The UC Davis academic calendar is the central planning tool for students, faculty, and staff across campus. It maps out instructional days, exams, registration windows, and key administrative deadlines for the full academic year.
Whether you are a new freshman or a long-time Aggie, understanding how to read this schedule helps you manage courses, housing moves, research timelines, and family commitments with confidence.
| Term | Instruction Start | Final Exams Begin | Last Day of Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Quarter | Late September | Early December | Mid-December |
| Winter Quarter | Early January | Mid-March | Late March |
| Spring Quarter | Late March | Early June | Mid-June |
| Summer Sessions | Late June | Mid-August | Late August |
Quarter Structure and Academic Planning
UC Davis follows a quarter system with three standard terms plus summer sessions. Each quarter is approximately ten weeks, giving you frequent entry points to begin new coursework.
Understanding this structure helps you sequence prerequisites, plan study abroad blocks, and align internships with academic progress without overloading any single term.
Registration Deadlines and Enrollment Windows
Registration periods are tightly tied to the academic calendar, with specific windows for continuing students and new admits. Missing these windows can delay your path to graduation.
Each student's enrollment window is based on completed credits and time in program, so early planning with your academic advisor is essential to secure the courses you need.
Exam Schedules and Reading Days
Final exams are scheduled after the last day of classes, and the calendar includes designated reading days to help you prepare. These periods are non-negotiable for most courses.
Plan travel, work shifts, and group projects around these dates to avoid conflicts and ensure you can focus on demonstrating your knowledge under the best conditions.
Key Dates for Housing, Orientation, and Campus Events
New student orientation and housing move-in occur well before the first day of classes, anchored to clear calendar milestones. Returning students also use the calendar to coordinate lease renewals and summer plans.
Campus events, research symposiums, and career fairs are scheduled around instructional dates, so the calendar serves as a guide for both academic and extracurricular engagement.
Plan Ahead with the UC Davis Academic Calendar
- Review the official quarterly schedule at the start of each year to align personal and academic commitments.
- Mark registration windows, add/drop deadlines, and exam periods in your personal calendar immediately.
- Confirm housing move-in, orientation, and advising appointments well before each term begins.
- Check program-specific pages for graduate research milestones and lab requirements.
- Use reading days and study periods intentionally to reduce last-minute stress before finals.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I find my specific registration window on the UC Davis academic calendar?
Log into your student portal and check your enrollment appointment time, which is linked to your academic standing and appears within the registration window shown on the official calendar.
What happens if a university holiday falls during an exam period? Exams are scheduled around observed holidays, and instructors adjust session times so that you do not have multiple exams on the same day, though you should still confirm times early in the week before finals. Can I add or drop classes after the quarter start date according to the calendar? , You can add or drop classes within the published drop/add period, but late changes may affect your financial aid, visa status, or athletics eligibility, so consult your advisor before you decide. Are there separate deadlines for graduate and undergraduate students on the calendar?
Many key dates such as registration and exam periods overlap, but certain graduate milestones like thesis filing or candidacy meetings follow additional checkpoints noted on program-specific pages.