University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT, USA

Reviews

University of Hartford

Sarah R.

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The first year at any college, you will have to take classes outside of your major. Hartford has All University Curriculum classes (normally referred to as Gen-Eds). The classes fall under the categories of Arts, Culture, Technology and Science. Most students get to take classes in their major/department their first year (espescially students in the art and music school). The majority of the professors really care about their students (giving out private email addresses and even phone numbers, in case you are having problems).
Am enjoying being here
The campus is a great size; not too big, but large enough that you meet new people all the time. I agree there is not a lot going on on the weekends but most people stick around. If you have a good group of friends its not so bad. They offer trips off campus and other club type activities.
Bang for the buck
Hartford is well known for being extremely generous in the financial aid department. They make it easy for most students to afford a private university.
Tips for prospective students
APPLY TO LIVE IN HAWK HALL FOR YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR! I lived in both the complexes and Hawk Hall. Hawk Hall could pass as a 5 star hotel, and its brand new! The essay you have to write is literally only a paragraph or two...and well worth the time.

You get out of college what you put into it. Hartford may not be the most prestigious institution, but if you work hard and get involved you will walk away with a great degree and a large network of people to rely on.

Amanda from New York, NY

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am now in my sophmore year at the University of Hartford. Since I have been here, I can truly say that I have gained alot of knowledge that will better myself in the future, not only in my career but life in general. When you start your freshman year you may touch one or two of your major intended classes, but mostly you will be taking alot of general education courses. The professors at the University are well trained have years of experience under their belt. They all have their unique teaching style, which a lot of the students find entertaining and easy to understand.

The advisors that are assigned to you guide you through your academic college experience. They let you know what courses or classes you have to take and depending on the advisor some may take the time to ask about your personal life. All in all the University designs a map for you to finish your four years but it is up to the individual student to take advantage of the opportunity.
Am enjoying being here
My frist semester at the University of Hartford was a rough one, I did not know anyone and it did take a while for me to meet people. That is expected though, it happens at every college or university. The people here are friendly and help lend a helping hand but then depends on the type of person you are, whether your receptive or more withdrawn. It is a diverse campus, not so much in race but in interest, your bound to find a group of freinds that have the same interest as you. The school also offers clubs for everything and if you feel that their isn't a club for you, you can go start your own club. There are occassional social gatherings. Music is pretty big on our campus. That comes from the Hartt School on campus. I believe they're ranked the third best music school in the nation. The campus also has beautiful scenery.

Personally, I have meet a group of friends here that I can not imagine living without. I can definitely say that I met my long life true friends.
Bang for the buck
Now even though the University has these positive aspects one it's negative aspects is the cost of the school. It is very expensive but the experience you gain here is worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Come to the school with a positive attitude and things will go well. You will meet people here that you will end up knowing for a lifetime and you will also enjoy your classes. It's the best of both worlds.

Make sure it is your decision to come to school and also be open to new things and people.
Great for these types of students
Super great for Music and Performance majors. This school is also great for students that are coming to gain a new type of experience.

John from Atlanta, GA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning many things I don't believe I would have learned anywhere else. The classes I take are very helpful. I like how the curriculum is so challenging. The instructors are very experienced and have great background. All of my classes are related to my major.
Am enjoying being here
Of Course I enjoy being here. There's a very comfortable environment. On top of getting a good education, I'm having fun as well. There are plenty of things to do. There is great food and great people.
Bang for the buck
Its very expensive to go here. Even with a scholarship. Its worth the money, but it cost so much. But you always have to pay more for quality.
Tips for prospective students
Don't go to a school because of your friends, family, or for one specific reason. I came to this school because it offered not only a good education, but they offered my major. The alumni that have come out this institute are successful. The career opportunities and internships are endless. I didn't know anyone when I came here, but I made friends. I had no idea of the weather. I'm from Georgia and its colder here. Bring a big coat for the southerners and lots of clothes. Go into a school undecided is very risky. You will take a lot of unnecessary courses if you don't choose a major. Choosing major will help you get what you need out the way
Great for these types of students
Music majors (one of the top music schools in the country), Business majors (one of the top business schools in the country, Engineering, Law, and Medicine.

Ardit from Watertown, CT

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Between the core classes like Psychology and Improving Communications to my majors classes like Programming Foundations and Image Processes I'm learning more in a week than I did in a month back in high school. I Know for some that doesn't say much but I actually tried in high school.

I will admit, I'm a Web Development Major and some of the classes weren't very challenging like the Intro To Computers Class but just like any school if your going into something you enjoy their will be overlap between what they teach and what you already know.
Am enjoying being here
I'm meeting some pretty cool people, building friendships with some well connected professors, having a good amount of fun, and learning all at the same time.

So even with the late homework filled nights nights I'm enjoying every minute of college at Hartford.
Bang for the buck
Compared to other private colleges, Hartford really does make it affordable to get your degree.

I personally ended up with a pretty nice sized grant, and from what I've heard a lot of other students have too.

