuss academic progress and much more. Tutoring in math, chemistry and writing is also available in the Academic Advising Centers. Check the program website for the current schedule of services: rhat.ucdavis.edu.
English Classes Did you know... ...that UC Davis has academic counselors focused on providing advising support to international students? Check out the Staff Directory at the end of this handbook to connect with International Academic Counselors.
Residence Hall Advising
The Residence Hall Advising Team (RHAT) is comprised of peer advisers from the college deans’ offices and the First-Year Experience Program in Student Housing. RHAT provides academic advising to students in the residence halls through Academic Advising Centers and academic programs in each living area.
PAL: In the Partners in Acquiring Language (PAL) program, students are paired with native English speakers for an informal, 1-hour minimum weekly conversation to help students learn English. You and your partner can setup a meeting anywhere in Davis. For more information go to the program webpage at: linguistics.ucdavis.edu/global/graduate-esl/ palprogram.
International House English Classes
Weekly English Conversation and Writing classes are offered at the I-House. The first class is free, and after that a $20 membership fee for the year is appreciated. International Students are also invited to sign up for the Friendship Program and partner with a local host to share cultures and improve English skills, and to attend Club International and other social activities to meet new people. Get more information about I-House language classes and other programs: internationalhousedavis.org.
Campus Resources
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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS UC Davis has more than 800 student organizations. If you are interested in something, you can probably find others here who share your interest. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) can help you find a student organization to join, or will help you start your own! You can learn more and find a searchable list of UC Davis Student organizations at csi.ucdavis.edu.The following student organizations create a sense of community among international students and those who are from or interested in certain cultures and countries. Joining a culturally focused student group is a great way to get to know people at UC Davis.
Center for Student Involvement
442 Memorial Union Building Phone: 530-752-2027 Website: csi.ucdavis.edu Email: getinvolved@ucdavis.edu Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Afghan Student Association » asa-at-ucd.strikingly.com
Arab Student Union
» facebook.com/groups/ASUatUCD
Cambodian Student Organization » facebook.com/groups/camsa.at.ucd
Chinese Student Association » facebook.com/ucdcsa/
Chinese Students and Scholars Association » ucdbbs.com/forum/index.php » facebook.com/groups/130078151272
Domestic and International Students’ Alliance » facebook.com/groups/disaucdavis
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Hong Kong and Macau Student Association » facebook.com/ucdavishkmsa
Indian Student Association » facebook.com/groups/ucdisa
International Students Club » facebook.com/groups/iscdavis
Iranian Student Association » facebook.com/isasedad
Japanese American Student Society » jassorg.wordpress.com
Korean Society in Davis » facebook.com/groups/ucdksd
Lebanese Cultural Society
Nigerian Student Association
» facebook.com/groups/173254573012237
Pakistani Student Association
» facebook.com/groups/335829019897877
Russian Cultural Association » facebook.com/RCAUCD
Taiwanese American Organization » taoatucd.weebly.com » facebook.com/TAOatUCD
Taiwanese Student Association » facebook.com/UCDTSA
Thai American Student Association » facebook.com/groups/tasaucd
Vietnamese Student Association » facebook.com/groups/2200238941
» facebook.com/lebaneseculturalsociety
Mixed Student Union
» facebook.com/groups/msu.ucd
Muslim Student Association » http://ucdmsa.strikingly.com/
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES Joining a sorority or fraternity is another way to make friends and become a part of the campus community. These “Greek life” organizations are social communities, sometimes living together in the same house, that emphasize leadership development, community service and other positive values.
Below are a few cultural and community service Greek organizations to consider. Note that sororities are generally for women and fraternities for men, though some fraternities are “co-ed,” or open to multiple genders. If you are interested in “going Greek,” learn more through the sorority and fraternity life website at osfl.ucdavis.edu.
Alpha Phi Omega
Co-ed community service organization » iotaphi.org » facebook.com/apodavis
Alpha Pi Sigma
Epsilon Alpha Sigma Empowered Arab Sisterhood » epsilonalphasigma.org » facebook.com/easucdavis
Latina interest sorority » alphapisigma.org » facebook.com/pages/Alpha-Pi-Sigma-IotaChapter-144276335585790
Gamma Zeta Alpha
Chi Delta Theta
Asian-American interest sorority » davischidelts.com
Community service sorority » lambdaomicronxi.com » facebook.com/LambdaOmicronXi
Delta Phi Omega
Sigma Kappa Rho
South Asian interest sorority » facebook.com/DPO.UCDavis
Latino interest fraternity » facebook.com/thetagammas
Lambda Omicron Xi
Korean service fraternity » www.facebook.com/sigmakapparho/
Delta Xi Phi
Multicultural sorority » dxpmu.webs.com
Campus Resources
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Student Stories
NUR SYAFIQAH ABD AZIZ 4th year Transfer Student Major: Psychology Country of Origin: Malaysia
What have you appreciated the most about your experience at UC Davis?
What resources helped you most to adapt to your life in the US and at UC Davis?
What activities have you participated in that most helped you to meet people and enjoy your time at UC Davis?
What do you wish you knew as a freshman?
