In class: As expected, students spend much of their time at King Hall in class. Courses range from international law on human rights and transnational criminal systems, water law, and Native American law, to business associations, negotiations, and criminal procedure. For more on the accomplished professors who teach these classes, visit http://www.law.ucdavis.edu/faculty/

Library: Many students do most of their reading and studying (and Internet shopping) in the library. All King Hall students are assigned a carrel, which many personalize with photos and “Men of King Hall” calendars. With the exception of the final exam period, the library’s atmosphere is usually calm and relaxed. A renovation of the library is set to begin in spring, 2008. Renamed the Mabie Law Library, the library is part of a larger project to remodel king hall. For more information on the Mabie Law Library, visit http://www.law.ucdavis.edu/library/. For information on the new building, visit http://www.law.ucdavis.edu/blogs/construction/

Campus Dining: Those who choose to eat on campus have a variety of options, guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding palate. The Silo Union (or The Silo) is the closest—a cafeteria-style center that boasts a crêpe stand, salads, fast food, Starbucks, a bistro with full bar, and much more. The Memorial Union(or MU), located near the center of campus, includes a coffee house and other dining options. Many students bring their own lunch and eat on the grassy area outside King Hall or near the Arboretum, a beautiful park overlooking Lake Spafford. Others enjoy the lively atmosphere of the student lounge, where students congregate to catch news on a flat screen television, play a game of foosball, or read one of the many daily newspapers. Most of the popular off-campus dining options are in downtown Davis, just a short walk or bike ride from King Hall.


ARC: After a long day of sitting and studying, the UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center (or The ARC) is the destination of choice. Opened in 2006, the state-of-the-art gymnasium includes racquetball and basketball courts, a climbing wall, and a weight room with free weights and cardio machines. The ARC also offers various aerobics classes to keep students fit and—more importantly—sane. For more information, visit http://campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu/cms/internal.aspx?uid=53cfd021-fd52-452c-bbc3-f54553db2d09

Memorial Union: The MU is a one-stop center that houses the campus bookstore, a games area, post office, ATMs, and an information center. The games area includes ten billard tables, sixteen bowling lanes, and the largest arcade within a twenty-mile radius. The bowling alley, located below the UCD Bookstore, is one of the preferred meeting points on campus for law students wishing to take a break from outlining. The MU also hosts events open to the entire UC Davis community. Shopping fanatics will not be disappointed: the small marketplace out front frequently lures restless students looking for an excuse to play hooky. For more information, visit http://daviswiki.org/Memorial_Union.

Open Spaces:  The UC Davis campus is checkered with lawns and other green areas ideal for relaxing, enjoying lunch, or just taking a break. Motor vehicles on campus are a rarity. Most paths are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.


Arboretum: The UC Davis Arboretum is “a living museum, outdoor classroom, public garden with over 4,000 kinds of trees and plants, and a beautiful place for active recreation or peaceful contemplation.” Located just a short distance to the east of King Hall, the Arboretum is the destination of choice for law students wishing to enjoy the serenity of this verdant escape—or who simply long for some quality time with ducks. The Arboretum is perfect for a jog or walk with the dog, as an asphalted walkway covers three miles around a stream. Students who prefer horses to ducks can stop at the equestrian center on the way. For more information, visit http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/

Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor Adventures, conveniently located between King Hall and the Silo, is one-stop shop for the future jurist planning an adventurous getaway. The center offers recommendations for hikes, camping trips, and whitewater rafting in places ranging from Yosemite and the American River to Lassen National Forest. Cash-strapped law students can take advantage of competitive prices to plan trips to these gorgeous California destinations. For more information, visit http://campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu/cms/internal.aspx?uid=2d222162-a3da-46e3-bbbd-ee515fdcd515

The Bike Barn: With so many bikes at UC Davis, the Bike Barn is a hot spot for professional cyclists and amateur riders alike. From basic bicycle repair to the latest accessories, the Bike Barn has it all. For more information, visit http://bikebarn.ucdavis.edu/


While the social experience at other law schools may be lacking (or nonexistent), the scene at King Hall can only be described as thriving. There is never a shortage of events for students wishing to discuss their favorite professor or intentional tort outside the classroom. On any given weekend (or weeknight), King Hall students meet for trips, parties, and other extracurricular activities.

Among the most anticipated of King Hall extracurricular events is King Hall Softball. Once a week for two months every fall, a dozen or so student teams with colorful jerseys (and names) duke it out on the softball diamond. Don’t be fooled by those claiming King Hall softball is about exercise and camaraderie: law students are incapable of passively participating in any competitive event! While score is kept and close calls vehemently argued, participants always make amends in time for post game festivities. On the final Friday, teams compete in a winner-takes-all tournament. Whether you start your own team or drift as a free agent, King Hall Softball is guaranteed to please. In the spring, the King Hall Bowling League pits teams of four against each other at the MU bowling alley.


The less athletically inclined can enjoy a variety of other social events. The highly anticipated annual Fall Rafting Trip is open to students who enjoy the sun, great company, and rafting-friendly beverages. In the spring, students look forward to Cardozorama—a variety/talent show with acts by both students and professors. The King Hall Legal Foundation organizes the annual spring KHLF Auction, which provides summer grants for students who work in public interest projects. At the Auction, students, faculty, and members of the community bid on donated items ranging from works of art, language lessons, and self-esteem boosters to paintball trips, wine-tasting and private dinners with professors.

