Debruns

Does UConn have any substance free dorms for freshman? I know many schools say "freshman can't drink" but I think most realize they do anyway. I know North dorms were given a bad reputation by students I knew that went there for loud parties, but none of them had inquired about quiet or sub-free dorms. They later just moved to a more inconvenient but quieter dorm as juniors.

ThePhilosopher

There is no specific "substance free" dorms. I can tell you the most common type of drug is pot, and alcohol may be present. Your best bet would be to dorm with someone (you know) who does not drink or what not. Honestly, the "loudest" dorms will be West, North, and Northwest. But this is usually only on weekends.

Here is the site for the special housing communities if you are interested: Learning Communities - University of Connecticut

Debruns

I'm surprised by that, not even a "wellness house" for students that want to live in a healthier environment. Smaller LAC's and universities have them, I can't imagine that a dorm or floor wouldn't fill up at UConn.
My twins were reluctant to look at UConn because of it's "party" reputation, but realize it will be a financial safety and does have some very good programs. They unfortunately didn't meet as many students that loved it and many of their stories were disturbing. If they went together, they could maybe room together, which would help a little bit. One daughter met a grad student at Yale that went there and said their honors program was challenging and for the money, he got as good of an education in his field than he would have at Yale, it was just atmosphere. That opinion can be debated, but he said, all colleges are what you make them, you take the best and try to minimize the worst.

We should be taking a tour soon, and they can ask more questions to a student. Thanks for your info. I couldn't find anything on a quick search and neither could they.

ThePhilosopher

I can tell you that while UConn has that reputation, it is definitely not a party only place. Of course, there are those (especially freshman who are new to freedom) who party. Those who choose not to party (myself) have a very exciting, fun, and successful time.

The honors program is a whole different thing, as there is specific honors housing. I can tell you that in terms of atmosphere, honors housing is a LOT less stereotypical. As someone who had a choice between schools (including ivy) I would agree with the grad student's perspective. I would also note that the campus and the environment is DRASTICALLY different than what it was even five years ago. Keep that in mind when gathering opinions.

GoldShadow

I've never understood the point of "substance free" dorms.

They're often worse than regular dorms for a myriad reasons.

There have been numerous threads on them in the College Life forum, I suggest you do a search for it there.

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/

Debruns

I haven't read those post yet, but I know sub-free was fine for my son and I have heard the same from other students at various colleges. The only complaints were the students that didn't really want to be there freshman year, but were pushed there by their parents. My son found them much quieter and my niece saved $$$ on costs at the end of the year because her dorm had much less damage. As she put it, she didn't feel she had to learn to handle drinking students in her room. She was a healthy person and wanted like-minded people around her. She was very happy when she heard of vomiting roommates, passed-out students, filthy bathrooms and broken items at other dorms,that she was a bit further away. I would hope you can have a fulfilling college experience without that.