Joining the UC Davis gymnastics club is the most powerful experience for me. I have been all about gymnastics since I was a kid, but I was ashamed to try and there weren’t any resources for me to join gymnastics back in Malaysia. I found out that this club accepts members without prior experience, and I was jumping with joy and persistently emailed the club about my interest. Now I’m officially in the club, practicing and polishing my gymnastics moves and, more importantly, making new friends who share the same passion and are willing to teach me something that I’ve been aspiring to do. Shout out to gymnastics club for taking me in and giving me the chances to be a part of the UCD Sports Club community.
Favorite restaurant in Davis: Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Favorite place to nap on campus: Meditation Room
Favorite place to study on campus: Shields Library
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There are thousands of activities in UC Davis, and it would be such a loss if I don’t take part in it. For me, I usually look out for International Student Center activities. The first one that I went to is the Halloween Party at the International Center (my first Halloween ever in my life). There, I connected with many people from different backgrounds and cultures, and I also got to meet other Malaysians (we’ve become hangout buddies since). I also enjoyed going to theater musical (Disney revue last year) and participating in UC Davis Picnic Day. There are too many activities to describe here-- and they’re all awesome!
Ever since I came to Davis, I faced tons of hardship, adversity, laughter and tears. My alternating episodes of mania and depression prompted me to reach out to UCD Student Health and Counseling Services. My counselor was the best, and I wish that I could meet her today to express my thanks and gratefulness. She would be so proud of what I have accomplished following my short counseling sessions with her. Now I volunteer for UCD Mental Health Awareness Month in hopes for reaching out to people who need help and to educate the public about the importance of mental health. This is also my passion and why I chose to major in psychology.
I came to Davis as a transfer, not as a freshman, and how I wish I could come to UC Davis as a first-year student! I looked into UC Davis academic opportunities in which freshman can take variety of interesting seminars. Nonetheless, coming to UC Davis itself is the biggest blessing for me. I wish I could communicate more in class, with classmates, TAs, and instructors. Also I feel like I should’ve been involved more with outside class activities to gain experience and connect with people. But wishes don’t stop there. It starts with me— and now I’m making them happen step-by-step.
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
Campus Resources
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THINGS TO DO Once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” today the Golden Gate Bridge is called “one of the seven wonders of the modern world” by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES *For events and activities with no specific date, please refer to their websites for more information: siss.ucdavis.edu | ccc.ucdavis.edu
International Student Orientations
International Graduation Reception
Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) provides orientation sessions about immigration regulations, adapting to the U.S. classroom, making friends and finding a job in the U.S. They also host fun social activities such as campus tours, bike tours, a trip to Target and a Rec Pool party.
SISS and CCC host a reception in MayJune for all international students graduating in 2018 and invite family and friends to celebrate. International students receive awards for academic achievement, leadership, and community service in honor of their contributions to UC Davis and the larger community.
Global Engagement Mondays (GEM) GEM is a weekly conversation event hosted by SISS in which members of the international community meet with American residents to share and learn about common topics of interest in a relaxed, casual environment. You can meet new people from around the world and hear new perspectives!
International Friendship Program This program links international visitors, students, and scholars with local Davis hosts. It’s a great way to make a new friend, learn about another culture, and engage with Davis’ diverse international community. You can apply at any time for a new enriching friendship!
International Education Week
International Community Retreat
iew.ucdavis.edu
The CCC and SISS sponsor the International Community Retreat! While off-campus for the retreat, participants will engage in activities aimed at increasing a social network of peers, sharing knowledge about various resources on campus and broadening an understanding of social justice.
International Education Week (IEW) is a national event celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. During the week, there will be various cultural events such as dancing classes, movies and guest speakers. Takes place November 13 - 17, 2017.
International Cafe SISS and CCC host this monthly social event throughout the school year where you can enjoy free refreshments and participate in crafts, games,
and activities. International and domestic students, international scholars, their families, staff, and faculty are invited to attend.
International Festival internationalfestivaldavis.org The International House Davis and the university invite people of all cultural backgrounds to participate in a wonderful day full of festivities that range from cultural performances to doing arts and crafts, to tasting various kinds of ethnic food. Takes place in early October 2017 at Central Park Davis.
Fall Welcome studentlife.ucdavis.edu/fallwelcome Fall Welcome is a series of events taking place in September 2017, such as a movie night and The BUZZ, held at the start of the fall quarter to help new students settle in at UC Davis. Attending these events is a great way to make friends and celebrate the start of the school year with fellow Aggies.
Homecoming studentlife.ucdavis.edu/homecoming/ Homecoming takes place in October 2017 and is a time to celebrate school spirit as we welcome alumni and other community members to UC Davis. Homecoming week is full of special events that focus on our athletic teams, ending with an American football game on a Saturday. Join the fun!
Things To Do
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CAMPUS LIFE There’s a lot to do on the UC Davis campus, and getting involved in campus activities is one of the best ways to make friends and get to know the UC Davis community. Take some time to check out each of the opportunities.
Activities and Recreation Center
cru.ucdavis.edu The Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) is the campus gym. It has high quality workout equipment, an indoor track, rock climbing wall and courts for basketball, volleyball, squash and badminton. You can also take fun classes like kickboxing and karate.
