Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT, USA

Reviews

Eastern Connecticut State University

Miles from Storrs Mansfield, CT

accepted here and planning to attend soon
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
It's not UConn, but that's a part of its draw. I doubt you'll take any classes with more than thirty people, whereas your freshman classes at UConn might have upwards of fifty, maybe a hundred. I'm not saying it's a bad school, but UConn is a completely different atmosphere. My friends who go there feel like numbers. It's nowhere near as friendly as ECSU, and more and more of the students are rich, spoiled kids who's trust funds ran out. MY parents are UConn alums, and they're ashamed of how UConn's gotten worse. ECSU is the way to go!
Will enjoy being here
I'm a Willimantic native, so if anyone tells you that the natives are scary, they're probably stuck-up suburbanites who are too good to live in a city. Willimantic has some great stuff going on -Streetfest, live music, plenty of stores-, and the WRTD bus takes you to Storrs for free if you're a student (It's either free or subsidized) If you really need to go to a UConn party, just take a bus or get a local friend to take you to Carriage House.
Bang for the buck
Considering that this is the best CSU system school, and -IMHO- WAY nicer than UConn, this is really a steal. I might not even need to go into too much debt, which is a lifesaver in this economy.
Tips for prospective students
If you apply, talk to Dr. PAMELA STARR! She's an amazing person and has already been a great resource for me. If you have AD(H)D, OCD, or any type of disability, she is DEFINITELY the first person you want to see once you're accepted.
Great for these types of students
Middle of the road students, people who don't like or need frats or sororities, and intelligent underachievers like me. :)

Jennifer from Guilford, CT

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All the classes are small and personal. The professors are very willing to help you, will know your name, and truly care about your success! Not only have I learned a lot about my major (and I'm only a freshman), but I am learning how to be independent!
Am enjoying being here
I love the campus! It is small and you will know most of the people in your residence hall! There are always free activities on campus and plenty of clubs and sports, both intramural and varsity, to join. One of the downsides to the campus is that it is in the middle of Willimantic which is an urban city with little to do if you are not on campus.
Bang for the buck
Considering this is a state school and it is not too costly, the buildings, especially the dorms and library, are of very high quality. They are new and very up to date.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved and stay for the weekends! There are so many fun things to do on campus which is a great way to meet people. Also, a little known fact about Eastern is that it is considered a suitcase school, meaning that many students go home for the weekend. But weekends are the best time to get work done and socialize! There are always events on campus for the weekends!!
Great for these types of students
This school is best for students who do not want to be in an enormous school with lecture halls. If you like recognizing most of the people on campus and being able to have a good relationship with your teachers, Eastern may be your match! It is also very art oriented and was originally a teacher college!

Gabriela from Middletown, CT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very friendly and fun student life. Professors are good at their jobs. It feels very homely.
Academic Rigor
Classes that you expect to be hard are hard, and vice versa.
Dorm Life
Depends on the other people on your floor. I know people from other floors that hang out on my floor because we have all the cool and fun people.
Food and Dining
The food in our dining hall is pretty bad, but if you want to eat at the student center that is a possibility and the food there is good. There's also a library cafe where you can pick up snacks.
What to do for fun
There's usually something going on, but you're going to want to make some friends pretty quick in order to have fun at the activities.
Bang for the buck
I love Eastern, it's affordable and definitely my home.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of clubs, from the school newspaper to a Doctor Who club, so you're bound to find something you like.
Greek Life
There is no Greek life. This is pretty sad because there's not a lot of partying or other fun stuff going on, but our Campus Activity Board does its best to compensate.
Campus Safety
Campus is located in a really bad neighborhood but there is always campus security patrolling and the blue light system here is really good. I feel pretty safe, especially since students tend to come together during times of uncertainty at ECSU.

