Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT, USA

Reviews

Central Connecticut State University

Jessica from South Windsor, CT

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am in the Schools Honor program and am learning so much from all of my honors and non honors classes. most of my teachers have been very helpful and they all know what they are talking about and are enthusiastic about it. I am also learning a lot about life outside of the classroom here. Central provides a great environment for getting used to living away from home. The RA's and RD's are very helpful if you have room problems or if you just are looking for suggestions about school or activities you should attend I am learning how to manage my time with a lot of the programs so I have time to do my homework have some fun and even have a job if i want.
Am enjoying being here
I really like being at school people here are very friendly and it is like living in a nice little community where everyone helps each other. We also have a lot of programs going on everyday and a weekly program on Thursday's called devils den at ten pm it is a fun program to go to and encourages kids to have clean fun instead of going off campus to drink and do other unsafe things. There are also great dorms here where everyone becomes friends with everyone else! The one downfall is that we don't have much to do here on weekends.
Bang for the buck
You get really great classes at central for what you pay and compared to other colleges in Connecticut central doesn't cost very much our bookstore however is rather expensive i would suggest shopping else where and the food is OK but it gets boring after a while as I'm sure it probably does at all colleges but as far as the education part (which is probably the most important ) you will be getting a wonderful learning experience for a reasonable amount of money for college.
Tips for prospective students
I would suggest that if you go to this school buy your books online i bought mine at half.com and the cost so much less than they would have at the bookstore because being a college student we try and save as much money as we can because college is expensive. Also I would suggest that If you are a girl stay in the all girls dorm. I know that it may not sound to exciting but we have bigger dorms and it is quite a bit quieter here than in the other dorms. Finally i would suggest applying to the honors program because it has a great scholarship and you get to take some pretty cool classes because of it. Also if you dont like Central are other schools that go along with it like eastern and Western Connecticut State University that you could look into
Great for these types of students
Central would be great for hard working students who also like to have fun and make friends. It is a perfect size campus for feeling comfortable around everyone and getting to know a lot of people its small enough to walk across and is very pretty so if you like walking it is a good campus because we have a park rite off of campus. It is also a great campus for students who want to be teacher because it has the reputation of being one of the best teaching colleges in Connecticut.

Kayla from Bristol, CT

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Central is, in my opinion, one of the best schools in the state. I have learned so much from all of the wonderful teachers. Majoring in elementary education studying biology, I have begun to take classes pertaining to my specific major. In the spring 2011 semester, I took a child psychology class learning how young minds develop and how his/her environment is crucial to cognitive development. Overall, I have learned a lot in each of my classes and I feel like I am extremely challenged.
Am enjoying being here
As part of the full college experience, I live on campus in the dorms. I have met so many great friends and the housing staff is extremely welcoming. The dorms are clean and the police officers keep everyone safe and protected.
Bang for the buck
Since CCSU is a state school, the price is very low compared to the expensive private schools most high school students strive for. Last year around March 2010, I was planning on going to a private school. After getting the financial report of $35,000 a year including all of the financial aid I received, I decided that going to a state school would be much more affordable. Looking back on my first year of college, I am no where near in debt because my scholarships went a long way. Not only is the school inexpensive, the bookstore runs a program where you can rent books for half of what the price would be. It only cost me about $250 last semester for books for 6 classes.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you chose a school that you can afford. You do not want to be paying for college ten years after you graduate. Central is just as good as any private school, except thousands of dollars cheaper.
Great for these types of students
Central is a great school for education majors. It is one of the top teaching schools on the East coast. For other majors, there is a variety of majors to chose from and they recently added a nursing program for students aspiring to become an R.N.

Adam from Bridgeport, CT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This college is all you can ask for. Not to many people in classes and is a small university where learning material is much easier to grasp on.
Tips for prospective students
Choose a college that is good for you; don't choose it based on friends. You will learn lots of materials in a smaller class instead of a huge class. Also, meet with professors they aren't mean; they're there to help
Academic Rigor
Isn't tought; if you do your homeowork and meet with professors classes and grades should be easy to keep up with
Dorm Life
You're alone and you meet lots of new faces. Not loud were you can't do homework. Very pieceful and mellow
Food and Dining
Food is the same everyday it seems like, however, they are brodening the choses and making vegetarian dishes which is unique
What to do for fun
For fun I play xbox and watch television. But most the time your doing work and getting stuff done which is during your free time
Bang for the buck
All classes are worth your money. It isn't tough and professor just want the best for you. Do the work and they won't doubt you
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On campus they have little events. This allows for students to peform an act and get little presents. This is a good way to interact with people you don't know.
Great for these types of students
Class size and professors. Going in to college people said that it was such a hazzle to be in college. To this point, I don't know what they are talking about. It's fun and enjoyable.
Clubs and Activities
They have a variety of sports and activities. My favorite are rugby, flag football, and dodgeball
Campus Safety
On school campus police is a great way to keep people safe. Nothing has happened to this point that I know of

