Anonymous, Class of 2022

I love my university and I am so glad I chose it. It has given me so many opportunities for my future. However, if you are going to a primarily white institution, immediately look for Black organizations on campus. As a first-year, I wished I sought out more Black organizations as I had a hard time seeing people who looked like me and shared my experiences. Also, there were many times when I found myself as the only Black student in my classes. But once I looked for Black organizations like Black Student Union, my experiences at school improved significantly. Also, look out for Black/African diaspora centers because the staff there are there to help you and make sure you are a thriving student. They have been extremely helpful and supportive of Black students. They have events and programs dedicated to Black students to encourage them to stay in school. There are student centers dedicated to Black students and provide them funding for events and programs geared for Black students. I would say Davis isn’t cliquey between races, but it depends on things like your major, where you live (if you’re in the dorms especially), and where you hang out. I wish there was more accountability of students and staff in regards to prejudice and discrimination. I hear of stories where professors and students actively ignore/leave out Black students and it is disheartening as the school tries to represent itself as a diverse, equal opportunity school. The school ought to address these issues, but I believe there is financial incentive to allow the behavior as professors doing important studies get a pass. I feel represented at UC Davis as I have multiple backgrounds. My advice, research your university extensively regarding how Black students are treated; if you see anything you personally would not be fine with, then you should rethink your selection. Also, look at the Black student organizations on campus and their social media to see if they are active.