So between the financial aid, and things like small class sizes, great professors, and overall quality of the education, I truly believe I'm getting more out of my tuition cost at Hartford than I would at any other college in Connecticut.
Tips for prospective students
Explore the campus, find everything they have to offer and use it. Hartford has a lot of hidden treasures like the awesome career services office.

Build connections and friendships with everyone including professors. A lot of them are powerful voices in their field, like one of my professors who basically got me an internship. All because he knew me beyond the class.
Great for these types of students
The University of Hartford is really such a diverse school with so many types of people anyone could find a place here.

But art students would love it here.

Isaac from Bridgeport, CT

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Hartford has the most a student could ever need. From academic help to planning activities that would get everyone involved. There's so much to do in so little time.
Tips for prospective students
Before packing your bags to depart to school, make sure you pack an alarm clock because it's going to be hard to wake up from all the fun you're going to have. Always have a student planner with you so you can manage your time and know where you're heading next. Make sure you put the books down sometimes and enjoy your college life.
Academic Rigor
From the first day of class, your professor will tell advise you to start a study group or get involved with the tutoring lab. The library has many computers, quiet rooms, and cubicles where you can focus so you can put the most attention into your work. The amount of work is not too heavy but just the right amount so you could understand it and apply it to your field.
Dorm Life
From the freshmen complexes to the upperclassmen villages, it's a great way to interact with people from all over the world. If you ever need help or guidance with an assignment, your roommate and friend are just a few steps away. Most people are as ecstatic as you will be and love yo engage in new things.
Food and Dining
If you're looking for a scoop of ice-cream or a nice roast beef dinner, you're just a swipe away. From 7am to 1:30am, there are many options to choose from that would satisfy your cravings. The university offers a market packed with your everyday needs, Einstein's bagel for your breakfast meal, and a deli for those who want to watch their weight.
What to do for fun
Each and every week resident assistants and directors offer a variety of things to do. From a casino themed game night to a showing of the latest movie that premiered. When it's a nice sunny day the university sets up a carnival with free cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, and mini games.
Clubs and Activities
I remember the first club fair that I went to. So many organization and club members out there trying to get people to join. There are so many options to choose from like the gospel choir, the Caribbean student association, and dj club.
Greek Life
Greek life is very strong on the University of Hartford campus. There are so many choices of fraternities and sororities to choose from that would love to invite another member into their organization. It is a pleasure to be apart of a group of wonderful people and I would urge you to look into them when you arrive.
Campus Safety
Public Safety takes care of all of the problems on campus. They are always on patrol and just a phone call away. If there is something you need they will always come running just for you.

Melissa from Smithtown, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
You get what you make of it. Research funding is limited, however when you are interested in running studies, if you impress the right people you can dominate your department.
Tips for prospective students
Apply yourself in every area. The school does not force you to learn, you can breeze through or you can make something of your education. Many students slack and fail to graduate on time.
What to do for fun
Downtown hartford is fun. Northeast Park.
Clubs and Activities
Women for Change, Women's Education and Leadership Fund, Psi Chi
Greek Life
Not interested

Lauren from Portsmouth, NH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am attending the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, studying music theatre. I have grown so much as a performer just within the first year and a half of being here. The staff is incredible to work with- they all have experience in the fields of performing arts, with connections in LA and NYC. Our classes are small and direct, so there is always time for individual analysis with the teachers.
Am enjoying being here
It's a lot of work to be a music theatre major at the Hartt School. Our classes start at 8:30 in the morning, and go pretty consistently through the day until 3:00pm or so. We do not have a typical college experience. As a sophomore, I have six dance classes a week, classes in acting, voice and speech, music theatre history, and individual vocal lessons and coachings. It's a lot of work, but they certainly push us here. And in order to succeed in such a competitive business, it's a good thing they don't let up on us.
Bang for the buck
The Hartt School is roughly $40,000 a year, including the individual voice lessons and coachings you receive to help build up your repertoire. I believe it's even more if you're living on campus, but this year I live off-campus close to school and am paying much less for a better quality of living. I'd certainly say this school is worth every penny. Just look at the caliber of our shows.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early! The Hartt School's music theatre program is relatively difficult to get into. We only select about 24 students out of the country. Have a lot of confidence at the audition!
Great for these types of students
If you're a serious performer looking for a very rigorous music theatre program, come to the Hartt School! You want a little more training before auditioning for broadway, audition at Hartt! Our reputation is growing, so come make some connections here!

