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The University of Connecticut may be 鈥渒nown for our amazing athletics,鈥� but it鈥檚 also 鈥渙ne of the top research universities and state schools,鈥� a 鈥渦niversity [that] truly cares about their students.鈥� As one political science major puts it, UConn is 鈥渦nique because it is comprised of all different types of students both in backgrounds and ethnicities. What makes us different than other universities is our cohesiveness despite these differences. We all go to one school, we all cheer on the same team, and we all bleed blue.鈥� While 鈥渂asketball games are like religion,鈥� students say that, 鈥淯Conn is focused on academic achievement.鈥� For one student, the school鈥檚 main appeal is that it is a 鈥渓arge, public university [with] a variety of programs and diversity on campus.鈥� As the 鈥渇lagship state school,鈥� UConn provides 鈥渞esearch opportunities for undergrads鈥� and 鈥渆very student is supported in order to be the most successful student possible; UConn cares.鈥� When it comes to professors, the 鈥減erformance level [varies], more so during the first couple years when the students are required to take general education requirements.鈥� Students say that in more advanced, major-specific courses, 鈥渢he professors tend to be more interested in the topics of the course and thus more engaging.鈥� Those professors are 鈥渢ruly amazing, inspiring, and add so much to my academics,鈥� but the general consensus is that 鈥淯Conn is a really big university, so professors can be hit or miss.鈥�

UConn students are typically 鈥渧ery diverse due to the large student body鈥濃�攜ou can find 鈥渟tudents who love to go out every weekend at the bar [and] you can find students whose hobby is knitting or [to] go to ComiCONN...there really is a peer group for everyone.鈥� The students, 鈥渢he majority of which are from Connecticut,鈥� are 鈥渦niquely passionate and spirited.鈥� As one student puts it, the school is composed of 鈥渕any small communities based on academics, sports, clubs, and interests, that come together to form a large community connected by a mutual love of UConn.鈥� Some pinpoint the average student as 鈥渨hite, upper middle class and wears L.L. Bean boots, North Face coats,鈥� but others stress that 鈥渋t鈥檚 a big school, so there is no one word to describe my peers.鈥� With 鈥渕ore happening on campus than you expect,鈥� there are 鈥渁thletic teams and Greek life鈥� but also 鈥渉uman rights organizations, activists, and volunteers.鈥�

Since it鈥檚 a big school, there is always something going on on-campus, whether it鈥檚 free movies, lectures, concerts, food, or more. For students who want to experience nature, 鈥淭here鈥檚 always the opportunity to go outdoors and walk to Horsebarn Hill, go on runs around campus or go on hikes in the UConn forest.鈥� Even though the campus a little off the beaten path鈥攐ne transfer student laments 鈥渢he nickname for Storrs is Snores鈥濃�攕tudents say 鈥渢he downtown area has developed into its own mini city鈥� with restaurants and Caf茅s. As one student puts it, 鈥淚 am never bored on the weekend between the many shows and concerts, movies and other activities offered by the university.鈥� Greek life plays a significant role on campus鈥攕ome say that 鈥淕reek life dominates many aspects of social scene,鈥� while others say only that there are 鈥渇rat parties if you鈥檙e into that kind of scene.鈥� The school鈥檚 reputation for top notch athletics is legendary; as one student puts it, 鈥渢he celebrations after victories are unlike anything I鈥檝e ever experienced elsewhere.鈥� Some students are frustrated that 鈥渁thletics sometimes overshadows academic achievements in funding,鈥� but others underscore the rigorousness of UConn鈥檚 academics, saying 鈥淯Conn is a research school so classes are difficult, and professors will not go out of their way to ensure you get a good grade.鈥� When it comes to kicking back after a long week, one student succinctly sums up the alcohol culture at the school: 鈥淯Conn doesn鈥檛 seem to be a party school, it is a drinking school鈥攖here is a difference.鈥�

Aspiring enrollees will be delighted to hear students emphasize the numerous 鈥渙pportunities to make connections for future careers or internships.鈥� Indeed, they cite the 鈥渉igh job placement rate鈥� at UConn, which is aided by the Center for Career Development. The center allows the exploration of potential majors and professions and helps with the crafting of everything from cover letters to LinkedIn profiles. Additionally, the office sponsors an internship and co-op week every February, allowing students to experience a snapshot of a variety of industries. Additionally, the school sponsors multiple career fairs at several campuses including Storrs, Hartford, and Stamford. Finally, undergrads here can attend the Beyond UConn Expo, a one-day event designed to help students transition to their post-graduate life.