CCSU is awesome. I transferred from a smaller, private school in Boston and I have found the academic demands (and gains) at Central refreshingly strong. At Central, you are asked to pay a reasonable fee (as opposed to the price-tag of a few small islands that other schools ask), are surrounded by wonderful resources, and have the opportunity to really learn a lot--as the professors are extremely caring, knowledgeable, and invested in their students.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Apply early to all of your prospective schools. Gauge costs realistically; Really think about how much you are willing to spend on college, and then make sure the college you choose is Worth it.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
I love being challenged academically and CCSU has definitely challenged me to become a better student and thinker. Professors care about my education and single me out to better myself in their classes. One of my English professors asked us to complete in-depth literary analyses is 125-word or fewer paragraphs; she did not quit on me until I shaved my answers down--as she knew I had it in me. I am part of the English department and all of the professors are wonderfully qualified. CCSU demands academic excellence, but does so in a way that really nurtures and cultivates students. There is not insane pressure to get excellent grades and turn in excellent work, but rather one is surrounded by the encouragement and coaching culture that allows every student to really succeed academically. I did have one really rough semester, where I received two C's, one B, and one A, but my advisor, and teachers were really helpful. I attended all of my classes, but due to my life issues I wasn't able to get those straight A's that I have been so used to all of my life. Central is greatly understanding, and feels like such a warm, welcoming, supportive family. The academics are hard, but so so worthwhile.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I have not lived in any of the dorms on Campus at CCSU. I lived in dorms at my last school, but not at Central. I lived at Essex Place Apartments for two years, though, which is walking distance from CCSU. Many college students live in this building. I loved living near campus and away from home--much more than living in a dorm. This experience was great for building up my personal responsibility and giving me the confidence to know that I can live on my own and support myself. I am moving back home now for my last year in school, though, because I am realizing the financial restraints which are about to overwhelm me in the coming year and I need to start saving every penny that I can--including a rent check. Living at home is totally okay to do at Central as many, many students commute. There is always a ton of stuff going on at Central and many students live in dorms/apartments nearby so making friends with these students will help you feel at home and really part of the Central Community. Like I said, the commuter population at Central is enormous so the campus always has events aimed at this demographic. You will never be bored on campus, I promise!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Since I have not lived on campus, I have not eaten in the school cafeteria too often. I have as a commuter, however, eaten in the Devil's Den quite often. This is an area where students can eat, talk, check emails, etc in the center of campus. It is a food court with a Starbucks, an italian eatery, a sandwich bar, a burger-and-fries eatery, and a quick grab-and-go type section. I eat here when I have a little downtime because it is good food, and I also get a discount when I use my bluechip card (student ID card). I don't need a meal-plan and my parents can reload my bluechip whenever they are feeling generous, so it is super convenient and a nice place to relax in between classes.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Central always has tons of activities going on. On campus there is a game room with billiards, air hockey, and more. This is where a lot of people hang out on the evenings. Central also has activities every Thursday night (which is a night dubbed college night because many students choose to hang out with friends) which are free and often really fun. One night students created their own Kanye-West Shudder-Glasses with spin art. Central also has tons of free activities happening on campus every week. In the warm months, ice cream booths are randomly set up, carnivals with jump-houses and fried dough trucks come around. There are tons of clubs, and organizations that include all sorts of interests and talents. Basically, CCSU has tons of awesome activities and fun events going on always. People may complain that CCSU is boring, but one must put out a little effort and the fun is at their fingertips!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
CCSU wants to give you the most cost-effective schooling as possible. Many students complain that college is too expensive, but this is not true of all colleges. My previous private school did not offer me nearly as many resources or cost-effective respect that Central does. First, the library is Tremendous! It is so large, and clean, and the librarians are so helpful. Many of the books students must read for their classes can actually be found in the library (a definite money-saver come book-buying time). The bookstore offers tons of used books to save money and started a new program where students can rent books for the semester at an extremely reasonable price. Students get $10 of free printing each Month, which is more than the average student would need. CCSU offers free or greatly reduced major events on and off campus throughout the school year, such as major artists at the spring and fall concerts (with names like Mac Miller, J. Cole, and LMFAO). Students are also encouraged to apply for school scholarships each year and CCSU makes a great effort to lower costs for students. Through the library website, students are exposed to many journals and research information that would otherwise not be available to them (except through paid membership). This perk is highly useful and helps broaden one's academic ability and know-how. CCSU also offers lots of free giveaways like T-Shirts and cups and other memorabilia. Hey, it's small, but it's still nice to be able to sport something with your school's name and know that it was free. CCSU Pride!