At UConn, first and second year curriculum consists of an ecclectic approach where you will study topics from many different fields. In my first year, I learned a lot of new material and reviewed a bunch of things I already knew. The new things I learned were both useful and intriguing. As a business major, I was able to pick out my own classes from a list of suggested criteria. Of the classes that were not relevant to my major, I picked whatever interested me the most. Through this method, I enjoyed my academics very much.
It may seem boring to go over the same history lesson that you listened to last year, and it is. But class material is covered quickly, and the professor will move onto something you hadn't heard last time. UConn professors might cover something you've already learned, but they'll point out something that your high school teachers didn't. For me, even though I took several subjects I had studied in high school, I still learned a lot of new things about those subjects.
Overall, I am quite satisfied with what I've learned so far. The upperclassmen at UConn say that the first two years are the easiest, that they are little in comparison to junior and senior year. For those students that are undecided, junior year is the year to pick a major. That is the time when students really start to learn about their chosen field of study. I don't know very much about upperclassmen studies, but I do know that it is much more challenging.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
UConn is really what you make of it. If you don't want to be there, you probably won't enjoy it. On the other hand, if you find the right people, it could become the best time of your life. I met a ton of new people, people who have the same interests as me, people I never knew lived near me, people who I never thought I'd speak to. At first, it was a little disorienting. However, I soon realized my good fortune and jumped right into the fray.
In my opinion, what makes UConn special are the people. You can go anywhere to study accounting or anywhere to watch a beautiful campus bloom. But there's only one place where you'll meet the diverse, energetic, and unique youth of Connecticut.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Because UConn is a state school, the state covers a good portion of expenses. Therefore, the students and their families don't have to pay such ludicrous amounts of money. However, I never felt like I was in a public school. The classes were never mediocre, the housing was never inhospitable, and the food wasn't all that bad. Not to mention, UConn is probably the most well known college in Connecticut. If you plan on staying in Connecticut in the future, UConn is one of the best places you can get your degree. Connecticut native employers know how reliable the university is. In fact, they may have even gone there themselves!
Also, you will meet many other kids and adults who live in Connecticut. If you're a business major, this gives you a prime opportunity to start networking right away. Getting to know the Uconn populace is a great headstart to any connections you plan on making in the future. If you live in Connecticut and intend on staying here, UConn gives you the most bang for the buck.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Space saving tips are relevant to every college, including UConn. Bring storage bins and the things you really need. You can bring a few novelties, like your own edition of Apples to Apples, a Johnathon the Husky doll, or body paint for those really intense sports games. But there's only so much room in every dorm room, especially if you're a freshman. (If you're going to be living in Buckley, you'll have a few more square feet to stretch your toes in; go ahead and bring your favorite larping boffer). On average, the dorms are about 11'x14' for two people. Each person gets their own desk, chair, dresser, and closet.
But here's the wisdom I really want to impart to the next generation: Be ready for the weather. In the summer, the heat is nigh intolerable. Students will flock en masse to anywhere that has air conditioning (for example, I've seen kids sleeping in study lounges instead of their own rooms). I would recommend bringing a window fan. Because of this nifty device, my room was perhaps the coolest on the floor.
The summer quickly chills to a nippy autumn. Definitely bring layers to wear. During this time of year, the day can be really warm. But as soon as the sun drops below the horizon, the temperature takes a nose dive. Bring rain boots for the rain, but I caution you on the use of umbrellas. Unless you want to invest in a really good one, don't bother. Storrs is a wind tunnel; it will destroy any cheap umbrella you try to force against its destructive power. Keep the weather in mind as you pack your bags for Storrs. It can change in an instant, so make sure you're prepared for anything. Anything.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
UConn is great for students who want to get out and meet Connecticut locals...and for those who don't. If you want to throw yourself into the crowd, go ahead. If you want to huddle in the study lounge with a close group of friends, do that. UConn is somewhat like high school in that it has a niche for every group. However, since UConn is so large, so are these groups. If you're an anime nerd, you may not have a lot of fellow anime nerds in high school. But guess what, there's a thriving anime club here! They've even got their own convention in the student union (look up U-Con at UConn). You can find any group of people to hang out with, from rabid sports fans to Justin Bieber fangirls to band geeks. There's a place for everyone at UConn.
