UConn is a phenomenal school. Like any large university, however, "it is what you make of it." With such a large student body, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of faces. The surrounding town (Storrs/Mansfield) is essentially farm land -- the nearest mall is ten minutes away. As a function of these two facts, however, UConn has allowed a PLETHORA of student organizations and clubs to flourish. Are you into a particular religion? There's multiple clubs for that. Into low-budget/bad films? There's a club for that. From Harry Potter to hula-hooping, from scuba to skydiving, you'll find something here. There's an astronomical amount of academic and topical clubs/societies, as well. By my current count, there is 214 student organizations. It's impossible for you to NOT find something that suits your interests.
Academically, UConn is consistently ranked quite high -- you'll understand why when you arrive. As a Political Science major, I had professors from all over the country and from all different backgrounds. From Ivy League academics to learned business professionals with advanced degrees, my department was fantastic. The classrooms were certainly dated (Arjona and Monteith), but they are currently being phased out with the introduction of two new buildings (CB and Oak), and likely will be gone in a few years. I am currently enrolled in graduate school; many of my peers went on to pursue higher degrees (law school JD's in particular).
Gen-ed courses are hit or miss (in CLAS, at least). The gen-ed requirements are designed so that you'll have to take a bunch of different stuff. To some, this may seem like a waste of time, but gen-eds are generally "gimme" courses that are simply designed to pique your interest in hopes of attracting you to a particular major. My suggestion: embrace the 1000-level gen-eds...they're your friend.
The campus itself is gorgeous, especially in the fall. Winter can be harsh and windy. VERY windy. Best pack a scarf or two in preparation for winter. Bring a pair of boots; while classes are oft-cancelled upon snowfall, you will certainly find yourself trudging through mud and slush on occasion. Early fall and late spring are THE best times at the school. Off campus parties galore, frisbees in the quad, cookouts in the lawns, sundresses/polos and wayfarers everywhere. College.
One more thing: SPORTS. While you can certainly get by without ever attending a sports game, you will NOT escape the Husky spirit. Students bleed blue; it's something you cannot avoid. To the sports fans: go wild. UConn rocks not just at basketball, but baseball and soccer as well. Football is an up-and-coming program...but you know this already.
Overall, UConn was a fantastic experience for me. As I stated at the genesis of this wall-of-text, UConn is what you make of it. If you want to embrace the big-campus atmosphere, it's there. If you want to take courses with difficult professors that push you to succeed? You'll find them. If you want to sit in your dorm and play Halo alone? You can certainly do that, too. UConn has WAY too much to offer, however -- don't let your four (or more!) years here go to waste.GO HUSKIES!
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