Aggie Pack and UC Davis Athletics
ucdavisaggies.com Be part of Aggie Pack, one of the largest student spirit organizations in the United States. There are 23 NCAA Division I sports at UC Davis, and the Aggie Pack helps cheer them all to victory.
ASUCD CoHo
cru.ucdavis.edu/craftcenter The Craft Center offers space and instruction to practice a wide variety of arts and crafts activities, including ceramics, jewelry-making, glassblowing, welding and woodworking.
Equestrian Center
cru.ucdavis.edu/equestriancenter The Equestrian Center offers a way to ride horses while at UC Davis.Their facilities and classes are open to beginning and experienced riders.
Intramural Sports
cru.ucdavis.edu/intramuralsportsIntramural sport teams allow UC Davis students to compete against each other for fun and recreation. Playing an intramural sport helps you meet new people and stay active.
coffeehouse.ucdavis.edu Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD), the campus student government, runs the CoHo (Coffee House) area in the Memorial Union. The CoHo has a variety of food stands and is a popular spot to meet friends for coffee, a pastry or lunch.
Rec Pool
C. N. Gorman Museum
arboretum.ucdavis.edu The Arboretum has over 100 acres of beautiful gardens for active recreation or peaceful contemplation. It’s a perfect place for a quick run, a quiet study session or a walk to think or talk.
gormanmuseum.ucdavis.edu The C.N. Gorman Museum is dedicated to the creative expressions of Native American and indigenous artists and artists of diverse cultures and histories.
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Craft Center
cru.ucdavis.edu The Rec Pool has multiple areas for diving and swimming, including lap lanes. It’s a great place to splash or lounge with friends.
UC Davis Arboretum
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
Bohart Museum of Entomology
Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Museum of Art
Be sure to check out these annual campus events in the spring!
mondavicenter.ucdavis.edu The Mondavi Center hosts musical concerts, dance performances, plays and lectures, many featuring world-renowned artists. All UC Davis first-years and new transfer students are allowed one free ticket to any event during the current season, plus 50 percent off select events.
manettishremmuseum.ucdavis.edu Grounded in the legacy of UC Davis’ worldrenowned first generation art faculty, the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art will be a hub of creative practice for today’s thinkers, makers and innovators, now and for generations to come.
bohart.ucdavis.edu Founded in 1946, the museum is dedicated to teaching, research and service, hosting the seventh largest insect collection in North America, and is worldwide in coverage. The collection holdings total more than seven million specimens of terrestrial and freshwater arthropods.
Picnic Day
April 2018 Picnic Day is a campus-wide open house that brings thousands of visitors to experience UC Davis through exhibits, shows, demonstrations, a parade and more.
Whole Earth Festival
May 2018 The Whole Earth Festival is a campus and community event focused on sustainable, creative living.
Culture Days
Spring Quarter 2018 Since the 1960s, various weekend events celebrate diversity of and within our cultures, including Powwow & Indigenous Arts Market, La Gran Tardeada, Asian Pacific Culture Night Market, and Black Family Day.
Things To Do
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Student Stories
JANA GAGACHEVA 3rd year Major: Genetics and Genomics Country of Origin: Macedonia
What resources helped you most to adapt to your life in the US and at UC Davis? This university is focused on acceptance and diversity. Wherever I go or whoever I talk to, people are always welcoming and interested in knowing about my culture and past. In my freshman year, I was part of the Global Ambassador Program, which was an amazing welcoming opportunity. I bonded with my mentor and felt welcomed months before stepping on our campus. But, most importantly, being here has shaped me as a person and helped me recognize myself and present myself to the world.
Favorite restaurant in Davis: Taste of Thai
Favorite place to nap on campus: Library
Favorite place to study on campus: Library (I love the library.)
What activities have you participated in that most helped you to meet people and enjoy your time at UC Davis?
The Global Ambassador Program helped me to get to know people when I first came. However, what shaped my UC Davis experience before coming was our Facebook group “Class of 2019�. It is full of enthusiastic people that are willing to meet others and expand their experience as college students.
What have you appreciated the most about your experience at UC Davis?
experienced teamwork. It is very important to combine leadership with teamwork because in order to be a good leader one must be a good teammate. UC Davis is constantly putting me in both situations, making me gain new connections and experiences. I enjoy every second at UC Davis, and this is just one of the many positive experiences I have gained.
What advice would you give to first year international students?
UC Davis will prepare you for the world. You are already doing a big step in your life and this experience will only lead you to take bigger steps. With big steps, we are becoming the people we always dreamt to be. You are just one step closer to your dreams! :)
Tell about a difficult or challenging experience that you had as an international student, and how you handled it. I had difficulties making conversations with people since I had no one that was culturally close to me. That represented a barrier at the beginning; however, I took it as a challenge and changed myself. I started learning about new cultures and experiencing them. I tried new food I never thought I would eat. I talked to people I never thought I would meet.
The US society focuses greatly on leadership. Before coming to UC Davis, I had only
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
Things To Do
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DAILY LIFE IN DAVIS The poppy is the state flower of California. It was deemed appropriate because the golden flower matched California’s state nickname, the Golden State.