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a great Falafel place right next to Central. A Falafel is essentially fried chickpeas, or hummus, in a pita. It may sound unappetizing, but it is quite amazing! There is a great theater community on campus, and although I do not act, the plays are really entertaining (and often free for students!). New Britain contains a plethora of off-beat fun and entertainment and is definitely a great place to attend school!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Speaking from an English major's point of view, students with a desire to study English should definitely consider CCSU. Many of my English professors are highly qualified and really admirable human beings. All of my professors are published, and many continue to work on publishing works. My professors are friends with many wonderful writers, such as Yusef Komunyakaa. Many of them have gone to the countries in which the author of their studies wrote to further study him or her. The English department is outstanding at Central and I would greatly recommend it to any interested English (or even undeclared) majors. You'll fall in love with CCSU's English department.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Habitat for Humanity is an awesome club on campus. They go on a spring break build every spring and host events throughout the year. There is a commuter club. There are so many clubs that it would be impossible to name them all. There is a website that lists all of the clubs at Central which can be found on the CCSU Website--just search for clubs and organizations and it will take you to the link. Central is also super encouraging to students that want to form their own club. If a club does not exist on campus, one must simply create an idea for one, throw around a few ideas and activities that could be held and then present it to the Activities advisor. Central is really supportive of the campus community and strives to include everyone. Don't worry about having nothing to do, campus life really is booming at Central.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I am not involved in Greek life on campus. I know of a girl who did get involved in sorority life and she really seems to love it. Frats and Sororities are not a huge part of Central life, but there is definitely activity in case you are interested!
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Campus police holds DUI checks often on Thursday nights around campus, which is a really good thing because it keeps the campus community safe. CCSU police are always visibly present on campus and there are several blue-light posts where students in need can call for help. Safety is held to a high standard at Central and I have never felt unsafe in my three years that I have spent here. The campus safety is conveniently located and easily accessible to students. There is a lot of talk on campus about ways to stay safe, and other positive messages about health and safety concerns for college students. Responses and alerts about crimes in the area are posted quickly and effectively (through use of email and text message alerts) and keep students informed of any possible danger occurring on campus. CCSU has high safety regulations and I believe it is a safe place to be.
CCSU is awesome. I transferred from a smaller, private school in Boston and I have found the academic demands (and gains) at Central refreshingly strong. At Central, you are asked to pay a reasonable fee (as opposed to the price-tag of a few small islands that other schools ask), are surrounded by wonderful resources, and have the opportunity to really learn a lot--as the professors are extremely caring, knowledgeable, and invested in their students.
Apply early to all of your prospective schools. Gauge costs realistically; Really think about how much you are willing to spend on college, and then make sure the college you choose is Worth it.
I love being challenged academically and CCSU has definitely challenged me to become a better student and thinker. Professors care about my education and single me out to better myself in their classes. One of my English professors asked us to complete in-depth literary analyses is 125-word or fewer paragraphs; she did not quit on me until I shaved my answers down--as she knew I had it in me. I am part of the English department and all of the professors are wonderfully qualified. CCSU demands academic excellence, but does so in a way that really nurtures and cultivates students. There is not insane pressure to get excellent grades and turn in excellent work, but rather one is surrounded by the encouragement and coaching culture that allows every student to really succeed academically. I did have one really rough semester, where I received two C's, one B, and one A, but my advisor, and teachers were really helpful. I attended all of my classes, but due to my life issues I wasn't able to get those straight A's that I have been so used to all of my life. Central is greatly understanding, and feels like such a warm, welcoming, supportive family. The academics are hard, but so so worthwhile.
I have not lived in any of the dorms on Campus at CCSU. I lived in dorms at my last school, but not at Central. I lived at Essex Place Apartments for two years, though, which is walking distance from CCSU. Many college students live in this building. I loved living near campus and away from home--much more than living in a dorm. This experience was great for building up my personal responsibility and giving me the confidence to know that I can live on my own and support myself. I am moving back home now for my last year in school, though, because I am realizing the financial restraints which are about to overwhelm me in the coming year and I need to start saving every penny that I can--including a rent check. Living at home is totally okay to do at Central as many, many students commute. There is always a ton of stuff going on at Central and many students live in dorms/apartments nearby so making friends with these students will help you feel at home and really part of the Central Community. Like I said, the commuter population at Central is enormous so the campus always has events aimed at this demographic. You will never be bored on campus, I promise!