Alumni mixers are wonderful opportunities for King Hall students and alumni to meet and interact. Alumni at firms in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco host summer events for 2Ls and 3Ls. The Alumni Board occasionally hosts catered social events in the King Hall courtyard. Alumni Page

Private parties and events in downtown Sacramento and Davis allow law students to cut loose and let their inner teenagers shine. Because Davis is such a small City, a King Hall contingent is always a force to be reckoned with on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in downtown Davis. Partygoers enjoy Thursday nights at Sophia’s, Open Mic nights, potlucks, toga parties, 80s parties, and the annual Caravaggio Halloween party.

Rarely a day at King Hall passes without a lunchtime or afternoon event organized by one of the more than thirty student organizations. (See below.)


King Hall takes enormous pride in the variety and involvement of its student organizations. As students will attest, these organizations are an integral part of a King Hall legal education, providing participants with leadership and community service experience. On any given day, students can expect an organization-sponsored lunchtime speaker or culture week event. Student Groups


Culture Weeks: Certain student organizations designate an annual culture week of lunchtime activities and programs to educate and discuss important issues. Past culture weeks have addressed topics as diverse as transsexual rights and the state of immigration law after 9/11. Culture weeks often include keynote talks given by experts in the particular area of law, and discussion panels on topics of relevant interest.

Annual Events: King Hall is renowned for its commitment to the public interest, and many student organizations focus on public interest projects. The King Hall Legal Foundation hosts Oktoberfest to raise money for public interest internships. Other annual events include the La Raza Law Student Association’s Day of the Dead and Patiño Banquet celebrations, and the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association’s Karaoke Night. The Lambda Law Students Association hosts barbeques and Feminist Forum hosts mixers throughout the year.


Symposia: The UC Davis Law Review, Journal of International Law and Policy, Business Law Journal, and other journals host symposia on important political and legal topics throughout the year.


Bars: Although small for a college town, Davis is by no means boring. Trendy bars and restaurants are scattered throughout the downtown area. Law school student favorites include Sophia’s, a Thai food restaurant with a fabulous bar and patio; Little Prague, a Czech restaurant with a great selection of beer and nibblers; Sudwerk, a brewery restaurant-bar with excellent beer and a huge patio; and Froggy’s, a quaint corner bar.

Restaurants: Davis has just about every genre of food. Popular restaurants include Sophia’s, The Bistro, Pasta?, Moshi Moshi, Dos Coyotes, In N’ Out, Chipotle, Crêpeville, and Zia’s Delicatessan. For more information, visit http://daviswiki.org/Restaurants.

Cafés: Many students looking for a place to study eschew the silence of the library for the welcome chatter of coffee shops. (The availability of heavily caffeinated beverages is also a huge plus.) Davis has many coffee shops to choose from: Starbucks, Common Grounds, Mischka’s, and Crêpeville to name a few. For more information, visit http://daviswiki.org/Cafes


Farmer’s Market: On Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, local farmers, bakers, restaurants, and vendors set up booths in downtown Davis. Casual shoppers can enjoy live music while shopping for produce or other hand-crafted products. For more information, visit http://daviswiki.org/Davis_Farmers_Market. A five minute drive on Highway 80 West will take you to Pedrick Produce, a popular grocery store with a Farmer's Market feel, to find inexpensive and delicious local produce and food. For more information visit http://daviswiki.org/Pedrick_Produce

Theaters: The Varsity Theater, a small privately owned cinema, frequently shows first-run, independent films. During the 2006-07 Asian Pacific American Law Students Association culture week, the Varsity screened a documentary at no charge to the public. Downtown Davis also has two Regal Cinemas. For more information, visit http://daviswiki.org/Movie_Theaters

Davis Wiki: From bike trails to tennis courts, golf courses, skate parks, dog parks, soccer fields, and beach volleyball courts, the City of Davis is never short on recreational activities. Davis Wiki is the definitive source for all housing, food, entertainment, and general needs: http://daviswiki.org/Front_Page


San Francisco: The bustling, beautiful City by the Bay is less than an hour and a half away. Great shopping, beautiful parks, unique cultural events, and wonderful dining make San Francisco a great day trip from Davis. Watch the Giants play at AT&T Park, attend to a free concert at Stern Grove, or simply wander the streets of North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, or Chinatown.|

Wine Country: Napa, Sonoma, and Alexander Valley are less than an hour drive from Davis. Students can enjoy a day trip with friends or a romantic weekend with a significant other to California’s premier wine region. For those looking to pack their schedules with multiple winery stops, be sure to arrange for a designated driver.

Tahoe: In the winter and spring months, Lake Tahoe has many ski resorts to choose from. Just two hours from Davis, Tahoe is a great weekend destination for snowboarding or skiing in the winter, and hiking, swimming, or mountain biking in the summer.

Sacramento: California’s capitol and the seventh most populous city in California is just a fifteen-minute drive from Davis. Sacramento is perfect for those seeking more of a big-city nightlife. King Hall students are attracted to the city’s restaurants, clubs, and concerts, especially on weekends. Those new to the area can plan a day trip to Old Sacramento. The historic area includes old saloons, little shops along wooden-planked sidewalks, and a train museum.

National Parks: Yosemite, Big Sur, and Lassen are all just a few hours away, but close enough to allow for some seriously fun weekend hiking and camping trips. (Plus, camping is one of the few extracurricular activities conducive to a law student budget.) Students can visit Outdoor Adventures for inexpensive gear rental.