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
eastern is a great liberal arts school that is concerened with their students education. ecsu is a great size where the professors know you by name and can be more one-on-one with you to help you succeed. this school also has a helpful advising staff and system to make sure youo stay on track to graduate on time.
Tips for prospective students
never skip classes because the professors will not repeat their whole lecture for you, college is a time to take responsibility and eastern is a place to acquire that. also, make sure you attend a 4-year plan workshop, it is very benificial in seeinf which courses you need to take in coming years and it saves time when you have to register for classes.
Academic Rigor
the professors want you to put effprt and apply yourself into your academics, they will not just hand you your degree, you have to earn it. the workload can be demanding at times, never procrastinate, the professors generally give you a respectable amount of time to complete essays and projects.
Dorm Life
the campus is just the right size that wherever you live you are within a short walk of the library, dining hall, or academic buildings. the dorms are well-maintianed and have an energenic r.a staff. most upperclassmen dorms are apartment style and newer. the housing community is close-knit and a lot of fun.
Food and Dining
the dining hall has a wide variety of food to choose from and also has some themed dinners, which are always fun and interesting. the staff is very friendly and the meal plans do not cheat you out of your money. the student center cafe also serves ready to order subs and other freshly made food from barbeque to pizza.
What to do for fun
there is always something to do on campus, whether it be movie night, a comedian, or watching the sports games. there are also at least 50 clubs and groups to join as well and if there is not a club that you like thats not organized yet you can get your own started.
Bang for the buck
eastern definietly does not over charge you fro education like some schools. the cost is fair and well worth it to get your degree here.
Clubs and Activities
there are so many clubs to choose from and at the beginning of the year there is a club fair where you can sign up for whatever pleases you. most clubs schedule their meetings so that they do not interfere with classes. joining clubs are the best way to meet new people and make new friends.
Campus Safety
the campus uses the blue light emergency system and the campus police are always ready. the dorms are also very safe and protected using electronic fob keys. it is also easy to find the campus saftey number and the alert system is reliable.

Shannon from Manchester, CT

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very small in a way that there's enough room but no one's getting lost all the time. Lots of support for students, if you're able to wait for it. Nice professors.
Tips for prospective students
Do your work, all of it.
Academic Rigor
Professors excel at their subjects
Dorm Life
Aside from the expected noise on the weekends, dorms are clean, quiet and always have some activity or another going on in the common rooms, sometimes with animals or food.
Food and Dining
Though it's not a home cooked meal the food is very good for that made to feed as many people as it does. Many options, many one can make on one's own.
What to do for fun
Tons of clubs and always activities going on. Rooms like the cafe and the Pride room are nearly always open!
Bang for the buck
A bit expensive in tuition as is the case at all universities, but professors don't assign their own hundred-dollar books that are revised every year for double the cost for the sake of a sentence or two.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The church building is nearly never open.
Great for these types of students
Very good for LGBT+ students, the Pride room is always open and full of resources.
Clubs and Activities
So many clubs, and the ability to start new ones.
Greek Life
N / A
Campus Safety
Many blue light systems, police are good and friendly for the most part.

Kaitlyn from Shelton, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Lots of opportunities to get involved and be a part of something.
Professors really want you to succeed.
A small community where you feel like you are really involved.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of small class sizes and professor's office hours! They will definitely help you and help you succeed.
Get involved! Whether it be a club, the activity board, SGA, or a sport, do it! It won't be a waste of time and will help you meet new people, and learn new skills.
Academic Rigor
It depends on what classes you take. Some class, such as your First Year Experience (a class all new students must take, on various categories, that prepare students for their college classes) are meant to be easier, but I have taken my fair share of classes that really make me work!
Dorm Life
LIVE IN A TRADITIONAL DORM AS A FRESHMAN!!!
Sure, the suites are nice, but living in a traditional dorm allows you to meet many more people and create lasting friendships and bonds.
Upperclassmen dorms are all basically like mini apartments, which is really nice. RA's are always nice and willing to be there for you if you need it.
Food and Dining
It's a college. There's a variety of food, but maybe some stuff you don't always like. It happens! I never starve.
What to do for fun
The campus activity board (which I am a part of) puts on around 90 events a semester for students. Other clubs and organizations also put on events, so you're looking at about 100+ events a semester. There's a movie every Tuesday.
There are also shuttles to a strip mall, and walmart. Within walking distance there are small stores, such as a cupcake place, and many restaurants.
Bang for the buck
A cheaper school that offers a TON of things for students. Very well worth it.
Great for these types of students
Students who like to be involved
Need a small class size
Need involved professors, no teaching assistants.
Clubs and Activities
JOIN THE CAMPUS ACTIVITY BOARD!!!
There are over 100 clubs as of now, and every year more clubs are created by students, so if you don't see something you like, create a club!
Greek Life
We don't have Greek life and honestly I don't see a need for it.
Campus Safety
You can't walk very far on campus without seeing a campus police officer driving around. We also have blue phones, in which if you are in danger you press the button and within 30 seconds, an officer will be at your location to help. Dorms are always locked. Officers will also give you a ride around campus late at night if you do not feel safe walking.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Eastern makes you realize that there is no other university like it. Some would argue that it is just a state school, but they are missing out on the amazing opportunities that Eastern has to offer. Eastern achieves in its academics, residential life and overall appearance at such a low cost compared to private universities that couldn't compare.
Tips for prospective students
No matter what anyone says, this school is a perfect match for anyone. There is so much to offer here, especially if you are unsure of what you want to do in the future. There are many degrees that you may want to pursue and the advisors and staff will help you along the way.
Academic Rigor
Academics at Eastern are taken seriously. Though some may say it is easy, depending on if you want to complete your degree in four years, you have to work hard and do all your work.
Dorm Life
The buildings are beautiful. They are like you are living in a hotel and are way better than other colleges.
Food and Dining
The food is really good.
What to do for fun
Anything! There are clubs, fun activities throughout the entire year and anywhere in between.
Bang for the buck
It's definitely worth the price!