Averi from Waterbury, CT

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love the University of Hartford because it has a very diverse population of students. It has many different majors to choose from and lots of cool extracurricular activities to get involved in. I'd recommend attending this university because overall, the faculty and students really seem to respect one another and most people are friendly and welcoming.
Tips for prospective students
Don't get sucked in to peer pressure! Find the right friends who are fun, but don't force you to do things you don't feel comfortable with. You are your own person and college is the place where you find yourself and grow into the adult you; don't spoil this great opportunity on people who don't truly care about you. College is where you can either create lifelong friendships or waste four years with knuckle-heads.
Academic Rigor
This school is the best of the best in my opinion. Its not Ivy League, but it is academically challenging. As a private institution, the University of Hartford is demanding as well as rewarding. The school has only a few thousand students, but what it lacks in size it makes up in administrative and student support. There is free tutoring available from the Student Success Center to ensure no good excuse for failure. Professors here offer tremendous support for their students, unlike traditional state-school approaches.
Dorm Life
Don't miss out! The dorms here are clean and very nicely sized. They each have gigantic windows that offer views of the warm community feeling surrounding each living area. The freshman dorms are all situated together across from the Commons cafeteria and there is even an option to live in the newest freshman dorm, Hawk Hall, a modern, tall and colorful dormitory building in the middle of Alumni Plaza.
Food and Dining
There are so many options here from the main Commons cafeteria, to Gengrass Student Union, to Konover Market; each place is unique and offers a wide variety of delicious choices.
What to do for fun
Join a club. Its the best way to make friends quickly and easily because you'll all have something in common. Its best to step out of your comfort zone and get to know other people doing something positive, especially when its interesting to you.
Bang for the buck
Warning! Its really expensive, but I wouldn't call it a rip-off. You get so many great things for the price; great food, a huge and quiet library, short commutes to academic and residential areas, lush green scenery, and friendly people. You have to work hard to guarantee your money isn't wasted, but that is essentially what college is about anyway, right?

By the way, when the Hart School of Performance offers concerts, plays, operas, or dance recitals or when there is an athletic event, its free for students. Absolutely free live entertainment!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I wouldn't call it unusual but we have a cool arcade in the basement of Gengrass Student Union that I recently visited after two years of being a student at the university. I never visited it before because there were always these weird, seemingly hard-core gamers down there but finally one day I did, and the were surprisingly the nicest bunch of kids ever. Its so fun down there and all the games are free!
Great for these types of students
Anyone would love it here. There is something for everyone! Not many schools can say that.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many to choose from. I can name them all so I'll name a few I've been apart of:
Architecture Institute of America Students
National Organization of Minority Architects
National Organization of Leadership and Success
Residence Hall Association
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Global Ambassadors Club
Ceramics Club
Bible Talk Club
Quidditch Club

The list goes on.... :)
Greek Life
We have over 10 fraternities and sororities on campus (that I know of). Its very popular on our campus and I know so many people who love it.
Campus Safety
Our Public Safety officers are the best! They are very friendly and really care about the welfare of all the kids on campus. When every I've had a problem they've always treated me respectfully and professionally and always seem to have a sense of compassion that not all cops have. Its great having them serve on campus.

Mason from Berlin, CT

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I feel the school is well rounded, has many majors to look into and a very supportive teaching staff.
Tips for prospective students
Come prepared for any and everything
Academic Rigor
classes can be tough and teachers demanding, but that is how the real world is going to be.

Nicholas from MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
There are many student clubs and organizations, and the student population is large enough that you're practically guaranteed to be able to find a group of people that you mesh well with.

The academic programs are highly varied and it's easy to take classes in any discipline with no major or minor required.

The school isn't cheap, but it has ample financial aid opportunities (full tuition baby!), so if you can afford it, it's absolutely worth attending.
Tips for prospective students
As with any other school, if you live on-campus, leave your door open. You're guaranteed to become acquainted with at least some people, and even if you don't particularly like them, you'll probably meet someone through them that you do like.

Also, try to get to know your prospective roommates as best you can before deciding to move in with them.
Academic Rigor
You may be underwhelmed taking the recommended number of credits, and you may be overwhelmed taking the maximum. You can make your education as rigorous as you want it to be, but you have to be honest with yourself when considering how much work you can handle while still living your life.
Dorm Life
In Hawk Hall, the floors are divided into groups of about 40 people with similar interests (e.g. science, exercise, art). These groups are small enough for a general sense of community to form, but large enough that you can almost always find something to do.

Hawk Hall was comfortable most of the year, but the air conditioning just couldn't quite keep up on the hottest days of the year.

Upperclassman housing seems nice enough, and has better air conditioning.
Food and Dining
The food here is always amazing.

Here's what you can look forward to at Commons, the main dining hall (where you'll probably eat 99% of your meals):

Breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, and one or two other miscellaneous breakfast items.

Lunch: the grill will have either hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, or something similar.

Dinner: the most common themes are Italian and Spanish, but it's always something different.

If you don't like what's being served at any time, there's also the deli (which makes sandwiches), the plural soups and/or chilis, the kosher station, the salads/fruit station, and the miscellaneous station that makes anything from omelettes to Chinese food, depending on the time of day. There's also a bakery that makes delicious pastries and other dessert items. Failing all that, there's a few wafflemakers that students can use.

Because all of these are contained within Commons, they're all-you-can-eat.

However, there are also many non-dining-hall, non-all-you-can-eat options.
What to do for fun
There are countless clubs, organizations, and musical groups, all of which are free. Students from the art and music schools often put on performances.

There are parties, as with any school. If you avoid living in Regents, the so-called "party building", you probably won't be bothered by them.
Great for these types of students
University of Hartford is great for students that have diverse interests.
Clubs and Activities
Clubs are numerous and their members are enthusiastic.
Campus Safety
I've never felt unsafe on campus.