Arts, Academics, and Amusement: Making the Most of Student Life in Connecticut

If you want to have an unforgettable college experience, consider pursuing higher education in Connecticut. This New England state is home to Yale University, Wesleyan University, and the University of Connecticut, among others, as well as some of the safest and most picturesque college towns in the U.S.. The state also ranked sixth in SmileHub’s 2025 survey for Best States for College Students, getting equally high scores in education quality and support and social life.

Attending college in Connecticut means having access to the best campus facilities, well-developed cities, and beautiful natural landscapes and environments. Apart from being in a peaceful place that’s conducive to learning, you also get lots of opportunities to engage in fun and enjoyable activities to make every day an adventure. If you’ve decided to attend a Connecticut college or university, consider these tips to make the most of your student life.

Explore Like a Local

Connecticut’s charm lies in its rich history and picturesque nature views, as well as its wonderful attractions that draw in thousands of visitors everyday. While going around Connecticut, you’ll find lots of interesting places to explore, such as the Mystic Seaport Aquarium, Mark Twain House and Museum, and the Olde Mistick Village. These places are highly popular among tourists, so expect them to be very crowded during the summer, which is peak tourism season in the state. Many locals will agree that the best time to go exploring in Connecticut is between September to November, and some of them spend the weekend visiting underrated museums, such as the New Britain Museum of American Art. This institution has a permanent collection of works by acclaimed artists such as Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol, and exhibits that range from colonial and federal period art to contemporary art.

The locals also spend a lot of time hiking and camping in Connecticut state parks since they put a high value on outdoor living. After a tough week on campus, think about pitching a tent at the Black Rock State Park in Watertown or the Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison to relax during the weekend. If you’re not a fan of camping but you love doing other outdoor activities, head to People’s State Forest at Barkhamsted and go trout fishing, biking, kayaking, canoeing, or tubing. They also have picnic shelters and tables here, so pack a picnic basket, call your friends, and have a casual meal while taking in the stunning river and forest views of this amazing park.

Attend Festivals

If you love going to music festivals or food fests, Connecticut is the place to be. Music fans should definitely check out the Mystic River Jam, held every June at the Mystic Shipyard. You’ll get to listen to various artists as they play blues, reggae, rock, or country music, and enjoy local eats and beverages sold from food trucks around the area. In September, you can feast on oysters, go on carnival rides, and buy locally made artworks, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and clothing at the Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival. You can also enjoy live music in the same month at the Soundside Festival. Have a blast as you listen to world-class performing artists, and enjoy offerings from local eateries and craft breweries.

Enjoy the Nightlife

You and your buddies don’t have to go all the way to NYC to enjoy a night out. There are plenty of bars and clubs in Connecticut, but you need to be of legal drinking age if you plan to order drinks at these establishments. In Hartford, you can go clubbing at The 196 Club or The Lady, but if you’re in New Haven, drop by BAR to go dancing, Ordinary for fancy cocktails, or Geronimo’s for their yummy margaritas.

For a spooky nighttime adventure, consider going on a ghost walk with your friends. It’s a unique way to go sightseeing in the state, and you’ll surely enjoy it if you love the idea of haunted houses and trails. Try going to The Dark Manor Haunted House in Baltic, or make your way through the Trail of Terror in Wallingford.

Connecticut is one of the best places to attend college in the USA. Not only will you enjoy quality education and support, but you’ll also have an unforgettable college experience as you discover amazing places of interest and engage in activities that are unique to the state.