Since I have not lived on campus, I have not eaten in the school cafeteria too often. I have as a commuter, however, eaten in the Devil's Den quite often. This is an area where students can eat, talk, check emails, etc in the center of campus. It is a food court with a Starbucks, an italian eatery, a sandwich bar, a burger-and-fries eatery, and a quick grab-and-go type section. I eat here when I have a little downtime because it is good food, and I also get a discount when I use my bluechip card (student ID card). I don't need a meal-plan and my parents can reload my bluechip whenever they are feeling generous, so it is super convenient and a nice place to relax in between classes.
Central always has tons of activities going on. On campus there is a game room with billiards, air hockey, and more. This is where a lot of people hang out on the evenings. Central also has activities every Thursday night (which is a night dubbed college night because many students choose to hang out with friends) which are free and often really fun. One night students created their own Kanye-West Shudder-Glasses with spin art. Central also has tons of free activities happening on campus every week. In the warm months, ice cream booths are randomly set up, carnivals with jump-houses and fried dough trucks come around. There are tons of clubs, and organizations that include all sorts of interests and talents. Basically, CCSU has tons of awesome activities and fun events going on always. People may complain that CCSU is boring, but one must put out a little effort and the fun is at their fingertips!
CCSU wants to give you the most cost-effective schooling as possible. Many students complain that college is too expensive, but this is not true of all colleges. My previous private school did not offer me nearly as many resources or cost-effective respect that Central does. First, the library is Tremendous! It is so large, and clean, and the librarians are so helpful. Many of the books students must read for their classes can actually be found in the library (a definite money-saver come book-buying time). The bookstore offers tons of used books to save money and started a new program where students can rent books for the semester at an extremely reasonable price. Students get $10 of free printing each Month, which is more than the average student would need. CCSU offers free or greatly reduced major events on and off campus throughout the school year, such as major artists at the spring and fall concerts (with names like Mac Miller, J. Cole, and LMFAO). Students are also encouraged to apply for school scholarships each year and CCSU makes a great effort to lower costs for students. Through the library website, students are exposed to many journals and research information that would otherwise not be available to them (except through paid membership). This perk is highly useful and helps broaden one's academic ability and know-how. CCSU also offers lots of free giveaways like T-Shirts and cups and other memorabilia. Hey, it's small, but it's still nice to be able to sport something with your school's name and know that it was free. CCSU Pride!
There is a great Falafel place right next to Central. A Falafel is essentially fried chickpeas, or hummus, in a pita. It may sound unappetizing, but it is quite amazing! There is a great theater community on campus, and although I do not act, the plays are really entertaining (and often free for students!). New Britain contains a plethora of off-beat fun and entertainment and is definitely a great place to attend school!
Speaking from an English major's point of view, students with a desire to study English should definitely consider CCSU. Many of my English professors are highly qualified and really admirable human beings. All of my professors are published, and many continue to work on publishing works. My professors are friends with many wonderful writers, such as Yusef Komunyakaa. Many of them have gone to the countries in which the author of their studies wrote to further study him or her. The English department is outstanding at Central and I would greatly recommend it to any interested English (or even undeclared) majors. You'll fall in love with CCSU's English department.
Habitat for Humanity is an awesome club on campus. They go on a spring break build every spring and host events throughout the year. There is a commuter club. There are so many clubs that it would be impossible to name them all. There is a website that lists all of the clubs at Central which can be found on the CCSU Website--just search for clubs and organizations and it will take you to the link. Central is also super encouraging to students that want to form their own club. If a club does not exist on campus, one must simply create an idea for one, throw around a few ideas and activities that could be held and then present it to the Activities advisor. Central is really supportive of the campus community and strives to include everyone. Don't worry about having nothing to do, campus life really is booming at Central.
I am not involved in Greek life on campus. I know of a girl who did get involved in sorority life and she really seems to love it. Frats and Sororities are not a huge part of Central life, but there is definitely activity in case you are interested!
Campus police holds DUI checks often on Thursday nights around campus, which is a really good thing because it keeps the campus community safe. CCSU police are always visibly present on campus and there are several blue-light posts where students in need can call for help. Safety is held to a high standard at Central and I have never felt unsafe in my three years that I have spent here. The campus safety is conveniently located and easily accessible to students. There is a lot of talk on campus about ways to stay safe, and other positive messages about health and safety concerns for college students. Responses and alerts about crimes in the area are posted quickly and effectively (through use of email and text message alerts) and keep students informed of any possible danger occurring on campus. CCSU has high safety regulations and I believe it is a safe place to be.