The University of Hartford

The University of Hartford is a great place for academics, and you're going to meet a lot of good people here that you will soon be calling family if you give everyone the chance. There are a decent amount of open parties, but it is arguable that there is not a lot to do if you are not in a frat or sorority. Fortunately there are so many on campus you are sure to find one that fits you and they are pretty much just a tool to meet more people on campus. People who knock greek life tend to be very close minded and don't understand the sisterhood/brotherhood that comes with being in one. Sad part about this school is a lot of awesome people fail out because they had too much fun. Balance school work with partying and you're going to be excited to come back every year. The people i've met here and the academics are the main reason I am returning next year. Spring flings sick, bars are easy to get into. be outgoing and give the place a chance!

1st Year Female -- Class 2015

Extracurricular Activities: A+, Surrounding City: C

08' undergrad from the College of Arts and Sciences. I am currently working in R&D for a leading Fortune 500 biotech company.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that I had mixed expierence at the UofH. Your educational experience within this University will be heavily dependent upon the school from which graduate from. My decision to enroll at the UofH was largely attributed to the amount of money they offered combined with the idea that I wanted to attend an out-of-state school.

The Good:
* Based on my experience within the College of Arts and Sciences, I can say with confidence, if you choose to major within a STEM field, you are going to get a very academically sound degree (EAC/ABET accredited). Also, for the musically inclined, the Hartt school reportedly offers a very reputable education.

* There are a large number of companies within the Hartford area that offer excellent year-round internship opportunities. I was fortunate enough to land an internship at the corporate HQ of United Technologies, a Fortune 50. I believe that this is probably most overlooked aspect of this location. The experience and the connections I gained through my internships proved to be _invaluable_ when applying for jobs during my senior year.

* NCAA Division I (AEC) athletic programs.
* Many, many study sessions in the library, good buddies, and a cute girl-friend!
The bad:
* There is a two year community college known as the "Hillyer College" that operates within the university. The students here, on average, tend to be very low-quality (not suitable for college-level academics). Unfortunately, this (small?) faction within the student-body undermines not only the experience of the four year-students but also severely undermines the integrity of the school.

* The overall appearance of the campus is fairly lackluster. This is particularly true on the residential side. I can remember being slightly embarrassed when my friends from other big name schools would visit. This has been mitigated somewhat by recent face-lift/construction projects.

* The school is located on the border of inner-city Hartford. West Hartford is not too bad.
* I thought the tuition cost here was a bit outrageous.
Advice to prospective students and parents:

Honestly, I would hold off until there is clear evidence that the leadership here is taking steps to dissolve the "Hillyer College". If, after enrolling, you lose an academic scholarship; consider transferring!

Advice to current students:

Above all, study hard, that is the whole point!
Junior/Senior year students should be aggressively looking for internships at some of the bigger (Fortune 500) companies in the area. Most of these places have established internship programs in place aimed at developing/grooming potential talent. Take advantage of this!!

Get involved, I tutored and was involved with rugby. This is a great way to meet friends too!
On summer break, for the love of god.. do NOT move back home with your parents. Get one of your buddies and go travel! get a summer job somewhere totally different. I worked at a kite-boarding shop on the outerbanks, turned out to be one of the best times of my life.

I think for the majority of college students, the whole experience can be an emotional roller coaster (between breakups, moving, roommates, grades, loans, ect. ect.) Don't sweat it! In the long run it is a very short period in life and I wish I did not obsess about small things as much as I did. It seems so laughable now :)Don't get too caught up with the party/greek life, most of those guys turn out to be losers later in life anyway.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

As only a freshman I was able to get into a research lab. You could never do that in a big school. I feel like my professors have helped me out tremendously and they know everyone by name.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2014

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Extracurricular Activities: B