How does the quarter system work?

<p>I already posted this in UC Transfers, but wanted to see if I could get some answers here.</p>

<p>I’ve only experienced semesters, so I’m a little confused. I get that it’s faster paced, but how does the Summer Session fit into the quarters? I’m moving to Davis/Sacramento probably in late June or early July, so even if I miss the beginning of the 1st session,I’ll get there before the 2nd Summer Session begins. Can I/Should I enroll in a few summer classes just to get a head start?</p>

<p>I’m a French major.
Linguistics 1 would help satisfy the preparatory subject matter, and would probably be the only course I’d take this summer.</p>