Frequently Asked Questions

  • What technology is in the classroom?
  • As part of King Hall's state-of-the-art facility, all teaching rooms at the Law School now have the latest in Audio/Visual equipment, including ceiling-mounted projectors, in-room computers, CD, and DVD players. Each classroom has Ethernet and wireless internet access, electrical outlets for individual student use.  In addition, some classrooms have recording technology that allows us to capture events and simulcast speakers to other rooms in the Law School.
  • Does the Law School have a Wireless Network?
  • Secure wireless access is available to all students throughout the entire Law School building and is 802.11 a/b/g/n compliant. Any wireless card compatible with an 802.11B network will work on the network. For more information about wireless access, visit the IT Services for Students website and scroll down to the "Student Wireless Information" section.
  • Does the Law School use computerized exam software?
  • To adequately prepare you for the California State Bar, UC Davis provides every student with a copy of Examsoft (http://www.examsoft.com) free of charge.  For law school exams, students can use Examsoft or write out their exam by hand.
  • Do I need to purchase a computer?
  • While many students find it more convenient to purchase their own laptop, students are not required to own a laptop to attend UC Davis. Students who own a laptop can install Examsoft, computerized exam software, for all required exams. However, students who opt not to have a computer must use blue books for all examinations. A one-time computer loan of up to $1,900 is available to students over their three years of study.
  • Does the Law School provide computers for me to use?
  • The Law School has a state of the art student computer lab in the Lower Level of King Hall. The Instructional Computing Center (ICC) is open to law students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ICC contains 36 PC Workstations, all with the latest versions the Microsoft Office suite, access to Lexis, Westlaw, and numerous databases for legal research. All workstations have connectivity to the internet for legal research, web browsing, and email. Students receive 1,500 pages of printing at no charge each academic semester. In addition, a dedicated member of the IT staff is present provide assistance to students Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Additional help is available via email for non-business hours.
  • What Laptop should I purchase?
  • Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and the computing environment at UC Davis School of Law generally supports any brand of laptop, the IT Department is happy to provide you with some general guidelines to aid you in your purchase. Please note that the IT Department does not offer repair service for personal computers (and laptops tend to take a good amount of wear and tear in the daily law life of a law student) and we recommend that you consider purchasing an extended warranty that will cover repairs for your full three years of study. 

    Also, please note that registered student may download Microsoft Office and Sophos Anti-Virus software at no charge (active UC Davis computing account and completion of online computer orientation required to access SOL intranet) for use while a registered student.

    The School of Law offers a one-time (over all three years of study) computer loan of up to $1,900 is available upon matriculation. More information is available on the Financial Aid website Additional Expense form. Please note additional expense requests generally are not processed until the third week of the semester.
  • Can I get an educational discount on a laptop?
  • Although the Law School does not endorse any specific manufacturer, the Law School's Information Technology Department does provide information about discounts are available to students from a number of computer makers. For assistance choosing a specific laptop, visit the Computer Recommendations portion of our website.You can also contact IT directly at lawithelp@ucdavis.edu.

    Apple - Offers discounts on numerous Apple appliances and software

    UC Davis Bookstore TechHub - Offers discounts on computer hardware, software, and peripherals

    Dell - Offers a 5% - 10% discount on any Dell system to all UC Davis faculty, staff, and students
  • Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
  • Whether it's advice on a computer-related purchase, computer lab specifications, or printing options, the Law School's in-house Information Technology Department is here for you! You can find them on the first floor of King Hall (Suite 1270), or reach them by email at lawithelp@ucdavis.edu.
  • How can I use the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) if I don’t have a student ID card?
  • Beginning on the first day of Introduction Week, entering students are able to use the ARC facilities. The Admission Office has provided a list of names and student ID numbers to facilitate your access to the ARC.
  • When will I receive my student ID card and a key to King Hall?
  • Our IT department prepares the ID card. This card also functions as your electronic door key, allowing 24 hour access to King Hall. Typically, student ID cards are available no later than the first week of the fall semester.
  • Is there a comprehensive checklist of items I need to complete prior to enrollment?

