<p>Hey everyone! So I've been thinking of adding UConn to my list of schools because lately I've been falling in love with it, The only thing I'm worried about though is it's gigantic size. It definitely stands out on my list though because it is WAY bigger than any of the smaller LACs that I'm applying to (Providence College, Marist, Loyola Maryland, BC, Lehigh, Villanova..etc.). I'm more on the quiet and introverted side, though, so I'm worried that I would have trouble adjusting here, but at the same time I'm definitely looking to break out of my shell in college. I love everything else about it though: the "big school feel", sports teams, location, variety of majors, campus, etc. Do you think I would do well here?</p>
<p>Let me preface my response by saying I am not a UConn parent, so I can’t give you an answer specific to UConn per se. However, how you will adjust to college life has less to do with the size of the school than how you approach the process yourself. If you want to be fair, a truly quiet and introverted person can be just as lost/isolated at a small school as at a large school. It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but the fact that you are interested in trying is a great start… You need to understand that college is very different than high school. Everyone freshman is coming in with the same “disadvantage” of being new - not knowing everyone, and not being familiar with their surroundings. There are no preconceived notions of anything. Everyone is trying to make friends, so everyone puts out a little more effort than they are used to having to do, which should make it far easier for you to break out of your shell.</p>
<p>As for large school v small school, there are some key differences to consider. I happen to be a fan of large schools because I believe you can always find ways to make a large school smaller, but you can’t make a small school larger. So what I mean by that is that socially, with a large school, you can have several groups of friends. There tend to be more varieties of interest groups so you can have friends to study with, friends you hang with, friends you do certain activities with, etc - you don’t get pigeon-holed. You can expand your universe. I know that UConn offers learning communities for freshman which also helps to make developing an initial core group of friends easier to develop as well. <a href=“http://livelearn.uconn.edu/”>http://livelearn.uconn.edu/</a> Another aspect to a large university is the variety of classes offered. It has pros and cons. Far more classes offered, but also, it can mean some very huge lecture classes with lots of students in a class - easy to get “lost” if you let yourself. However, if you make an effort to go to a professor’s office hours (you should really take advantage of this for so many reasons - remember, you are paying for it, you will get more out of the class, it shows effort/interest, typically helps you get better grade) it’s manageable and you learn to adapt. There are far more resources, research opportunities, networking opportunities, etc with a large university. Not to mention, like you said, the whole fun of experiencing the whole rah rah school spirit college thing and where better than with National Champs?!?! There is a lot to be said for school pride.</p>
<p>The cons of a large university, of course, is no hand holding. The small university/LAC has the small classes for EVERY class and you are more likely to get hand holding if that is what you prefer. There is nothing wrong with that. </p>
<p>No one can tell you where you will be most comfortable but you. The best thing you can do is spend an overnight at UConn and also at one or two of the small schools that you really like. That will give you a better feel for the school/environment and typically, they let you shadow a student so you get to attend some classes and see what I mean. Talk to current students. It all comes down to “fit” - where do YOU feel the most comfortable. </p>
<p>What do you want to major in? Look closely at the curriculum. What classes are offered as electives and which ones are required? Compare the curriculum requirements between schools.</p>
<p>There is no right answer that anyone can give you about how you will be to adjust anywhere. However, the fact that you are asking these questions is a step in the right direction. </p>
<p>I wish you all the best in the decision process. It’s not easy, but trust me that things honestly do work out the way they are supposed to. </p>
<p>Actually, let me clarify the no hand holding at a large university - it actually does happen within the individual departments. Like I said, if you take advantage of office hours and get to know your professors, you tend to have a far better experience. They will help you not just with the specific class, but often give you advice on other matters, have connections for internships, etc. So, large universities are not “cold” places in comparison but you just have to make a little more of an effort is all. Also, many departments have really good outreach to/support for students whereas the university at large may seem overwhelming if that makes sense.</p>
<p>My daughter is a freshman at UConn and it is a great school! I would recommend doing Husky-for-a-day and spending an overnight with a student. It has something for everyone and the learning community living may be ideal for you if you are looking for a smaller group to get acclimated. Good luck!</p>