University of California-Davis Top Questions

I honestly don't think there is a stereotype - the school seems like it has a diverse population. People are generally kind and easygoing. Also, there are a LOT of Asians, like all other UC campuses do.

This may sound funny, but a common stereotype of the students at UC Davis is that people here are too nice. Everyone is so outgoing and friendly.

Lately UC Davis has earned a lot of attention in the media. Unfortunately, however, instead of being recognized for our outstanding academics or amazing students, we've been pegged as a school full of defiant protestors. Let me tell you though-- the majority of students here are a lot more laid back than we are portrayed to be. Although UC tuition is on the rise, and yes, some UC students are protesting, not all UC Davis students are causing a stir. In fact, we're usually stereotyped as just "hodunk" small town kids (which, in reality, we pretty much are) not crazy hippies like at Berkeley or alcoholics like at Santa Barbara. I may be biased, but I think UC Davis has the best of the University of California stereotypes. We have huge amounts of fun when the occasion calls for it (like on Picnic Day) AND we know how to get good grades, all while being down-to-earth college kids.

Lately UC Davis has earned a lot of attention in the media. Unfortunately, however, instead of being recognized for our outstanding academics or amazing students, we've been pegged as a school full of defiant protestors. Let me tell you though-- the majority of students here are a lot more laid back than we are portrayed to be. Although UC tuition is on the rise, and yes, some UC students are protesting, not all UC Davis students are causing a stir. In fact, we're usually stereotyped as just "hodunk" small town kids (which, in reality, we pretty much are) not crazy hippies like at Berkeley or alcoholics like at Santa Barbara. I may be biased, but I think UC Davis has the best of the University of California stereotypes. We have huge amounts of fun when the occasion calls for it (like on Picnic Day) AND we know how to get good grades, all while being down-to-earth college kids.

Students at UC Davis are unique in their ability to uphold excellent academic standings while maintaining a humble, grounded, outgoing demeanor. Students here are welcoming and more than happy to dialogue and meet new people. As focused as we are here at Davis, when the weekend roles around, students are ready to have a good time and unleash all the pent up stress accumulated throughout the week. There really is no better student body to be found anywhere, period.

The stereotype of the students at UC Davis is that we are all hippies because we are an agriculture school. Another stereotype is that we are farmers. These stereotypes are not true.I believed in the stereotypes before I came to Davis because everyone at my high school said UC Davis was a farm town that was full of hippies. I believed everyone until I visited Davis for the first time. Sure there were a few hippies here and there, but I saw a lot of diversity. I also noticed that everyone was laid back. It is not as superficial as my hometown in southern California. Everyone at this school comes from different backgrounds and different cities, states, and countries. People are going to label different colleges based on stereotypes, but you are the only one who can decide if these stereotypes are true or not true by visiting the campus yourself.

The typical stereotype at UC Davis is asian kids. This stereotype is pretty accurate. There are a lot of asians at this school and so Davis is known as the "geek" school.

As a student that attends UC Davis, I do not witness any stereotypes. I do observe that there are many different personalities and styles on campus, and that everyone has certain groups of friends. But as a general consensus, I am glad to say that students here have a friendly attitude, and are very accepting. I have personally made many friends that are from all different backgrounds and interests.

Movies and television shows depict college as a place where wild frat parties take place, where jocks rule the school, and where those who choose to take some time to study are labeled as "geeks" and "losers". But once one steps on the UC Davis campus he or she can see that these sorts of stereotypes exist only as jokes shared among students. Here at UC Davis, the terms "friendly" and "helpful" are the dominant descriptions of UCD students, faculty, and the community that surrounds our university. While students are academically driven and focused on their future, they are also always willing to help a fellow student inside and outside the classroom. UCD students not only want to succeed for themselves, but they want their classmates to achieve their greatest potential, as well. This stems from the friendliness that is UC Davis and the competitive, but not cut-throat, mentality. With so many different ways to get involved on campus, students can easily find their niche. There is no pressure to join a particular club or be associated with a certain group or organization. Students here accept and admire the differences that individuals have to offer, thus providing an education outside the classroom as well as inside.

UC Davis is far from diverse when it comes to the student body. While I don't deny that there are many different people of varying ethnicities and cultures, it will take you quite a while to find them. The majority of people who you will encounter at UCD are Asian and White students. And as a general rule, most of us are a little geeky. As far as that stereotype is concerned, it is definitely true. Those of us who do not fit into that first category are usually Agriculture Majors (hence the name UC Davis Aggies). And oh are they a sight to behold. I have seen a couple of them romping around campus with their cowboy boots and hats, they are however a rare bunch.