9 Reasons to Study at UC Davis This Summer

Summer Sessions Opens Opportunities for Students

News
A female student studies on the Quad
Students can make progress on their degree during Summer Sessions at UC Davis while enjoying the season on campus. (UC Davis photo)

Summer Sessions

Session I — June 20-July 29

Session II — Aug. 1-Sept. 9

Special Sessions — June 13-Sept. 9 (course dates and lengths vary)

Appointments available April 20; registration opens April 25

Whether you want to make headway on your degree, explore a new academic interest or soak up the summer sun on campus, summer study at UC Davis has a lot to offer. Summer offers the flexibility of different study periods, the news on fees and financial aid makes good sense, and there are some 700 courses and sections to choose from. So here are some reasons to think studying at UC Davis when you think summer.

1.  Accelerate progress on your degree

Students in graduation caps and gowns walking
Speeding up progress on earning your degree can reduce your time in school and save you money. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis Photo)

You’ll find just the right courses to meet general education and major requirements — from communications to organic chemistry — and even high-demand courses that can be harder to line up in the regular academic year. Taking courses can make economic sense, too. If you trim the time you need to graduate, you may be able to reduce the overall cost of your degree!

2. Compare the costs

Closeup of calculator
The fees per unit for Summer Sessions and the regular academic year are the same. (Thinkstock/photo

The $272 fee per unit for UC undergraduates is no more than you’d pay during the regular academic year. And for non-UC students, the campus has suspended an application and processing fee that visiting students once had to pay.

3. Benefit from a record investment in financial aid

Graduation cap on paper currency
UC Davis is making a record $10.5 million in fiinancial aid grants available for Summer Sessions. (thinkstock/photo)

Financial aid is available for Summer Sessions, and this year you can benefit from a record investment. The campus is making available $10.5 million in financial aid grants — the kind you don’t have to repay —to nearly 6,500 students.

To qualify, UC Davis students must take at least six units over the summer and meet other requirements. Already have a 2015-16 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application on file? You will automatically be provided with a summer financial aid package after you register for courses. Learn the details of summer financial aid for continuing UC Davis students and those newly admitted for fall 2016.

4. Take an intellectual adventure

A student touches a sea star in a tank
A biology sciences major interacts with a sea star during a Summer Sessions class at Bodega Marine Lab. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis photo)

Summer is a great time to venture into new territory, and there are some 700 courses and sections to help you do just that. Delve into subjects like personal investing, global fashion or sports in American society. Learn a language through one of our summer intensives. Through field courses and other special offerings, get down and dirty with archeology in the Mendocino National Forest or geek out on the intersection of technology and culture. To help you plan, the campus is guaranteeing some 300 courses will be taught even if enrollment is low.

5. Get in on a special minor

A student discussion in class
Students discuss business innovation in a course for the technology management minor. (Karen Nikos-Rose/UC Davis photo)

For the first time, the Graduate School of Management will offer the complete menu of courses for its undergraduate technology management minor so the five required courses can be completed in just one summer. Additionally, the popular minor is now open to students from all majors, and the courses are open to all students regardless of major. Courses are Managing and Using Information Technology, Marketing for the Technology-Based Enterprise, Technology Management, Financing New Business Ventures, Managing Costs and Quality, and Supply Chain Planning and Management.

6. Focus on just one or two classes at a time

Students look at a laptop screen
Students study at the Coffee House. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis photo)

You may have that one course in front of you … the one you need but you’ve heard all the stories about how tough it is. Think summer study — you can concentrate on a difficult class with fewer distractions. Get it out of the way!

7. Enjoy smaller classes

Students draw outside
Students enjoy being outside for a summer course in design drawing. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis photo)

Many Summer Sessions classes are smaller than they would be during the regular academic year. A recent analysis showed the average size of undergraduate classes was 58 in the regular academic year and 36 in the summer. So you can amp up your participation, get to know your classmates and check in more with your professor.

8. Make use of housing

Alder Hall student residence exterior
Alder Hall is one of the residence halls available for Summer Sessions students. (UC Davis photo)

Housing options can make it easy to stick around Davis in the summer. You can finish out your lease, sublet from someone else or stay in campus housing.

9. Soak up the summer sun and fun

Feet dangling in swimming pool
Students have free use of the Recreation Pool and its large lawns for relaxing. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis Photo)

The campus and surrounding area have a lot to offer during your study breaks. Your Summer Session fees provide access to student services and facilities including campus recreation programs. Some activities are free; others may be offered at discounted rates. Work out at the Activities and Recreation Center. Lounge at the Recreation Pool, play intramural soccer or create in the Craft Center. Sign up at Outdoor Adventures to take a guided trip or rent equipment to camp, rock climb, kayak or raft.

Media Resources

Julia Ann Easley, 530-752-8248, jaeasley@ucdavis.edu

Primary Category

Secondary Categories

Education

Tags