Trinity College
Reviews

Food

The food on campus is fairly good, I've found it's better than most of the other colleges I've been to but it can get boring. However, I get a lot of food in Hartford and I go grocery shopping so I'm very happy with the food I make, and the food both on and off campus.

Things to do

I've found that if you can't find something to do at Trinity, you're doing something wrong. I grew up in New York City and I feel comfortable going out in Hartford, if you're smart you'll be fine. I've never had problems getting into frats, once you get to know people you're fine. Even then there's countless other things to do. It's all about making the most of the night.

DPS

The Security just sit around talking on the phone and eating on their post not much securing going on.

Economics

The economics major is a fantastic major and is super popular. Because the major is so popular, they've made it even harder to pass the major, thus filtering out the weak. The professors are absolutely fabulous, with a few exceptions. The economics building is beautiful, and econ majors have great shots in the job market. As well, you can pick between a math intensive and not so intensive math major. It's truly the best major at the college.

Danger Danger

This past fall, Trinity saw a huge increase in crime. Our school has many holes in its security system. Yes, students do make many poor decisions, but our campus security is also to blame. There are holes in the fences that Hartford residents sneak through, and hide out waiting for students. Students have been mugged in broad daylight. Fraternities have been broken into. Large football players have been approached at knife and gun point. Campus is increasingly becoming unsafe for everyone, and the administration waited until the crime became so bad to do anything about it.

Hot

What is typically assumed to be attractive is very apparent at Trinity, and therefore, there are a very large percentage of girls that are hot, gorgeous, attractive, etc. This is not to say that "uglier" students are non-existent, but the number of good looking girls far outweighs the "less visually pleasing" ones. It is definitely rewarding to see Trinity's ladies day after day. Some of them have stuck up and/or revolting personalities, but many of the ladies are attractive and pleasant. I have heard enough to assume that the looks for guys are similar, but I can't personally comment on that since I only have a physical attraction to the women. One thing I can say about my fellow sex is that too many of the guys here are obnoxious and self-centered. There are definitely nice and appropriate guys too, but the rude ones are all too apparent and can give a bad representation of the guys.

Enough

Hartford is a city, so you get what is typical of a city;

Taxis are all around, but of course have a rip you off type of fare. There is a local train and bus station (Union Station) that is only about 5 minutes away (depending on traffic) when driving. There is an airport, but I have never gone there so I can't comment on how far. There is a local bus system, but I can't vouch for that and have heard it is almost always not on time. You get a free U-Pass for the local bus system. So if you can figure it out and are willing to use the bus system, then I am assuming you really could get around the area without paying. But if, like most students, you don't want to use that pass/ride the bus system, then you can definitely get around via taxi, train, and typical city transportation. Just be ready to sometimes pay what might seem like a rip off, then again, that shouldn't be surprising if you have ever spent time in a real city.

Ok

Freshman and sophomore housing are hit or miss. I was placed in Little dorm, which I thought at first was a terrible thing considering it is not as aesthetically appealing as the other dorms on campus, however the dorm is not bad. From what I've heard, upperclassmen housing is superb, the best being jarvis and summit.

Intimate Environment Is a Strong Suit

Just when Trinity starts to feel too small, you remember what you came here for when you hit the classroom. The small-school environment makes it really easy to be in contact with professors, who encourage students to take an active role in class, and often to meet with them. Most will go out or their way to help you

Beautiful Fall and Spring but Harsh Winter

Winters can be harsh with the hills at Trinity, but buildings and grounds does an great job of keeping up with the place so it's always looking clean and easy to get around. During the warmer months students hang out on the quads and enjoy the spacious environment, and with the trees it is truly a sight to behold.

Responsibility Is Left to Students

Alcohol is a big part of most college campuses, and Trinity is no exception. The frat parties can be wild, but often times people just get tipsy and good around. Campus police are present but tend not to get involved unless there's a fight or someone is medically in trouble. It's a nice breath of fresh air, and in general everyone handles themselves.

Good

Those who need aid often have no problem getting it, and work study is a viable option for many students.

Good Professors

Professors here are excellent for the most part, and the rest can be judged on ratemyprofessors.com. Most will do what they can to help the individual, and it's easy to stay on top of class work so long as you're organized and don't overload yourself. Everything here is manageable if you spread your interests.

