Hi guys,
I’m thinking of living off-campus to save some money.
However, I wanna know if they will reduce my current aid if I choose to do that. Because if they do, then obviously I’m not gonna do it.
Thanks.
Yes, your FA will be reduced based on the Cost of Attendance for on-campus vs. living off- campus. What is your FA package breakdown now? There is a difference of $5300 between on-campus room/board vs. off-campus.
@Gumbymom I’m being offered $24,500 (excluding loans). Ok, it’s on-campus for me then.
As a Freshman student, it is best to stay on-campus for the first year. It will help in forming friendships which will in turn help with moving off campus with compatible roommates. If you plan to live off-campus for 2nd-4th year, which many students will do, start looking around December/January of Freshman year. Off campus apartments are plentiful but they rent out fast for the following school year. If you want some off-campus suggestions, post later in the year.
@Gumbymom Got it.
Also, they calculated my Room and Board cost to be $15,863 on the estimate.
Now I want to know which occupancy option that is for (1, 2, or 3x) and which meal plan. This is their costs for 2018-2019: https://housing.ucdavis.edu/_pdf/s/2018-residence-hall-fee-schedule.pdf
They don’t have one for this year yet. What should I expect w/ $15,863 ?
From what I can see on our UC Davis FA that 15,000 is for the largest food plan and a triple.
My oldest planned to live on campus all 4 years however each year he was unable to get a dorm. The amount he was quoted was what he received each semester for disbursement and he just needed to make sure he didn’t spend the money because it was to cover rent every month and food.
@teambyerline Why was he unable to get the dorm, if I may ask? I thought everyone who wanted to live on-campus could do so. Is that something I need to be concerned about?
@Hammad80: UC Davis only guarantees that Freshman will be able to live on-campus. For 2nd years, there is limited options which are not on-campus usually Cuarto (if space is available) and Arlington Farms. Most 2nd years and above, move off campus since it is more cost effective and UCD’s bus line is available if you do not want to bring a car. My son got lucky 2nd year and was in Cuarto but moved off campus for Junior and Senior year. For 2nd year, apply immediately when the housing option opens usually in February 2020.
Only a few UC’s guarantee more than 1-2 years for on-campus housing.
As a Freshman, expect double or triple and depending upon meal plan you select, you can save money. Plenty of good/reasonable priced restaurants in town so many students pick the 5 day plan and go out on weekends.
@Gumbymom Okay thank you. I will be asking for off-campus recommendations towards the end of freshmen year.
As of right now, which on-campus residence hall should I choose? I looked at the pros and cons of each, but I’m having trouble making up my mind. I think I’m leaning more towards Segundo.
Regarding food plan, you can chose one plan and change at the quarter. We started with the 7 days a week plan purely because of the social aspect of having some place to go and hang with friends. It seemed like a lot of the kids cut back to 5 days/wk at the end of the first quarter.
@Hammad80 , have you joined the UC Davis FB group? Note that there are two and one looks like it is not affiliated with the university.
Both Segundo and Tecero are good options. Tecero has the newer dorms while Segundo has more the traditional style dorms. My son was in Segundo but in the Primero Grove apartments first year in the Segundo area. He really like the DC and being close to the ARC, The Tecero DC is being remodeled and will be the largest DC but Segundo has the been the go to DC for many years. Tecero is closer to many of the science buildings so that may be a consideration but bring your bike and you will have to no problems getting around.
@lkg4answers Ok that makes sense- I’ll try out the different meal plans. How expensive is it to eat out in Davis?
And no I have not, I will join it.
@Gumbymom For those reasons I prefer Segundo as well. However, I did read that the chemistry classes are close to Tercero and that Cuarto has better rooms. Hence the indecision.
I do have a bike, but it’s only of decent quality. Should I invest in a fast one?
@Hammad80 Food in Davis varies but it takes effort to get it as opposed to rolling out of bed and walking into the dining commons. On Saturday mornings, a lot of kids go to the food booths at the farmers market (avocado toast, breakfast burritos, etc). You can also go to Trader Joes (a close bike ride) and pick up bananas, bagels, etc. to keep in your room. All meal plans incluce $200 in Aggie cash per quarter. Aggie cash can be used at the CoHo, Silo, Tercero Market, and many other locations. https://housing.ucdavis.edu/dining/aggie-cash/
If your scholarship includes 7 days/wk, there is no reason to go with a 5 day plan.
For housing, I would choose either Tercero or Segundo. The layout makes it a little easier to make friends. That said, I believe Webster Hall is supposed to re-open this fall and it looks pretty nice: https://housing.ucdavis.edu/capital-projects/projects/webster-hall/
Classes are offered all over campus. A class like freshman chem will be offered wherever there is room. They just opened a really cool new lecture hall https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/new-lecture-hall-california-ave-block/
Regarding the bike, bring the decent bike to school as long as it isn’t a cruiser.
As @lkg4answers stated if your FA covers a 7 day meal plan, then I would start out with it. You can always cut back next quarter if you find you are not making full use of the meal plan.
Tercero and Segundo are the best housing options for 1st year. The Cuarto arrangement is nice for 2nd year if it is offered next year for Sophomores. My son had 3 doubles in the suite style with 2 bathrooms and he was in Webster Hall pre-renovation which also has a pool. The Cuarto DC is the smallest and has many Vegan options.
I agree a decent bike is worth the money. My son used his bike all 4 years even though he brought his car up Midway 3rd year. Much easier to find bike parking near the classes than a car parking space. Definitely get a good bike lock since bike theft is an issue.