One Gate

Summer in Davis: Surviving UC Davis Graduation Weekend

Note: this is the first in a series we're calling "Summer in Davis". Check back for more posts on Davis in the summer!

Summer in Davis officially starts sometime in mid-June with a flurry of commencement ceremonies. To avoid getting caught by long lines of traffic at stop lights and two hour waits at restaurants, here’s a handy guide for surviving UC Davis graduation weekend:

Eating Out This Weekend

Party planners, have you made reservations for your celebration yet? Restaurants book up fast and generally get dominated by large parties of ten or more. If you haven’t made a reservation, get on it right now and check to see if there are any openings left – be ready to settle for a three o’clock lunch rather than the convenient 12:30 you would have liked. Those of you who are graduate-free this weekend may want to avoid dining out completely.

If all restaurants are booked, a great alternative is a picnic. The arboretum, with its sprawling lawns and canopying trees, is perfect for picnic blankets and ultimate Frisbee games. Grab some sandwiches and salads at Zia’s or Nugget and you’re good to go!

Or, barbeque it up in one of the parks scattered around town. Central Park and other parks listed on the City of Davis website have barbeque grills but you might want to get there earlier to claim them or call ahead of time and make a reservation.

Transportation

Driving and Parking:

Driving around Davis this weekend will be extra tricky. Be prepared for longer lines at stoplights and stop signs, especially around the UC Davis campus and parking lot entrances. LaRue Road between Russell Blvd and Hutchinson can get especially backed up so allow yourself some extra time if traveling along the west end of campus.

If you’re attending ceremonies on campus, parking is free in designated lots. Visit the commencement ceremony/campus map to see where parking lots are in relation to ceremony locations.

Alternatives to automobiles:

If you can, join in the spirit of Davis and bike instead of driving. There are plenty of bike racks on campus and around town and bike paths that avoid troublesome intersections. Plus it’s a great way to stretch out your legs after those long speeches.

Finally, consider Unitrans. Buses will be running Friday and Saturday (but not Sunday!) on summer schedules and drop off at the Memorial Union, Shields Library and the Silo. If you aren’t sure which bus to take, check the route map (pdf) then the schedules to see when buses will be in your area.

Graduation Gifts

With the economy still suffering through its blue period, new college graduates are some of the most affected. It’s difficult to get a job with little to no experience! So if you’re not sure what to get for your favorite college graduate, here are two suggestions:

1. Money. Landlords don’t care if you can’t find a job; help a graduate out with some rent money.

2. Give the gift of networking. It’s easiest to get a job when you know someone on the inside. Offer to pass along a resume, line up an introduction, or simply keep an eye out for openings. Help getting an in is always appreciated.

Some last minute tips:

If you’re still looking for extra ceremony tickets or have some you’re not using, DavisWiki has a Ticket Swap entry. To double check ceremony times and locations, visit the UC Davis Commencement page.

Enjoy this weekend in Davis! Even if you don't know anyone graduating, the feelings of good cheer are bound to rub off on you.

Are you on Twitter? Follow us at @OneGate.

Related:
UC Davis FAQ: Biking
UC Davis FAQ: Things to do in Davis
Davis Photo of the Day