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS DID YOU KNOW? The Davis Farmers Market is held Saturday mornings year-round and Wednesday evenings from spring to fall. Starting in late spring, the Wednesday evening Farmers Market features music and other activities, and visitors often come with friends and picnic on the grass while listening to music. The market is a very popular meeting and relaxing spot both for Davis residents and students. It is held at Central Park, at Fourth and C streets downtown, and is a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables,fresh baked goods, flowers and many other products. Visit the Web page for more information: davisfarmersmarket.org. The Davis Wiki is a comprehensive community website that provides information about all aspects of life in Davis, including lists of general grocery and other stores in Davis and the surrounding area. Check out the information available at available at localwiki.org/davis.
Davis, CA
Woodland, CA
International Food Market
2000 E. Main St.
Carries primarily Indian and Middle Eastern foods and products. Davis Manor Center, 1760 E 8th St.
Kim’s Mart
An Asian market which carries primarily Korean, Chinese and Japanese products. 628 4th St.
Ho Ho Market
A Cantonese and East-Asian market. 132 E St.
Tarad Thai
Sells Southeast Asian grocery products. 920C 3rd St.
World Market
Ethnic foods and products from all around the world. 871 Russell Blvd.
Yolo Fruit Stand
46710 County Rd. 32b
Zia’s Delicatessen
Carries a small selection of Italian grocery items. 616 3rd St.
Main Street Market La Superior
34 West Court St.
Koreana Plaza Market 10971 Olson Dr.
Seafood City (Filipino) 6051 Mack Blvd.
Corti Brothers (Italian)
Sacramento, CA
5810 Folsom Blvd.
99 Ranch Market
Europa Food Market (Russian/Ukrainian)
Asian supermarket which provides fresh and dry ingredients and products mainly from Asian countries. Southgate Plaza Shopping Center, 4220 Florin Rd.
Red Sea Market
Halal meats and sells Middle Eastern foods and products. 6968 65th St.
Asian Food Center (Chinese/Vietnamese) 1301 Broadway
2955 West Capitol Ave.
Mediterranean Market (Middle Eastern) 1547 Fultun Ave. #B
SF Supermarket 4562 Mack Rd.
Bob’s Butcher Block and Kosher Deli (Jewish)
6436 Fair Oaks Blvd. Carmichael, CA
La Superior (Mexican)
Oto’s Supermarket (Japanese)
4940 Stockton Blvd. or 4604 Franklin Blvd.
Osaka-Ya (Japanese)
Red Star International (Latino and South American)
4990 Freeport Blvd. 2215 10th St.
7245 East Parkway, Suite
Daily Life in Davis
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Unitrans
The premier transportation system of both UC Davis and the city of Davis, the Unitrans bus system serves 4 million passengers annually on their 18 lines. Conveniently located at two stations on campus, Unitrans buses circulate around the Davis perimeter, taking students to and from classes and home. The student drivers of Unitrans are always cautious and alert to ensure that your travels around and beyond campus are safe and pleasant. Rides are free for UC Davis undergraduate students. » unitrans.ucdavis.edu
Yolobus
Public transportation on the Yolobus system is free with a UC Davis undergraduate student ID. The Yolobus goes to West Sacramento, the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and the nearby town of Woodland.The Yolobus runs late on weekends while Unitrans does not. » yolobus.com
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Transportation Services (TAPS)
If you are interested in learning about the variety of other public transportation services available through UC Davis (and even some discounts), TAPS is a good place to start. » taps.ucdavis.edu/
Safe Ride
UCMed Center Shuttle
The UCD-UCDMC Shuttle provides hourly bus transportation between the main UC Davis campus in Davis and the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. More information about the shuttle service schedule, ticket prices, and where to purchase tickets can be found at » ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/parking/transportation/ intercampus
Alone on campus late at night and not feeling safe? Safe Ride can provide you an escort when on campus at night if you need. Learn more about Safe Ride: » police.ucdavis.edu/divisions_services/campus_ security/safe_rides.html
Davis/Berkeley Shuttle
Popular among students, this shuttle provides direct transportation between UC Davis and UC Berkeley. Check their website for the shuttle schedule and online reservations: » fleet.ucdavis.edu/davisberkeleyshuttle
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
BANKS AND OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT You should open an account at a bank as soon as you get to Davis. There are ATMs across campus, and it is much safer and more convenient to deposit your money in an account than to carry it around. After an account is opened,wire transfers can be made and money will be available after a few days, but wire transfers can be very expensive at most American banks.
ATM Withdrawals and Money Exchange
Exchanging money can become very expensive with interest rates or fees. Our advice is to withdraw money directly from any United States ATM to avoid excessive fees. It is a good idea to talk first with your home bank about withdrawing money from a foreign ATM to see if it allows this and also to find out if your bank charges high fees for foreign ATM withdrawals. Let your bank know that you will be using your ATM card in the United States. Not all U.S. banks accept foreign ATM cards.
Opening a U.S.Checking and Savings Account
When living off-campus in apartments, it is usually required that you pay the property manager with a written check. If you prefer, you may be able to open a U.S. account while still doing your primary banking with your home account. When opening up a new account, international students and scholars will generally need documentation that proves their identity and residence in the local area, such as their passport, I-20, and a lease agreement or utility bill.
Banks in Davis
The Davis Wiki maintains a list of the options available in the area and explains the difference between a bank and a credit union: daviswiki.org/Banks. Check in with these and other banks in town to find the best options for you. It is also a good idea to talk to your bank in your home country to see if they have a partnership or affiliation with a bank in the U.S. Sometimes this can make handling your money easier.