Brianna from Putnam, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
ECSU is in general a great college. Eastern has around 5,400 students and it the perfect mix if you do not want to go to a small or large college. It has great professors, and you will receive an education and friendships that will help you throughout life.
Tips for prospective students
- You have to work hard to recieve good grades
- It is not a huge campus
-Join clubs and go to events
-Make the most out of Eastern
Academic Rigor
While there are easy professors like all colleges, Eastern does have challaging classes to take. You have to put in time to get good grades.
Dorm Life
Great choices in dorms even during freshmen year (dorms with private bathrooms and showers).
Food and Dining
One dining hall and one student center food court, food is pretty good, depending on the days
What to do for fun
-clubs
-sports
-intermural sports
-campus events
-East Brooke Mall close to campus
Bang for the buck
It is a state college so you are getting a good education for much cheaper then other private colleges
Clubs and Activities
Clubs from fencing to cheerleading, marketing to educational clubs, fashion to LGBT
Campus Safety
Polive Station right on campus, Hospital a few minutes away.

Heather from Willington, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Eastern is a diverse community of learners who are well-integrated into the local community. Eastern offers many opportunities for professional development, as well as for networking and fun activities. This school is well worth the money with a practical education.
Tips for prospective students
Enroll in a variety of courses from different subject areas, especially in the first two years, since these years focus on general education requirements. Eastern offers many opportunites to explore other fields and interesting topics with its gen-eds. Also, enjoy the activities they provide for you!
Academic Rigor
At Eastern, you are responsible for your education. Professors here could teach at any university they desire, and you can go into a class willing to contribute and excel, and you will do great, but if you don't try, your grades will reflect it. Eastern won't 'give you grades' to keep you in the system.
Dorm Life
I live off campus, but Eastern always has fun activities and information about some great fundraising activities posted everywhere. You can't help but get into it.
Food and Dining
The food is probably better than what most students could mke for themselves, and they offer a good selection. There are a few different dining environments and many awesome local restaurants.
What to do for fun
Eastern and its clubs will keep you busy all year, not to mention outside community events that celelbrate a variety of cultures, like Third Thursday/Streetfest.
Bang for the buck
Eastern provides a great selection of courses, activities, and resources for a great price.
Great for these types of students
Great for anyone who is open-minded.
Clubs and Activities
Huge selection
Campus Safety
There are never any big issues on campus, and when things come up, they are are handled immediately and effectively.

Megan from East Lyme, CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are all here for your benefit and will do anything they can to help you succed. The class sizes are similar to the ones in high school, average class size is about 20 students.
Am enjoying being here
There are a lot of things to do on campus you just have to know how to find them, they have a calender on their home page with events that are going on around campus each and everyday, even on the weekends!
Bang for the buck
You get a lot of cool things included in your tuition price. There is more than 1 place to eat here on campus and for the other places that isnt free, included in your meal plan you get dining dollars that you can use to eat at othe places besides the dining hall. Also part of your tutition goes towards your residence hall and you can plan what you wanna do with that many, ranges from trips to Eastern Apparel.
Tips for prospective students
Come up and take a tour of the campus you will automatically fall in love! It isnt as big as Uconn but that is good because everything is close together so you know exactly where you are going. Talk to students that go to Eastern and see what they think about it and just research the college more.
Great for these types of students
Eastern is a great school for students of all majors, it is a liberal arts college, the only one in Connecticut. If you are undecided that is fine also come here and they have so many different programs that can help you decide what you want to do.