Connecticut College
- Local Atmosphere

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Connecticut College - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Local Atmosphere

Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. New London has quite a storied history as a whaling community. In 1866, the first steam whaler, the Pioneer, sailed from New London. And not far from Connecticut College, the Nile set sail in 1858 for what was to become the longest whaling voyage in recorded history. She didn't return home until April 1869—eleven years later!
  2. The world's largest resort casino, Foxwoods, is a mere twenty minutes away, tempting of-age students to try and pay off student debts early.
  3. Pfizer—the pharmaceutical company that produced Viagra—has its $294-million Global Research & Development headquarters in New London. The company has a good relationship with Connecticut College and periodically recruits promising chemistry majors for internships and full-time positions.
  4. Knowlton House may put on a haunted house every Halloween, but according to the locals, it's really New London's Lighthouse Inn that is haunted. The story goes that a bride fell down a flight of steps in the hotel and broke her neck. Supposedly, she can still be seen roaming the guest rooms in her wedding gown.
  5. The first submarine sandwich was served in New London in 1926. Since they became enormously popular with sailors in the nearby Groton submarine base, the sandwiches soon became known as "submarines" or "subs."
Notable Natives
  • Eugene O'Neil – playwright
  • Nathan Hale – American revolutionary
  • Edward Clark Potter – American sculptor
Local Slang
  • Frappe: Milk shake
  • Jimmies: Ice cream topping
  • Rotary: Traffic circle
  • Wicked: An intensifying adverb; loosely translated, it means "very." Example: "That class was wicked boring."
Points of Interest
  • Foxwoods Casino
  • Harkness Memorial State Park
  • Lyman Allen Museum
  • Mohegan Sun Casino
  • Mystic Aquarium
  • Mystic Pizza
  • Mystic Seaport
  • New London Ledge Lighthouse
  • Ocean Beach
  • Tao House Museum
  • United States Coast Guard Academy

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

New London’s claim to fame—its once booming whaling industry—won’t make any students (aside from a few scrimshaw fans) rush to Conn. Nevertheless, New London does have a few draws. First, history buffs will appreciate the many historical homes, monuments, and museums nearby. Second, the city has all the staples college students need, including a grocery store, a mall, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and a Staples. The Coast Guard Academy and Mitchell College are both nearby, but Conn students don’t really mingle with either group

For the most part, students have mixed feelings toward New London. It has all the necessities, but Conn students don’t always feel like they are part of the New London community. The College works hard to encourage the students to go into the city, however, and increasingly more students are. In recent years it has become more student friendly, as more bars and restaurants have opened, and many students venture into the city several times a week to do community service. Ocean Beach and Harkness Memorial State Park are both about a ten-minute car ride away, as well. Both of these beaches are popular hang outs for students when the weather is warm. The city of Mystic is also nearby, and it scores high marks with students for its quaint shops and parent-friendly restaurants.

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Conn College Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at Connecticut College

madison1993

Conservation and Environmental Studies '15

4.2
A-

Cute

The town is up and coming and very cute. There are adorable shops and really great cafe's everywhere, but there isn't a lot to do. Although Mystic Seaport, about 10 minutes away, has great resturants, shops, and overall charm. There is really everything you need in Mystic and New London; movie theatres, bowling, an aquarium, and shops.

Feb 16, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Connecticut College

shaziabhura

Public Health '15

1.5
D+

The City Surrounded by Water and Trees, and Military Bases

The city of New London was mistakenly labeled as a city, but it is a small sea port town with shabby restaurants. The food is good however, I have seen better. I come from the state of Connecticut in the city area of Hartford. There is much more for college students, in New London, there are bars, that students have to get fake IDs to get into. I have yet to seen an attraction, there is a local dirty beach and hardly any diversity.

Jan 05, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Connecticut College

ES2

Psychology '12

2.7
C+

If You Seek, You Shall Find

The area is developing into a very unique atmosphere. From the outside and the media coverage, New London comes off as crime-infested and drab. However, there are actually quite a few things happening weekly--from art openings, to free music at cafes, to yoga and dance classes-- and it is easy get on the email list for events. There are lots of places to do community service if that is your interest. In the warmer months, there are tons of beaches to choose from. There are also a good amount of parks and natural areas to explore.

Apr 01, 2011

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User rating for Connecticut College - Local Atmosphere is 3.5 out of 5 based on 26 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • Crystal Mall
  • New London Mall
Major Sports Teams New England Patriots: football
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Boston: MA: 2 hours
  • Hartford: CT: 45 minutes
  • Providence: RI: 1 hour

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Garden Arts Center
325 State St.
New London
(860) 444-6766

Hoyts Mistick Village Cinemas
27 Coogan Blvd.
Olde Mistick Village
(860) 536-4227

Niantic Cinema
279 Main St.
East Lyme
(860) 739-6929

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Andrew Patton
Hometown
Montclair, N.J.
Major
Government and American Studies

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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