Danielle from New Milford, CT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Central has a strong education department. I have not a had a bad teacher so far in my three semesters here. The only weaker department would be the math, from my experience. As for if I am learning a lot, I would say yes I am! But that has mostly to do with what I put into studying and learning information on my own, not so much as to what the professors are lecturing
Am enjoying being here
I am enjoying my experience here. Central is a good size school, so there are familiar faces, but you also are able to meet new people constantly. The only down side would be the number of commuters. CCSU is a big commuter school, so the weekends are dead on campus.
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth the money, especially if it's in-state tuition
Tips for prospective students
Know full well beforehand that the weekends are dead on the weekends, so if you are looking for a party school, Central is not for you. I would suggest joining a club or team to get to know people on campus. I, personally, do not mind the commuters because I am friends with a lot of the athletes who always stay the weekends.
Great for these types of students
CCSU is great for people who want to work on the weekends and make money.

Lisselot from Torrington, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Centra Connecticut State University is an amazing school for commuters and for those who decide to live on campus. The school offers a large variety of programs and tidy abroad opportunities. I am glad I chose this school for my major.
Tips for prospective students
My tip would by to try to get involve. I am a commuter and I try to get the "college experience" by joining clubs, doing volunteer work and participating in the different activities that the school offer. Also do not be afraid, faculties and other members are here to help student to achieve their goals.
Academic Rigor
The amount of work you have to put in to classes isa lot, but in case that you need help tutors are available and every single professor has office hours. If you do your work and try to get help in time there is no way you will fail a class.
Dorm Life
I am a commuter, but from what I heard the dorms are decent and the life is peaceful and nice there.
Food and Dining
The food is excellent. We have a decent range of food in campus not just for the student that live here, but also affordable meals for commuters.
What to do for fun
get involve. The different clubs and organization is campus offer tons of different things every day to keep student busy, plus the campus is located in the center of New Britain. Students have the ability to drive or walk wherever they wish to get the experience on living in New Britain.
Clubs and Activities
A large range of clubs available for students and faculties. If students are looking for a particular club and we do not have it, the students have the ability to create their own club.
Campus Safety
Every university in Connecticut have their own policy department. There are blue light all over campus, if for any reason you need a police officer to walk you to your dorm or car they will do it. The police presence in campus is good to the point were it makes student feel safe at all times.

Wilbert from Hartford, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CCSU is a education oriented campus. But education is not the only focus. CCSU also stresses the importance of diversity and equality for all of it students and in its activities.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to work harder than you ever have before, CCSU is no walk in the park. Be ready to be challenged, physically sometimes, but very more so intellectually. Join clubs, get involved on campus, central has alot to offer.
Academic Rigor
CCSU is a top university in the state for many programs, one including education which is top in all of new england. Overall the academics are extremely rigorous.
Dorm Life
Dorms are clean, and the RA staff are always friendly and so welcoming.
Food and Dining
Cafeteria is always clean, and you will always find a place to sit. Food staff are so nice, taste is an 8 out of 10.
What to do for fun
Campus activities! There is one going on everynight.
Bang for the buck
CCSU is worth the price of tuition.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Student center, memorial hall, welte audutorium
Great for these types of students
Self starters, non-lazy, self driven.
Clubs and Activities
To many to even talk about
Greek Life
So many of them, for all races and likes
Campus Safety
Has a police sub station right on campus

MM from EH, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
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.
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.
Academic Rigor
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.
Dorm Life
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!
Food and Dining
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 to do for fun
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!
Bang for the buck
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!
Great for these types of students
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.
Clubs and 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.
Greek Life
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 Safety
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.

Dillion from Bristol, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CCSU is an awesome school that keeps its students on track, in a clean environment. they keep us engaged with campus activities. i love CCSU.
Tips for prospective students
go to CCSU. its a great school for local and out of state students. i don't regret it at all.
Academic Rigor
ccsu is both fun and engaging. but its still school and it has its challenges, but they offer enough support programs that you can get through it if you try.
Dorm Life
the dorms are clean and well kept. they look apealing, and are nice. its good to live in a dorm since everything is right there.
Food and Dining
the food is awesome. something new everyday.
What to do for fun
theres always somthing at ccsu. theres always stuff on campus, or the park right next to it, and the mall rigth down the street.
Bang for the buck
ccsu is amazing. not too big not too small. its a great college.
Great for these types of students
anykind of students we have a very wide variety
Clubs and Activities
theres more clubs sports and activities at ccsu than you have time for
Campus Safety
awesome. there is never a problem with safety and our police force is the best.