  • One of the most important things to do before starting law school is to enjoy your summer! The Admission Office is here to guide you through the steps to prepare for Fall, giving you Be sure to add "admissions@law.ucdavis.edu" to your address book!) The following is as close as we can come to providing you a checklist of THINGS TO DO as you prepare to enroll at King Hall.First, read carefully your admission packet, this website, and email correspondence from the Admission Office. These items include a lot of useful information and deadlines.  Please note: Initials preceding information indicates the student status to which the information pertains. You can also review each of the "Summer Updates" accessible on the homepage of this site.


    1L – Entering First Year
    T – Transfers
    V – Non-Matriculant Visitors
    E - Everyone

    • (E) Submit Official Transcript (with bachelor’s degree posted) (August 1) - This is the basic requirement to enroll at UC Davis Law School, but if you provided a final degree-award transcript to the LSAC during the application process and it is part of your CAS report, this requirement has been fulfilled.  Otherwise, you will need to have your registrar provide one to us. If you are unable to provide an official transcript by August 1, instruct your college or university to send an official Certificate of Completion verifying that you have completed all requirements for your bachelor’s degree and including the date that degree will be conferred. Make sure they follow-up by sending the official transcript as soon as the degree has been posted. The Documents Received section of the Status Check Website will let you know when either document has been received.
    • (E) Create a UC Davis Email Account. Instructions are posted on the Action Item Banner on the Admitted Student Website closer to enrollment.
    • (E) Complete the Computer Orientation – You can do this online (please be on the lookout for us to send video modules) or during Introduction Week. Completion of the orientation is required to gain access to the technology and computer software available at the School of Law. It also allows access to the Law School Intranet and provides information about “how to” get a locker.
    • (T/V) Submit your Official complete Law School Transcript. If you did not provide this as part of the Transfer Admission process, you should instruct your prior/current law school to mail it to the Admission Office immediately.
    • (1L/T) Complete and submit the Statement of Legal Residence (August 1) – A Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) must be completed and submitted by EVERY student enrolling at UC Davis Law School. ABSOLUTELY no one is exempt, this includes UC Davis graduates.
    • (1L/T) Complete and submit the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) (TBA, typically mid-August). This applies only to students who believe their personal health insurance coverage is sufficiently comprehensive that they will not need to use the SHIP.
    • (1L/T) Have your Photo taken – You will do this during Introduction Week. This photo is used to produce your UC Davis Student ID / Key Card and will be your official King Hall photo for your entire three years here. This card allows you access to King Hall on a 24-hour basis and grants you access to student resources on the rest of the University campus, i.e. the ARC – Activities & Recreation Center, Shields Library, etc.
    • (1L/T) Submit the Narrative Profile – A brief narrative bio is requested of every entering student. The Narrative Profile is used by King Hall faculty and staff to get to know all of the enrolled law students. The Narrative Profile is posted at the Law School Intranet and is accessible by all students.  We will send you an email when the online form becomes available in spring.
    • (T/V) Meet with the Law School Registrar to select your second year courses - All Transfer students must make an appointment to meet with the Registrar to discuss units eligible for transfer and to select courses for the upcoming semester. Visiting Students must meet with the Registrar to select courses. The official law school transcript is required for this meeting.
    • (1L/T) Sign-Up for the King Hall Big Sib / Little Sib Program (July/August) - The King Hall Big Sib/Little Sib Program is the student organization that matches second- and third-year students with first-year students (and interested transfers) to provide guidance and friendship during the initial year at King Hall. This is voluntary, but most students find it rewarding. You will receive an email with additional information, including sign-up form, during the summer.
  • Will Transfer and Visiting Students have an Orientation?
  • The Transfer and Visiting Student Orientation typically takes place during the lunch hour on the first Monday of the Fall Semester. This Orientation will include presentations by the Deans, the Registrar, the library, Career Services, and Academic Success. An email notification, including location, will be sent to all Transfer and Visiting students.
  • How do I enroll as a law student?
  • First-year enrollment is simple -- we do it for you! The Law School's Registrar enrolls all first-year students automatically in the required courses for Fall semester, including the Introduction to Law course that takes place during Intro Week.  The Registrar will also determines section assignments and will distribute this information during Intro Week, with ample time to purchase your textbooks.