The Sciences are hard-core, and the English department has an excellent network. Seminar classes provide great interactive discussions.

Trinity's Strong Point

Trinity's campus is undeniably beautiful, with 3 quads and the central chapel area is reminiscent of Oxford. The relatively recently renovated Library has really helpful research librarians and a ridiculous amount of resources. The Athletic Center is very accessible and offers a ton of equipment, along with a pool open most hours.

On the downside, unless you belong to a sports team, frat, or fit in with a more artsy crowd, you'll be hard-pressed to find much else to become involved in. There are other clubs, but as it is a very small school those become cliquey as well.

Plenty of Houses

Plenty of houses with rooms though dont expect anything too fancy. it is what you make of it. good places for parties, gotta be careful of locals. cheap.

Econ

Very challenging classes but professors are excellent

Pretty Good

Everyone coming here gets a free bus pass to take local transportation. There is a local bus stop that takes you to NYC or Boston for not a lot of money.

Average

mostly just alcohol and weed however I have seen people do oxy, coke, aderall, acid, molly

Abundance of Freedom

The President of Trinity has said himself, albeit in a private setting, that the legal drinking age should be reduced to 18 to reduce the likelihood of excessive underage drinking in college. However he does advertise "discretion" and "drinking in moderation". That being said, there is little enforcement of rules to prevent underage drinking. However, my advice is still to be intelligent about it.

Guys, Girls, Looks and Their Clothes

Basically, guys and girls here are extremely attractive. Girls care a lot about how they dress and what they look like--same with guys. It is a very preppy campus though, but don't feel like you have to give in to the prepiness. I dress with both preppy and non preppy styles. If you're confident about your style, people will respect you and not tease. But, relationships are uncommon here--especially freshman year. Usually, people tend to settle down after their freshman year. It's sad, but most people here date for connections. The common thread in most relationships is that the guy is a fraternity brother. The place is mostly hook up city, and you can't go searching for a relationship. But girls, if you make the guy work, most likely it will turn into something more than a hook up.

It is everywhere

Cocaine is literally everywhere on campus, as is weed. The cocaine use on campus is severely underrated here

Great Sports for a Small School

Despite its small size, Trinity has a very strong athletic program. Trinity's squash team is currently in possession of the longest winning streak in collegiate sports history and has won 13 national championships in a row. In additions the schools mens and women's rowing teams are extremely strong as is the baseball team. The women's ice hockey team is also up and coming.

Faculty That Cares

I came for the international studies program and I've been very pleased with the classes and professors. If you bother going to a professor's office he will take a genuine interest in you, plus they are always available for help and are flexible when you need it.

Culture Shock

Trinity is a strange microcosm that, to be honest, I am still adjusting to. Although we have an exceptionally strong presence of "White, preppy, privileged," they are not the only community represented at Trinity; however, they are the most vocal and visible student group. I do believe that certain individuals, myself included, feel that the Greek life/ "privileged" community creates a substantial percentage of the social environment which can tend to make people feel ostracized and excluded. However, there are many opportunities elsewhere for students to become culturally, ethnically, politically, or religiously involved. We do have a diverse campus, intellectually, ethnically, religiously but I strongly believe we could do better and contribute in a more efficient manner to making dejected students feel more welcomed. To start I believe that the "camp trintrin" or "biddie" connotations must be stopped because they only hinder our growth as a community.

Chartwells

Trinity Dining is run by a company called Chartwells. There are three dining options and the availability of each is determined by your choice in meal plans. Mather, the standard dining hall is fairly decent, they try to bring a little diversity to the food and it usually falls on the side of "okay". Then there is the Cave which serves pizza, pasta, deli and grill sandwiches, wraps, chicken tenders, pre-packed salads, meals, Mediterranean, sometimes sushi, cereal+milk, and snacks are also available for purchase here. Lastly there is the Bistro, which is usually understood to serve the best food, it has a standard deli and grill station which features some tasty sandwiches and wraps, a large salad bar, smoothie bar, and a specialty grill that serves fresh made meals like steak and salmon for an additional charge.