Row of colorful bicycles locked in racks outside a modern glass building

Living in Davis

Davis is a welcoming community and is proud to be called a "college town." Much of the city's identity is rooted in the UC Davis campus, leading to a large student, staff and faculty population residing within the city limits. Well known as the bike capital of the USA, enjoy greenbelt bike paths throughout town, connecting neighborhoods with parks and businesses.

International students and scholars can participate in many activities in the area throughout their time at UC Davis. Find some information on local and regional clubs, libraries, places of worship, etc., in the sections below, but don't forget to do your own research. Lists are not comprehensive. 

Seasons and Weather

Davis experiences all four seasons and sees an average of 49.8 cm (19.6 in) of rain each year.

  • Average Temperatures in Davis:
    • Fall: 21-32°C (70-90°F)
    • Winter: 13-16°C (55-60°F) with lows below 4°C (40°F)
    • Spring: 19-27°C (66-80°F)
    • Summer: 32-38°C (89-100°F) with highs above 38°C (100°F)

City Information

Community Organizations

  • Davis Bike Club
  • Davis Bike Club: Non-profit organization dedicated to cycling and cycling related activities.
  • Davis Community Theater Events
  • Visit Davis Community and Theater Events to learn more.
  • Davis Golf Club
  • Davis Golf Club: Non-profit organization open for membership to all golfers wishing to play in either a competitive or social setting.
  • Davis Sport Leagues
  • Davis Sport Leagues: Adult and youth sport leagues are available.
  • Davis Rotary Club
  • Davis Rotary Club: Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
  • Davis Toastmasters
  • Davis Toastmasters: Improve your public speaking skills and develop leadership skills with a diverse group of students and non-students in Davis.
  • Yolo Hiker
  • Yolo Hiker: This website lists comprehensive descriptions of outdoor recreation centered in Yolo County.

English Language Classes

  • Davis Adult School
  • Davis Adult School offers classes in English and other languages, computers, arts and crafts, dance and fitness/health. Their calendar conforms to UCD's quarter system, although students may begin classes at any point during the quarter. They offer mostly evening classes and a few daytime classes. A placement test is required prior to enrollment. Classes tend to be inexpensive.
  • International House (I-House) Conversation Groups
  • The International House (I-House) in Davis offers English conversation groups. People gather in small groups to practice English in informal conversation. Membership in the International House is inexpensive and students can attend as many conversation groups as they like. Visit the International House webpage for more information.
  • UC Davis Extension
  • UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education offers many independent study programs, including an Intensive English Language Program such as Academic Engagement Track and Short-Term Programs. Classes are held during various times of the year, including summer.

Religion and Spirituality (not a complete list)

Located at 10 College ParkInternational House Davis is a non-profit organization that is not part of the University of California, Davis. International House Davis serves the entire Davis community by offering many programs to the general public, which includes our UC Davis international students and scholars. 


Living in Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital of the state of California, located just 15 miles from Davis and home to the UC Davis Health campus. Sacramento is a hub for political activity, widely known for its diversity. 

Around 20% of UC Davis's international scholars work on this campus. The UC Davis School of Medicine has a helpful webpage about what Sacramento offers residents (and visitors). Find some information on local and regional clubs, libraries, places of worship, etc., in the sections below, but don't forget to do your own research. These lists are not comprehensive. 

Seasons and Weather

Sacramento experiences all four seasons and sees an average of 47 cm (18.5 in) of rain each year. 

  • Average Temperatures in Sacramento:
    • Fall: 21-32°C (70-90°F)
    • Winter: 13-16°C (55-60°F) with lows below 4°C (40°F)
    • Spring: 19-27°C (66-80°F)
    • Summer: 32-38°C (89-100°F) with highs above 38°C (100°F)

City Information

Community Organizations

English Language Classes

  • ESL Program at Sacramento City Unified School District
  • Sacramento City Unified School District offers ESL courses and a certificate program through the Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center.
  • ESL Program at Sacramento City College
  • Sacramento City College (SCC) offers a variety of ESL courses (“English as a Second Language”).
  • English Language Institute, Sacramento State University
  • Sacramento State University offers 8- and 17-week programs at all levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) through their English Language Institute. Prospective students must apply to participate in their program of choice 60 days in advance. 

UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC) 

Religion and Spirituality (not a complete list)

Distances from Sacramento by Car (without traffic)

  • To Davis: 20 min (16 mi/26 km)
  • To Napa: 60 min (61.3 mi/99 km)
  • To San Francisco: 1 hour 45 min (87.5 mi/141 km)
  • To Lake Tahoe, South Shore: 1 hour 50 min (109 mi/175 km)
  • To Lake Tahoe, North Shore: 1 hours 50 min (113 mi/182 km)
  • To Los Angeles: 5 to 7 hours (385 mi/620 km)