At UConn, first and second year curriculum consists of an ecclectic approach where you will study topics from many different fields. In my first year, I learned a lot of new material and reviewed a bunch of things I already knew. The new things I learned were both useful and intriguing. As a business major, I was able to pick out my own classes from a list of suggested criteria. Of the classes that were not relevant to my major, I picked whatever interested me the most. Through this method, I enjoyed my academics very much. It may seem boring to go over the same history lesson that you listened to last year, and it is. But class material is covered quickly, and the professor will move onto something you hadn't heard last time. UConn professors might cover something you've already learned, but they'll point out something that your high school teachers didn't. For me, even though I took several subjects I had studied in high school, I still learned a lot of new things about those subjects. Overall, I am quite satisfied with what I've learned so far. The upperclassmen at UConn say that the first two years are the easiest, that they are little in comparison to junior and senior year. For those students that are undecided, junior year is the year to pick a major. That is the time when students really start to learn about their chosen field of study. I don't know very much about upperclassmen studies, but I do know that it is much more challenging.
UConn is really what you make of it. If you don't want to be there, you probably won't enjoy it. On the other hand, if you find the right people, it could become the best time of your life. I met a ton of new people, people who have the same interests as me, people I never knew lived near me, people who I never thought I'd speak to. At first, it was a little disorienting. However, I soon realized my good fortune and jumped right into the fray. In my opinion, what makes UConn special are the people. You can go anywhere to study accounting or anywhere to watch a beautiful campus bloom. But there's only one place where you'll meet the diverse, energetic, and unique youth of Connecticut.
Because UConn is a state school, the state covers a good portion of expenses. Therefore, the students and their families don't have to pay such ludicrous amounts of money. However, I never felt like I was in a public school. The classes were never mediocre, the housing was never inhospitable, and the food wasn't all that bad. Not to mention, UConn is probably the most well known college in Connecticut. If you plan on staying in Connecticut in the future, UConn is one of the best places you can get your degree. Connecticut native employers know how reliable the university is. In fact, they may have even gone there themselves! Also, you will meet many other kids and adults who live in Connecticut. If you're a business major, this gives you a prime opportunity to start networking right away. Getting to know the Uconn populace is a great headstart to any connections you plan on making in the future. If you live in Connecticut and intend on staying here, UConn gives you the most bang for the buck.
Space saving tips are relevant to every college, including UConn. Bring storage bins and the things you really need. You can bring a few novelties, like your own edition of Apples to Apples, a Johnathon the Husky doll, or body paint for those really intense sports games. But there's only so much room in every dorm room, especially if you're a freshman. (If you're going to be living in Buckley, you'll have a few more square feet to stretch your toes in; go ahead and bring your favorite larping boffer). On average, the dorms are about 11'x14' for two people. Each person gets their own desk, chair, dresser, and closet. But here's the wisdom I really want to impart to the next generation: Be ready for the weather. In the summer, the heat is nigh intolerable. Students will flock en masse to anywhere that has air conditioning (for example, I've seen kids sleeping in study lounges instead of their own rooms). I would recommend bringing a window fan. Because of this nifty device, my room was perhaps the coolest on the floor. The summer quickly chills to a nippy autumn. Definitely bring layers to wear. During this time of year, the day can be really warm. But as soon as the sun drops below the horizon, the temperature takes a nose dive. Bring rain boots for the rain, but I caution you on the use of umbrellas. Unless you want to invest in a really good one, don't bother. Storrs is a wind tunnel; it will destroy any cheap umbrella you try to force against its destructive power. Keep the weather in mind as you pack your bags for Storrs. It can change in an instant, so make sure you're prepared for anything. Anything.
UConn is great for students who want to get out and meet Connecticut locals...and for those who don't. If you want to throw yourself into the crowd, go ahead. If you want to huddle in the study lounge with a close group of friends, do that. UConn is somewhat like high school in that it has a niche for every group. However, since UConn is so large, so are these groups. If you're an anime nerd, you may not have a lot of fellow anime nerds in high school. But guess what, there's a thriving anime club here! They've even got their own convention in the student union (look up U-Con at UConn). You can find any group of people to hang out with, from rabid sports fans to Justin Bieber fangirls to band geeks. There's a place for everyone at UConn.