American West Bank
333 F Street, Suite A, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays Phone: (530) 758-6250
Bank of America
Union Bank
300 E St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (530) 756-2301
325 E St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (530) 757-5020
Wells Fargo Bank
Chase
Golden 1 Credit Union
330 E St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 4 :00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (530) 756-8350
First Northern Bank
434 2nd St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays Phone: (530) 758-7500
River City Bank
239 E St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; closed Saturdays and Sundays Phone: (530) 753-1131
US Bank
304 F St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-F 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 1 :00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (530) 756-7283
340 F St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (530) 756-7660 508 2nd St #101, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (877) 465-3361
Travis Credit Union
1380 E Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-F 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (800) 877-8328
University and State Employees Credit Union 200 B St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (866) 873-4968
Yolo Federal Credit Union
501 G St, Davis, CA 95616 Hours: M-Th 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM; closed Sundays Phone: (530) 297-6700
Daily Life in Davis
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FINDING A JOB OR INTERNSHIP Internship and Career Center
Internships:
The Internship and Career Center (ICC) advances the mission of the University by providing experiential education and career services to students and recent alumni through collaboration with the campus community and employers. They provide workshops and programs that allow for professional development and help students with career decisions and exploration.
Info for International Students:
icc.ucdavis.edu/find/internships/find.htm icc.ucdavis.edu/populations/international.htm
Hours, location, contact info: icc.ucdavis.edu/contact.htm
M-F, 10 AM - 4 PM @ South Hall 1st floor » Student Employment 2nd floor » Career Advising 3rd floor » On-campus Recruiting
» Finding and preparing for an internship: icc.ucdavis.edu
Phone: 530-752-2855
» Find internships and jobs with the Aggie Job Link: icc.ucdavis.edu/find/resources/ajl.htm
Center for Leadership Learning
» Get information about Internship and Career Fairs: icc.ucdavis.edu/services/fair.htm
Tips: » Sign up to receive emails about jobs and internships: icc.ucdavis.edu/services/connect.htm.
The Center for Leadership Learning (CLL) aims to educate and cultivate the next generation of leaders who have a strong sense of self-awareness, have the ability to work effectively with others, and who are civically and socially engaged. The CLL holds a variety of curricular and cocurricular programs and workshops open to all undergraduate students.
Services for International Students and Scholars Always consult SISS before starting an internship or a job in order to get CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training) Information available at siss.ucdavis.edu For finding volunteer opportunities: icc.ucdavis.edu/find/volunteer To look for on campus jobs at ASUCD, Unitrans, KDVS Radio, The California Aggie and the CoHo: vacancy.ucdavis.edu Find internships, on-campus jobs and full-time entry-level positions: ucdavis-csm.symplicity.com/students Find undergraduate research opportunities from Undergraduate Research Center: urc.ucdavis.edu/opportunities/index.html
» Ask professors if they’re looking for research interns.
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
Student Stories
CHAORUI DUAN 4th year Major: Chemical Engineering Country of Origin: China
What resources helped you most to adapt to your life in the US and at UC Davis?
I think the Internship and Career Center (ICC) really helped me adapt to my life in UCD. It provided me with a great amount of information about how to appropriately apply to jobs on campus and how to improve my resume and cover letters. As an international student, I am really urged to find internships in summer and jobs on campus, and the ICC, located on the second floor of South Hall, eliminated all my future professional concerns. That is, with the help of the ICC, I am confident enough to show my abilities in my resume and, most importantly, in interviews. Now I have a job in the market of the Memorial Union and I also have a summer internship in marketing and supply chain management.
What activities have you participated in that most helped you to meet people and enjoy your time at UC Davis?
Favorite restaurant in Davis: Huku
Favorite place to nap on campus: Basement of the library
Favorite place to study on campus: CoHo sofa
I would say my job in the market at the MU (Memorial Union). I got this job three weeks ago, and I met a lot of peers in the market. To be honest, I only lived and communicated with Chinese people in my first two years because all of my life was filled by classes and the Chinese Scholarship Student Association (UCD CSSA) because I was vice minister of one of the departments in CSSA. In my junior year, I left CSSA and started to be engaged in American lifestyle. I met people and studied in training sessions as a student assistant of the market. We solved problems that we met in our work, such as returning policies, hardware problems and so on. With the help of difficulties and problem solving, I made friends with a lot of people in the market and my network with Americans grew.
Tell about a difficult or challenging experience that you had as an international student, and how you handled it.
The difficulty would be the first question I asked in a large lecture. I still remember the moment that I put my hand up and asked a question to the professor in my sophomore year in the Physics 9B class. Yes, my first question in a lecture was in my second year here. In fact, the first time that I desired to ask the professor a question during lectures was in my freshman year, but I was really afraid that he could not understand what I was talking about and I would be really embarrassed. Then, I came up with an idea that I could always sit in the first few rows so that I could ask questions without enlarging my volume. To me, enlarging volume would minimize my clarity when speaking English. In this way, I successfully overcame a barrier in my mind.
What have you appreciated the most about your experience at UC Davis?
