The University of Connecticut

Date: Apr 30 2009
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
UConn is a great school. Over the course of my three years here, I have become involved in a number of clubs, groups, and internships on Campus. As an environmental science major, I am directly involved in "greening" the University—something I take great pride in.

The schooling, especially any science regime, is intense. Bring your game face if you decide on the University of Connecticut. Much of the work is put on individual shoulders, there is no one here to help you out—unless you ask. UConn is a big research school, and as such makes limited effort to keep students on-track. There are a number of resources and opportunities to get-help on campus, but you have to be pro-active. In fact, to get anything at all out of your education here—being pro-active is a must.

Athletics, intermurals, clubs, and organizations are big here. Get involved and time will fly by—don't and you'll spend your time watching tv and napping through college.

The students here are very diverse in attitude (not in terms of race):

Head to east campus if you are environmentally inclined. To north campus if you like to lie out and party. To South if you want to study and be serious in your school work (south is home to the honors kids). To the University owned apartments if you prefer an independent lifestyle. To the bars if you want a cheap and dirty drunk, and to the off-campus parties for relief.

As for social life: There is little to do off campus, the area surrounding Storrs is anything but urban. Don't expect a corner complete with a bakery, coffee shop, cheese store, fruit stand, etc.—there isn't any. The closest (decent) mall is a 30 minute drive away, and the closest (decent) grocery store is 15. However, the social scene is a blast. Everyone parties—hard; find your niche with some good friends and you'll have a good time. Plus, the University always has a bazillion things to do on-campus. If you stay active, there will never be enough time to do what you want to do.

There is little in terms of off-campus housing. In fact, roughly 70% of students live on-campus. However, I recommend living off-campus if you can, definitely worth the inconvenience. It's especially hard for undergraduate males to rent anything close to the University other than an apartment. Landowners don't want ragers in (nice) houses.

As for the weather: it gets cold, and it's always windy. Welcome to Storrs.

All in all, it's a fun school. If you dig the campus and like the Northeast, then go ahead and say yes to UConn. Go Huskies!