Important Updates

  • The 2025-26 Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships application is now open! Get started on your application today!
  • While awaiting your 2024-25 financial aid offer, we encourage you to utilize the UC Davis Financial Aid Estimator to estimate your potential aid.
  • The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) will open on December 1, 2024.

Blog

What Goes Into a Credit Score?

A credit score is something that is used by lenders when you want to borrow money, for example when applying for a credit card or a loan. Everyone’s credit score is unique. Various things can affect your credit score. Here are a few things that can influence your credit score and what they mean.

Budgeting and Money Management 101

As a first-generation college student, budgeting and money management were new concepts to me as I embarked on my college journey my freshman year. After a few weeks, I quickly learned that I needed to learn how to spend and save my money. Following the tips below helped me save and invest my money in various ways throughout the years:

Beginning to Budget

While there is no “one size fits all” approach to budgeting, there are various methods that can serve as starting points when getting a budget started. The first step for any method is to take a look at what your income is in order to know the amount of money you have to work with. One budgeting method is the “20/30/50 Method”. With this method, you would distribute your income so that it goes into three different categories of expenses: Needs, Wants, and Savings and Debt. But which expenses fall into each of these categories?

10 Essential Questions You Should Ask Before Signing Your Lease

A lease is essentially a housing contract. With a lease, the user agrees to the rental terms of the owner’s property. A landlord will require that you sign a lease before you can move in. Don’t feel pressured to sign a lease because once you do, you’re bound to the fine print. Before you sign, make sure to carefully read through the details of the lease agreements. If there is anything on the document that you disagree with, talk to your landlord before signing.

Budget-Friendly Activity Ideas for the Holiday Season

Winter break is almost here and the fun holiday festivities will begin! Here are a few fun ideas for activities you can do this holiday season!

Have a movie marathon

It’s important to take a moment and take some time for oneself to do self-care. One way of doing that is by having a movie marathon. Whether you’re watching your favorite movies, holiday movies, or both, grabbing a blanket, some hot chocolate with marshmallows, and enjoying a great movie can be a lot of fun especially with the winter weather.

How to Survive on a College Budget

Everyone knows that college can be expensive and the cost is increasing every year. Between paying for tuition, parking, textbooks, extra fees, and everything else, you also have basic living expenses to pay for as well. These costs can add up, so it is important to learn to survive on a college budget. Below are a few tips to help you survive on a college budget. 

Enjoying Summer on a Budget

Summer is one of the most fun-filled and enjoyable times for college students as it typically marks the end of the academic year and the beginning of summer break. With the vast amount of fun activities to do in the summer, one can often go over their budget without even realizing it. Below are a few things to keep in mind when enjoying the summer fun.  

How to Prepare for Life after College

When it comes to preparing for life after college, it can be intimidating to think about and plan for. Applying for jobs and preparing yourself financially for life after college can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out some tips to help you prepare for job searching and life beyond college:

Financial Goals for the New Year

The new year is often associated with New Year’s resolutions and changes in one’s habits. Whether your New Year's resolutions are big or small, creating financial goals is a resolution that many should consider at the start of the new year. Here are some budgeting tips to start off the new year:

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING 101

Living on your own for the first time and budgeting your money can be very tricky. If you are moving off-campus and renting an apartment or a house you should be mindful of rent issues, lease agreements, expenses, and housemates. Here are some tips for living off-campus: