Gather your documents before you start typing. You’ll need your parents’ info for the emergency contact section, and your own dietary preferences. Don’t overthink the “roommate preferences” section—just check “I prefer a tidy space” and move on. You can negotiate the sink situation later.
Home | UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services
Set a timer for 30 minutes. Yes, a real timer. Treat this like a productivity sprint. Put on a podcast—maybe something about true crime or the history of cheese—and blast through the form. Once it’s submitted, you can literally dance in your living room.
Still stuck? The U.C. Davis Housing office has a phone line, and they’re genuinely helpful. Call them during business hours (Pacific time, of course). They’ve heard every question, from “Can I bring my hamster?” (maybe) to “Is there an espresso machine in the lobby?” (probably not, but check).
The Fine Print You Can’t Ignore
Read the contract carefully. It’s not a novel; it’s a pamphlet. Look for the section on cancellation deadlines. If your plans change (say, you suddenly decide to live off-campus with your cousin’s band), you need to know when you can bail without losing a deposit.
Also, be aware of room assignment anxiety. It’s a real thing. You’re assigned a space, and you might not love it immediately. That’s okay. Give it two weeks. The first roommate argument over the thermostat is a rite of passage.
Cultural note: In Aggie speak, “the Tercero” means “the dining hall where you will eat your weight in burrito bowls.” Embrace it. The food is surprisingly good for a college campus—Davis has a top-rated dining program. You’ll miss it after you graduate.