    Take note: Failure to submit an official transcipt, with undergraduate degree and date posted, by August 1, may result in delayed registration and disbursement of financial aid. Pursuant to ABA regulations, the Law School may disenroll any student who does not have an official transcript on file by October 15. If you provided a final degree-award transcript to the LSAC during the application process and it is part of your CAS report, this requirement has been fulfilled; otherwise, you must contact the registrar at your undergraduate degree granting institution to request it sends an official transcript directly to:

    UC Davis School of Law
    Admission Office
    400 Mrak Hall Drive
    Davis, CA 95616
  • When will I get my regular first-year course schedule and when can I buy books?
  • The Registrar enrolls all first-year students automatically. Each student is assigned to a section. That section will determine your individual schedule. (For more on what the typical schedule looks like, see the answer to the next question "What is a typical first year schedule?") The Registrar will make these assignments no later than Intro Week. Once you have your section assignments, you can also access each professor's reading assignments for the first day of class and determine which textbooks you will need.  The Campus Bookstore is a 10-minute walk from the law school (it also operates an online store) and you can charge textbooks to your student account using your UCID number and a photo ID (if purchasing in-person). Please note that any bookstore charges will be paid in full when your financial aid disburses and reduce the amount of your Fall Semester refund check. 
  • What is a typical first year schedule?
  • The 9 to 5 Generally
    UC Davis School of Law operates on a semester system, with 15 weeks in the Fall Semester and 15 weeks in the Spring Semester. A typical first-year schedule includes classes five days a week, with some classes starting as early as 8:00 a.m. and finishing as late as 4:30 p.m. Typically, you will have only or maybe two days a week where you will have an early or late class. Most classes meet two or three times a week for 50-75 minutes per class meeting. There are no classes scheduled from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on any day of the week.  We design the schedule this way to allow you to take part in the myriad events, such as guest speakers, information sessions on special program offerings (e.g., study exchange, UCDC, clinical programs), and student organization meetings.

    Determining Your Specific Schedule
    Your specific class schedule is determined by your group assignment. The Registrar automatically assigns each student to a group during Intro Week. These group assignments remain the same throughout the first year and you will have all your classes with the students in your group. For the core 1L courses (e.g., Torts, Contracts, etc.), multiple groups are assigned to a each section, with the goal for you to have at least one class with every fellow 1L by the end of the first year.

    Beyond your class schedule, you will need to allow time to study and prepare for class.  How much of each work day you should spend on studying is a very individualized decision.  A common guideline for first-year students is to plan to spend two to three hours studying outside of class for every hour spent in class. The Law School's Academic Success Program offers a multitude of study skills workshops throughout the term to help you build effective and efficient study habits that work for you.  We all want you to succeed so do not hesitate to ask for help!