I really appreciated the experience in UCDSO (UC Davis symphony orchestra) because it completely changed my opinion of the violin. As a Chinese student with extraordinarily traditional Chinese parents, I was compelled to learn how to play the violin at the age of 9. Before I joined UCDSO, I really hated playing it because it occupied tons of my entertainment time and it was so boring. In my freshman year, one of my friends, Solomon, was a flute player in UCDSO, and he invited me to listen to one of their rehearsals, and I fell in love with it. After practicing hundreds of hours in the summer holiday and after a nervous audition, I was selected by the conductor, Professor Baldini, and my experience in symphony orchestra started. I was really addicted in it because I had never imagined that music could be so powerful that I forget all stress, nervousness and passive emotion in life. By participating in UCDSO, I understood the power of music and completely changed my opinion to it. Daily Life in Davis
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS shcs.ucdavis.edu Staying healthy helps you get the most out of life on the UC Davis campus. As you settle in, strive to find a good balance between academic effort and social activities, and always remember to exercise, get plenty of rest, eat healthy food and stay hydrated. If you do not feel well, UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) is the place to get help. SHCS offers medical, mental health and wellness services to all UC Davis students.
Medical Services
SHCS offers medical services from the Student Health and Wellness Center located on La Rue Road; across from the Activities and Recreation Center. Services include medical and mental health urgent care as well as a pharmacy and optometry and optical shop. Same day appointment scheduling is available for routine medical and mental health care. Contact the SHCS appointment desk at 530-752-2349 to make an appointment or to access Advice Nurse services at any time. Urgent care for acute medical and mental health needs is available at the wellness center without appointment during normal hours of operation.
Services include massage therapy, acupuncture, nutrition advice, physical therapy and assistance quitting smoking. Learn more at shcs.ucdavis. edu/services/#wellness, or drop in at a Mind Spa location in North Hall or at the wellness center building on La Rue Road to check out the free relaxation services available.
Health Insurance
If you are in an emergency situation dial 911, the standard United States emergency number, to speak to emergency services immediately.
UC Davis students are required to have health insurance coverage that is valid in the United States. All registered students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP), with fees billed to the student account.If you are already covered by a health insurance plan, you can waive enrollment in UC SHIP by submitting a waiver application. Please note: There is a deadline to waive UC SHIP. You must submit the waiver form before the start of each new academic year. Learn more at shcs.ucdavis.edu/insurance/waiver.
Mental Health Services
Emergency Services
911
It is quite common for students to see a UC Davis mental health counselor for help with mental health issues. SHCS Counseling Services provides individual and group counseling at North Hall, located along the Quad. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed about anything, including academic work or adjustment to life in the United States, talking to a mental health counselor can help you clarify issues, explore options and cope effectively. Call 530-752-2349 to schedule an appointment or get advice about addressing an urgent mental health need.
Wellness Services
SHCS also offers a variety of wellness services to help you stay healthy and combat stress.
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ucdavis.edu/emergency shows the most important phone numbers and contact information in an event of emergency. For immediate emergency situations, call 911. If on campus, the UC Davis Police emergency number is 530-752-1230. For non-emergency situations where you need to call UC Davis Police, use 530-754-2677. If you have a form of transportation during a medical emergency, you can go to:
Student Health and Wellness Center M, T, Th, F: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM, W: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Weekends: Closed
Sutter Urgent Care
2020 Sutter Place, Suite 101, Davis, CA 95616 Weekdays: 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM Weekends & Holidays: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Davis Urgent Care
4515 Fermi Place, Suite 105, Davis, CA 95618 Open every day 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Main Emergency Services: UC Davis Police Department: 530-752-1230 police.ucdavis.edu
UC Davis Fire Department: 530-752-1234 fire.ucdavis.edu
Safety Services & Campus Emergency Management: 530-752-1493 & 530-752-6463 safetyservices.ucdavis.edu
Personal Safety:
Aggie Host Security: 530-752-2677 Safe Rides Service: 530-752-2677
Personal Emergency Preparedness: ready.gov
Aggie Guardian App:
police. ucdavis.edu/aggie_guardian/index.html
Community Services:
City of Davis Police Department: 530-747-5400 cityofdavis.org/city-hall/police-department
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
BICYCLES A bike will get you to class and across Davis much faster than driving or public transportation. It’s also fun and healthy!
Buying a Bike
Bicycle Safety and Rules
Simple tips for safe cycling:
New? Used? Rental? Which bike to buy? If you are not sure which kind of bike you are looking for, daviswiki.org/Bicycle_Shops will explain the different types of bikes and has a list of bike shops in Davis where you can buy used or new bicycles. If you would rather rent a bike instead, go to daviswiki.org/Renting%20a%20Bike. A search for the Facebook group “Bikes For Sale” will help you find bikes for sale within Davis. To find used and new bikes for sale online you can also use Craigslist at sacramento.craigslist.org.
Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around in Davis. Most students, staff and faculty ride bicycles, and it’s convenient, inexpensive and fun. However, it is also important to know and follow the rules and to learn how to be safe when cycling in Davis.
