<p>It’s really cool Davis is offering this provision, but should I actually take it, or should I go off-campus? It’s not going to be on-campus housing, but rather in a large apartment complex west of Hwy 113.</p>
<p>Honestly, it’s not worth it. If you want to live at Arlington Farm Apartments, do it through the complex directly rather than through student housing. It’s much, much cheaper that way. I mean, would you rather pay $300-500 (depending on if you’ll be in a single bedroom or sharing, overall cost of the apartment, and size of the room) a month or pay around $4000-5000 a quarter (since the cost through student housing would include meal plans)? Same goes for any apartments that have an agreement with UC Davis Student Housing. </p>
<p>I took advantage of it my second year and wound up at Arlington Farm. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it unless you have no other options just because it’s really pricey.</p>
<p>And meal plans are optional for student housing apartments. At least, they were when I was in them.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I was considering it but I do have several backups in case it doesn’t work out!</p>
<p>My older son opted to do the 2nd year housing this year. He really does not like to cook, so being at Cuarto suite style dorms has worked out for him. He did get a limited dining plan and will get out more often than last year. Many of his friends have gotten apartments this year and their main complaint is the parking situation at the apartments and at school. If possible he will look for an apartment farily close to campus so he can mainly rely on his bike or the Unitrans for transportation next year. </p>
<p>@gumbymom: Unitrans serves all of Davis, so even if he lived further from campus, he can still use Unitrans for transportation. </p>
<p>@sopranokitty: I know Unitrans serves all of Davis, but he says sometimes the schedules are inconvenient and he would rather bike than take the bus. His friends at West Village, although access to Unitrans is good, complain that they are too far away from grocery stores and miss the convenience of being closer to campus. He really likes Cuarto since the University Mall and Trader Joes are so close. What can I say, maybe he is being too picky about the location. </p>
<p>For the second year, can you request Cuarto or Primero Grove or similar, or is it the luck of the draw and you will probably be put in Arlington Farm?</p>
<p>@liveonboca: For the 2015-2016 year, students who opt for 2nd year housing will only be put into Arlington Farm.</p>
<p><a href=“Returning Students Housing Program | UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services”>Returning Students Housing Program | UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services;
<p>If the only option is Arlington Farm, just find a place on your own. It will be significantly cheaper, and you can find a place that best fits your needs.</p>
<p>Think about what’s most important to you (cost, amenities, location, layout.) I personally would suggest living as close to campus as possible, but some people don’t mind busing/biking.</p>