    Working in Law School
    As you can see, law school is much like a full-time job and you should treat it as such. Although classes are spread throughout the day, it is to give you study time and opportunities to take part in law school events. Breaks will not be sufficient to allow for a part-time employment schedule. In fact, working during the first year is strongly discouraged by the ABA and the School of Law. Working also takes away time for you to partake in the outside the classroom learning opportunities and the vibrant student life at King Hall.
  • When can I take an ID photo?
  • You will upload your ID photo via the Campus Registrar's website prior to arrival on campus. The Admissions Office will provide you with instructions and a link after June 1.  Please note that these photos are also published to the Law School's internal directory on our intranet.
  • Must I attend Introduction Week and the Welcome BBQ?
  • Yes, attendance at all Introduction Week events is mandatory! In addition to providing you with information, opportunities to meet your classmates, and time to learn about student services available to you, you will take a class titled Introduction to Law for which you will receive your first unit of course credit. All first-year students are expected to attend the 1L Welcome BBQ on the Sunday prior to the beginning of Introduction Week. Check the Timeline and Events page for specific dates. If you must miss any of these events, please contact the Admission Office at admissions@law.ucdavis.edu or 530.752.6477 as soon as possible.
  • What is the cost of attendance?
  • The amounts shown on the Financial Aid Cost of Attendance site represent, for planning purposes, the cost of attendance for the current academic year.  Estimated tuition, fees and charges for the upcoming academic year will be available in spring and will be finalized by The Regents of the University of California in the summer (aid packages will be adjusted automatically). Accordingly, final figures are subject to change and may differ from the amount shown. Please note that the tuition and fees figure listed on the Cost of Attendance site may differ from the estimates posted on the Office of Budget & Institutional Analysis website. Students should use the law school Cost of Attendance figures for planning purposes at this time.
  • I have my own health insurance. Will I be required to pay for the campus health insurance coverage as part of my tuition?
  • UC Davis enrolls all students automatically in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). However, students can obtain a waiver of the SHIP fee if they provide proof of comparable coverage. We will email you information, including the link to submit the waiver form and the deadline to submit a waiver, about SHIP during the summer. This information will also post to the SHCS SHIP website.  You can also contact Student Health and Counseling Services at http://shcs.ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-2300.
  • Does the university health plan cover dependents?
  • UC Davis requires all students to participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or obtain comparable insurance coverage. SHIP does allow students to obtain coverage for dependents.  Information about the SHIP fee typically becomes available in late spring/early summer, but the current academic year's fees are noted in the Cost of Attendance page. You can access detailed information about health services offered to all students, regardless of insurer, on the Student Health and Counseling Services website.
  • Who do I contact regarding disability accommodations?
  • The Student Disability Center (SDC) offers advising, assistance and resources to students with physical, communicative, or learning disabilities, as well as for temporary impairments. Academic assistance includes sign language interpreters, real-time captioning, specialized educational materials (Braille, books-on-tape, etc.), exam accommodations and funding for readers, note takers and clerical or research assistants.

    The campus has excellent wheelchair accessibility. Mobility support services include SDC's shuttle service for temporary impairments and wheel- chair-accessible bus transportation to campus. Disability information and referrals to community resources are also available. Students with disabilities must establish eligibility for services through the SDC and are encouraged to contact the SDC as early as possible:

    Disability Center
    54 Cowell Building
    University of California
    Davis, CA 95616
    (530) 752-3184 (voice)(530) 752-6TDD (telephone device for the deaf)
    sdc.ucdavis.edu

    Within the School of Law, the Registrar's Office, Academic Success Program, and the Student Affairs Office work with students requiring accommodations of all types. We encourage incoming students who anticipate they will require accommodations to promptly contact us at admissions@law.ucdavis.edu to ensure you are connected with these offices in advance of the start of the fall semester.
  • Where can I pay my fees?
  • Students may pay fees at the UC Davis Cashier's Office in Dutton Hall or online through the MyBill website. Please note that MyBill accepts only electronic checks and Discover Card ($12 fee per transaction). For more information about bill payment, visit the the Cashier's Office website. Please note the Cashier's Office is open Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. only.
  • My name has changed. What is the procedure for changing it in the law school's records?
  • Name changes cannot be done until the student has arrived on campus for Introduction Week. To change your name with the university, please complete the form available at http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/html/office_of_the_registrar_forms.html. (See Personal Data – Petition for Name Change on University Record) Turn the form into the Law School Registrar's Office (Suite 2010) for processing.
  • When will I be able to get a campus parking permit and how much will it cost?
  • For general information about parking on campus and the types of permits available go to the UC Davis Transportation Services webpage (http://taps.ucdavis.edu). The South Entry Parking Structure and L Lot both allow full in-out privileges and are only a five-minute walk from the Parking Structure to the Law School. For more information about getting around Davis, see the Visiting King Hall section of our website.
  • If I have to take a leave or withdraw from the law school, will any of my tuition and fees be refunded?
  • Yes, UC Davis is required to calculate a Refund of Fees and Return of Title IV Funds to all students who withdraw, are dismissed, or who take a Planned Educational Leave (PELP) during a quarter/semester. Detailed information about this process, including the calculation process, is on the Financial Aid website. You may also contact Financial Aid directly using the Contact Us online form (for fastest reply) or 530.752.6573.