» WEAR A HELMET » RIDE RIGHT– in the direction of traffic » DO NOT RIDE ON SIDEWALKS » STOP AT ALL STOP SIGNS AND LIGHTS » USE HAND SIGNALS FOR STOPS AND TURNS
For information about bicycle safety and education check out the following resources:
The graphics above demonstrate the hand signals you should know.
UC Davis TAPS (Transportation and Parking Services): taps.ucdavis.edu/ bicycle/education » You can also register your bike at TAPS for $12. Bike registration is not strictly enforced, but may be helpful if your bike is stolen.
Where To Get Your Bike Fixed
Bike Auctions In accordance with the California Civil Code, Transportation Services disposes of abandoned, unclaimed bicycles through publicly-held auctions. Two “live” auctions are held annually, usually in mid-October and early May » taps.ucdavis.edu/bicycle/auctions
Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates: sacbike.org/for-bike-riders/rules-of-the-road
All across Davis, you will find self-service bicycle repair stations. A list of them is available at daviswiki.org/Bicycle_Repair_Stations. There are also many bike repair shops in town. The Bike Barn on campus sells new and used bicycles and provides repairs at low costs. bikebarn.ucdavis.edu.
Woodland Bike Campaign: sites.google.com/site/ woodlandbikecampaign/home
Daily Life in Davis
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CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE AND ID CARD
California ID Card:
It is important for you to carry some form of personal identification (ID) which includes your photograph, name, address and date of birth. You are asked for this type of ID when you cash a check, open a bank account, register your automobile, etc. Your passport has this information, but it is not wise to carry it with you on a daily basis because it may be lost. There are two types of ID’s available to you from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the California Identification Card and the California Driver License (if you plan to drive while you are here). For information about these documents and how to get them, go to: dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/idinfo/idcard.
California Driver License:
International students can use their home driver license if it is valid, but only for the first few months that they are in the US. After this, they will be expected to have a California driver license if they want to drive a vehicle. You cannot drive in California with an International Driving Permit. To acquire a California Driver License, you must pass a written exam and a driving exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
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Davis DMV office contact information:
The Davis DMV is located at the intersection of 5th St. and Pole Line Rd. The A, P, Q, or O (on weekends) lines of Unitrans will get you there. Address: 505 Pole Line Road, Davis Phone: (800) 777-0133 Website: www.dmv.ca.gov Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM » At dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/dl/newdriver you can find all kinds of information concerning your driver license and California ID. » You can download a free copy of the California Driver License Manual at: dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/ dmv/dl/driverhandbooks. » For those of you who wish to own your own vehicle while living in Davis, you must first register your vehicle with the DMV. It is state law to have auto insurance for all vehicles. You can get information about how to buy and register a vehicle at: dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/vr.
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Bernhardt Fourie
Angela Liu
Mengyuan Xiao
4th year Chemical Engineering major Country of Origin: South Africa
2nd year Animal Science major Country of Origin: Canada/China
4th year Horticulture & Agronomy, PhD Country of Origin: China
I am on the Division 1 Track and Field team, and that gave me a community to be a part of, which made making friends here at Davis so much easier. I enjoy the wide open green spaces on campus where you can just relax and take a break from studying. I find the amenities on campus, like the rec pool, ARC and others, a great place to meet new people and to just have fun! I like studying in groups, and people in your classes will almost always be open to the idea of a shared study guide between all of you, which makes studying so much easier!
I appreciated rushing a sorority in America, and it is extremely different from my international school back home in Shanghai, China. I have bonded with girls from all over the world and also in America. I am always excited to bring together both my Chinese friends and my American friends and sisters from my sorority. I also joined the pre-vet diversity club and vet aide club that will help me throughout the next four years to become a veterinarian and registered DVM. I have also participated in various research and internships, such as the Sacramento Zoo keeper aide position, the Liu Lab swine internship and Makagon Poultry behavior lab that has introduced me to the wide range of possibilities open for research and improving animal production and welfare. I have also adapted to the American culture and bought a car and even a house here at UC Davis. I am currently an Airbnb host and hope to stay in Davis for graduate school as well. I am extremely happy for the support I get from my friends in Davis that helped me flourish in my first year!
You’ll get a lot of emails everyday. Please take a look and don’t just ignore them. Sometimes you’ll find a lot of good resources. I found it hard to join non-academic conversations due to the difficulties to understand slangs, etc. How to handle it: learn the slangs from various resources like TV shows or daily conversations with English speakers.
Daily Life in Davis
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STUDENT FAVORITES
We surveyed international students to get the scoop on popular resources. Student Recommended Apps and Websites
Facebook Pages
Tap Ride
facebook.com/groups/UCDhousing
Real-time ride dispatching for SafeRide and other demand-response services.
Canvas by Instructure
UC Davis Canvas is the new campus-wide learning management system that used by instructors, staff, TA’s, and students. Log in with your UC Davis LoginID and password and get mobile access to (most of ) your coursework resources through the app.
Venmo
Housing
Free and for Sale
facebook.com/groups/418689691489871 Class of 2021 (for freshmen) facebook.com/groups/ucdavisfreshmanclassof2021 Class of 2019 (for transfers) facebook.com/groups/ucdavistransferclassof2019
UC Davis TEXTBOOK MARKETPLACE facebook.com/groups/260319714060895
UC Davis Textbook Trade/Sale
Venmo is a “digital wallet” that lets us transfer money to each other.
facebook.com/groups/734818056585935
Yelp
facebook.com/groups/UCDavisRideSharing
Searching local restaurants by reviews and rankings as well as the online reservation service and online food-delivery service.
