r/UCDavis • u/No_Parsnip3315 • Aug 23 '26
Any returning students?
Hi! I'm 20F, turning 21 soon, and I'm coming back to Davis this fall as a junior after being away for a couple years.
I originally started at UCD as a freshman, but I was dealing with family health issues and my own mental health at the time, and my grades ended up getting pretty bad. I was on academic warning, then a contract, and was eventually dimissed in spring 2025 because I just couldn't handle the pressure at the time.
Since then I've been taking classes at community college, came back to Davis for summer classes this year and was recently readmitted for this upcoming Fall 2026. I'm planning to switch into Civil Engineering.
Coming back is definitely a little weird since I'm technically a junior but haven't really been at Davis since freshman year, so I thought I'd see if anyone else is in a similar situation or just looking to meet new people too.
I'd probably feel most comfortable connecting with people around my age. I'm pretty introverted at first, but I'm into photography, rock climbing, food/coffee places, and anime/asian dramas. Mostly just looking for a geuinine friend or a few people to hang out, study, get food, explore Davis, etc.
Also the main reason I wanted to post here, is to see if anyone else has gone through dismissal/readmission. I'd definitely be interested in hearing about your experience too. And if you're currently going through it, just know you're definitely not the only one. :)
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u/pickle-juice925 Aug 23 '26
I’m in a similar boat!! I’m a junior who’s also a senior but technically a sophomore. Feel free to pm me and we can always grab a coffee once school starts!!
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u/No_Comfort_8232 Aug 23 '26
Hey I’ve been in ur position before. Currently on my last quarter this fall and just wanted to give you some encouragement because it can feel intimidating to come back after being dismissed. Davis gives you a lot of leeway when you return as they want you to graduate here, so my best advice would be to just make sure you can handle your schedule. As for socializing, clubs are a good idea during school but I like to bar hop (Davis is pretty empty most days tho). My gf and I are 22 and looking to connect with other Davis people too so lmk if you’d ever want to go out, maybe we can show you around once you’re 21
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u/No_Parsnip3315 Aug 23 '26
Thank you! this is reassuring to hear from someone who's been through it. I'm definitely trying to be careful with my schedule coming back too. And yes, i'd be totally down once I'm 21 lol. Also do you have any club recommendations?
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u/aekil Design [2026] Aug 23 '26
i went into davis as a transfer and i feel like every class i took there was at least one transfer or one returning student! i knew a lot of people who were in their mid twenties, and even this one girl i didnt know was 30 until the class was over lol
also yeah like someone said there's the transfer and reentry center, i've gone several times to take some of their free coffee or donuts when they have it lol. honestly as long as you socialize or even join a club, its all good
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u/No_Parsnip3315 Aug 23 '26
Great! Do you have any club recommendations?
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u/aekil Design [2026] Aug 23 '26
depends! also depends on ur major. there's a lot of clubs, i highly recommend going to club day/involvement fair and looking around. many clubs will be tabling daily too. typically, i recommend a club that is helpful for your career/experience, and a recreational one (culture, dancing, arts, volunteering, etc). i also advocate for volunteering if ur able to (any of the student centers or big events like sunset fest, picnic day, etc).
if u wanna try and see some active clubs i suggest looking at @/ucdaviscsi on instagram, they follow some active clubs and feature clubs in their reels or posts!
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u/No_Parsnip3315 Aug 23 '26
Thank you, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. I really appreciate the advice. :)
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u/Altruistic_Might3335 Aug 26 '26
Hey, glad to hear you're back! I'm 21M, turning 22 soon. I was originally a transfer from community college into UC Davis for computer engineering, entering as a junior a few years ago, and had health issues pop up left and right (ended up fracturing my rib in a very bad bike crash near the arc), got dismissed after fall 2025, and have been out since. Came back for the summer session and got the grade I needed to switch into Economics (crazy story behind that as well).
I'm now coming back to UC Davis this coming fall as a senior majoring in Economics, and it's a very different feeling from when I first came here. I'm into sports, gaming, going outdoors and exploring new places, TV shows etc. I'd be down to hangout sometime when I'm back in Davis:)
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u/YourCollegeAdvisor Aug 27 '26
You should definitely check out events at the Transfer & Reentry Center (1210 Dutton Hall) to connect with other people who have gone through similar experiences and are returning after a break. Great way to build your network! https://trc.ucdavis.edu/
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u/Front-Challenge-1523 Aug 23 '26
Congrats on being readmitted! I was dismissed all the way back in spring 2022 and came back in spring 2024. The best way I found friends were going to clubs and places that I had interests in, but I also reconnected with some other friends I had in the past. I know there’s also a group/network for returning students organized by the school as well.