<p>I just did my TAG to UCD and the UCD rep I talked to said I’m guaranteed admission as long as I get a C or better in my current bio class, (which is definitely happening). Anyways, I’ve poked around the UCD site and will be going to preview day on Oct. 15th, but I have a few questions.</p>
<p>Between Cuarto and Tercero, which dorms are “better”? I’m a Biochem major and will be doing my upper level courses. I like the idea of the suites and private bathrooms in Cuarto, but it sounds like it’s in the middle of nowhere!?</p>
<p>What kind of bike should I get? I know pretty much nothing about bike quality. My sister has a Trek that I could get fixed up, (needs a new chain and seat), but I didn’t like it the few times I’ve ridden it, (handlebars were too low). What are some good bike brands that I can try to find used and cheap(er), (no road bikes though)?</p>
<p>Any general advice for a transfer student? Do’s and don’ts?</p>
<p>I’m a transfer in Cuarto in Webster Hall, and it’s not in the middle of nowhere at all. It’s actually about…a block and a half away from the Segundo Dorms. From the Memorial Union, if you bike straight down Russell Blvd on your left, you’ll hit the Cuarto Residence Halls on Russell and Sycamore. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Cuarto to the MU or to the Silo (and even less when biking), and when you take the Unitrans (I take the C line to go to the Silo if I have a class close to there and either the K or P line to the MU if my class is closest to that, and then on the ride back, I take whatever line is closest to my last class of the day). </p>
<p>Do take advantages of resources. Leave your door open so others can pop in and say hello. Don’t overload yourself on courses. I’ve been told during a transfer information meting that if you want to be in a sorority/fraternity, don’t start “rushing” until winter quarter.</p>
<p>Handlebars and seats can be adjusted. What’s more important is that you have the correct size frame. What’s your budget for “cheap”?</p>
<p>You should check out SSA, i switched from the dorms to apartments and i’m really happy i did it. You are guaranteed your own room/bathroom. the cost really isn’t much higher, and you get to stay for summer session 1 and 1/2 of the second. Also your total costs could end up being lower because you don’t HAVE to buy a meal plan. when i did calculations for the cost of a meal plan its like $12 a meal if you only buy 90 meals, and if you buy 180, i think its around $7.67 if i remember right. You can eat way cheaper if you make your own food. As far as bikes go, i was able to find a $100 road bike from Walmart, its fine so far. Walmart also has some online that seem pretty good for a low price. it isn’t guranteed that they will have it in the store, so if you want it, just have it shipped to the store and they will assemble it for free. good luck, and grats on your TAG!</p>
<p>I live in Webster Hall at Cuarto with other transfers. It’s not in the middle of nowhere whatsoever! Cuarto is located on Russell Boulevard, and if you continue down Russell past campus you end up on 5th street, which is Downtown Davis. It’s a couple of blocks up, and you could easily walk/bike/bus there. There are TONS of bus stops near Cuarto, the P, B, C, K lines are super close and can take you to MU or Silo depending on your classes. I don’t have a bike yet, so I’ve been relying on Unitrans to get around and it’s really convenient. </p>
<p>Cuarto is also adjacent to U-Mall which has a bunch of shops and restaurants, and a Rite-Aid is close by too. [University</a> Mall - Davis Wiki](<a href=“http://daviswiki.org/University_Mall]University”>http://daviswiki.org/University_Mall) </p>
<p>Some advice if you end up living at Cuarto: Go to as many “New Student” events as possible during the week before class. TONS of free food and stuff is given away! (granted, not great items, but hey who doesn’t want a free mug?) lol. That way when you get the free food you don’t use up any of your meals from the meal plan yet. </p>
<p>Good luck to year this school year and see ya at Davis! If you have any more questions feel free to ask :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! I went to preview day yesterday and I’m really happy I chose UCD. The campus looks great and everyone seemed really friendly. I only got a chance to check out Tercero dorms, and I’ve decided that I definitely do not want to be in Leach Hall, (single dorms+weird smell)! In Cuarto, is it typical to have 3 people to a room, like the new Tercero buildings? I think I’d rather be in Tercero than Cuarto since I’m a science major and they’re really close to the science buildings…</p>
<p>I took another look at my sister’s bike and I think I’ll end up getting it fixed and raising the handlebars.</p>
<p>New questions: Is anyone on or familiar with the UCD equestrian team? And for those in dorms, what size meal plan do you get and how does that fit your eating habits/lifestyle?</p>
<p>In Cuarto, our room is in a suite arrangement, and suites can either house 4 or 6 people (or in Thoreau, a 9 person suite according to [this](<a href=“http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu/housing/cuarto_3d_rooms.asp]this[/url]”>http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu/housing/cuarto_3d_rooms.asp)</a>). The suite I’m in is a 4 person suite, with two double-occupancy bedrooms, one semi-private bathroom (if you get the B rooms in Cuarto, you get the room with your own bathroom sink. Plus the B rooms are bigger than the A rooms), and your own living room. I’m also a science major, but I chose to live in Cuarto since the only dorms in Tercero available to transfers for fall 2011 were the ones in Leach Hall, and I didn’t want to pay more money for a single.</p>
<p>I got the 150 meal plan since I live far away from home and therefore, the 90 and 120 wouldn’t be suitable for me, and I don’t eat that much to get the 180.</p>