Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Attending University of Connecticut

As a Film Studies Music & Technology Double Major and Biology Minor, I definitely got a lot out of my University of Connecticut experience. Here are five things I wish I knew as a prospective student:

1.) The student body is exceptionally white.

And rich. And attractive. And from “Right Outside Boston.” You’ll notice during orientation that the actual student body is less diverse than the tour guide ensemble or student panel you met while visiting Conn. Indeed, Conn has a diversity deficiency. An overwhelming majority of Conn students are white and well off, which I think makes Conn’s social and political atmosphere feel imbalanced. Also, the whole student body is conspicuously attractive. It seems as though Admissions screened for L.L. Bean catalogue eligibility but not for factors of difference to implement some variety. That being said, although its student population is not as diverse as it could be, Conn fosters a relatively accepting environment and offers a myriad of classes, clubs, and events that cover many cultural, intellectual, and social interests.

2.) School dances are more of a thing than they were in middle school.

I could always count on the Saturday night Cro Dance… Held in the Crozier Williams Student Center, the Cro Dance is always a sweaty, sloppy good time. Here are some pros and cons of attending this weekend favorite:

• PROS: Lots of grinding. And no chaperones, only campus safety officers who mostly stand outside and chain-smoke. With nobody to tell you to “leave room for Jesus,” you can go wild. Themes. Cro Dances are often themed, providing an excuse to exhibit the most offensive fashion blunders of your favorite decade. Everyone’s invited! Conn can be a bit clique-y, but the Cro Dance is one event where everyone comes and has a good time. If you want a serendipitous run-in with someone you dig, chances are you’ll catch them at Cro.
• CONS: Lots of grinding. You can’t wallflower for more than ten seconds without feeling like a pervert. If you do join in, prepare to be bumped and grinded upon. Themes. If your friend group takes themes seriously, you may find yourself having to make a lot of trivial purchases. Unless you were a circus performer in high school, you’ll probably drop a few dollars on garments you’ll never wear again. Everyone’s invited! Chances are you’ll also run into everyone you hate.

3.) A liberal arts education gives you room to explore.

Everyone wants to know what you plan to major in, even when you’re a senior in high school. The truth is, you don’t need to decide right away, nor do you have to pick just one field of study! At Conn, the general education requirements allow you to explore different areas of study but don’t overwhelm your schedule. I changed my major at least six times before I ended up a double major with a minor. My academic advisors guided me all the way through my last semester in how to focus my pursuits and “double dip” with credits, finding courses that counted towards both my majors and helped me draw connections between my different passions. I came to Conn thinking I was supposed to have the next ten years of my life planned, but I learned that being undecided is not only fine, it’s almost a rite of passage.

4.) Co-ed bathrooms.

Okay, so the school does inform applicants of the co-ed dorm bathrooms. This feature was implemented in an attempt to break down the gender paradigm. In my mind, co-ed bathrooms are a brilliant way to get everyone involved in conversation about gender identification, societal taboos, etc., but I will admit, they took some getting used to. I spent a decent amount of my freshman year looking for boyless bathrooms on all girls floors or in academic buildings, but by senior year, I’d come to accept relieving myself in a stall next to someone with a penis as normal.

5.) Conn is as big or as small as you make it.

There are always new things to do and new people to meet at Conn, despite its small size. I learned over time that you just have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and put effort into making your experience a memorable and enriching one!

Elaine received her B.A. in Film Studies and Music & Technology in May 2014 from Connecticut College. She is currently moving down to New Orleans to pursue a career in film.