UC Davis Mobile
UC Davis Mobile is the official mobile app of UC Davis. It provides students, faculty and staff with all of their needed UC Davis resources in a mobile setting. You can access Canvas, Schedule Builder, Email and check real-time Unitrans schedules.
Reef (substitute for iClicker)
Students can add classes to Reef and then are able to answer polling or multiple choice questions during the classes.
Aggie Job Link
icc.ucdavis.edu/find/resources/ajl.htm
UC Davis Ride Sharing
Student Recommended Restaurants Burgers and Brew Chengdu Style Hunan Bar Nami Sushi Huku Japanese Bistro Ike’s Love & Sandwiches Ket-Mo-Ree La Piñata Sam’s Mediterranean Sunrise Restaurant Taste of Thai Tasty Kitchen Yakitori Yuchan Zentoro
Favorite Places to Nap on Campus In my dorm In my car between classes On grass in the shade Library ARC The LGBTQIA Center Student Recruitment and Retention Center Meditation Room On the Quad Anywhere!
Favorite Places to Study on Campus Residence Hall study room MU Study Lounge Coho On the Quad Basement of Shields Library Shields 24-Hour Study Room Physical Sciences and Engineering Library Cross Cultural Center Student Recruitment and Retention Center
Davis Wiki
localwiki.org/davis 28
International Student Handbook 2017-2018
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
STAFF DIRECTORY The California grizzly bear is a symbol featured on the current flag of California. The last time this bear was sighted was in 1924 and is now an extinct subspecies.
ACADEMIC ADVISING & COUNSELING College of Letters & Science Angelina Applegate, International Academic Advisor (1) afapplegate@ucdavis.edu John Clift, International Academic Advisor jclift@ucdavis.edu Letia Graening, International Academic Advisor (2) lcgraening@ucdavis.edu
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Sarah Mooney, International Academic Advisor (3) smooney@ucdavis.edu Andy Prettol, International Academic Advisor (4) ajprettol@ucdavis.edu
College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Brad Horton, International Academic Counselor (5) bhorton@ucdavis.edu Katherine Parpana, Academic Counselor (6) kjparpana@ucdavis.edu
College of Engineering Jordan Dade, International Academic Advisor (7) jwdade@ucdavis.edu Nancy Davis, International Academic Advisor (8) nldavis@ucdavis.edu
College of Biological Sciences Lori Bergum, International Academic Advisor (9) llbergum@ucdavis.edu
Staff Directory
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES & ADVISING Tammy Silver, Assistant Director of International Student Services, SISS (10) tsilver@ucdavis.edu Emily Taylor, International Student Advisor, SISS (11) ejtaylor@ucdavis.edu Robb Davis, International Student Advisor, SISS (12) rwdavis@ucdavis.edu Matt Kaminski-Lucas, International Student Advisor, SISS (13) mkaminskilucas@ucdavis.edu
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Kathy Lighthall, International Student Intake Advisor, SISS (14) klighthall@ucdavis.edu Linda Younger, Administrative Assistant, SISS llyounger@ucdavis.edu Jodi Barnhill, International Data Analyst, SISS (15) jlbarnhill@ucdavis.edu Wesley Young, Director, SISS (16) wryoung@ucdavis.edu
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CAMPUS SECURITY Deborah Douglas Hammond, Global Liaison Unit Director, UC Davis Police Department (16) ddhammond@ucdavis.edu
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
COMMUNITY SUPPORT, PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES Sheetal R. Shah, Ph.D., SISS and ME/SA Studies Community Counselor, Student Health and Counseling Services (17) sshah@shcs.ucdavis.edu Koby Rodriguez, Associate Director, Cross Cultural Center (18) korodriguez@ucdavis.edu Stephanie Partridge, International Programs Assistant, SISS (19) spartridge@ucdavis.edu
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Jeremy Truong, International Programs Coordinator, SISS (20) jgtruong@ucdavis.edu elizabeth coté, Director, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Resource Center (21) eacote@ucdavis.edu Sara Blair-Medeiros, Assistant Director of Outreach, Women’s Resources and Research Center (22) slblair@ucdavis.edu Jaime Allen, Student Activities Coordinator, Center for Student Involvement (23) jnallen@ucdavis.edu Catrina Wagner, Associate Director, New Student Academic Services (24) clwagner@ucdavis.edu Dawn Takaoglu, Director of International and Academic English dmtakaoglu@ucdavis.edu Ginger Welsh, Director of International Alumni Programs (25) gwelsh@ucdavis.edu
Staff Directory
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Location for the Cross Cultural Center and Services for International Students and Scholars
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International Student Handbook 2017-2018
The International Student Handbook was made possible by the following contributors:
Cross Cultural Center Division of Student Affairs Services for International Students and Scholars Global Affairs Luis Antonio Garay Almada Kriti Garg Ying Li Emily Luong Trang Nguyen Stephanie Partridge Yu Song Jeremy Truong Regenia Un Jiaying Wang Jia Wang
Staff Directory
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Cross Cultural Center