[JMan94]

I only have two weeks to decide what college I want to attend. I have been accepted to UNH. This school seems to have everything I want except it doesn't allow first year college students to have cars on campus. This is kind of a problem for me because I did plan on visiting my parents in NYC during the breaks. I know there is Amtrak over there and stuff but I feel like I'll be trapped on campus. My questions are:

1] Has anyone came from NYC to New Haven and if so how did you adapt?

2] Does anyone know the area around the University of New Haven and would there be spots available for me to park outside of campus.

3] How safe is that town I just heard today about a male student from University of New Haven found dead.

[andthentherewere3]

A lot of college campuses don't allow first year students to have cars. You would have to be cautious about parking outside of campuses, some of the neighborhoods are a bit iffy and you run the risk of getting your car broken into. The campus has 24/7 police protection, but you would need to use common sense outside the campus. And UNH provides shuttle vans for students to travel within the city and I believe to the nearby Milford mall as well, so you aren't totally "trapped".

As for the young man who was found dead in the area, it was yet another suicide so often committed by college students these days. A real tragedy, my condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim.

[JayCT]

There are also CT Transit buses that serve UNH. And you would use Metro North not Amtrak to get to New York City. Much more convenient and cheaper. You might have to pay to find parking near UNH. Look for a garage rental (maybe check craigslist or with the school). Jay

[AnonChick]

I don't know if rental agencies will rent to anyone over 18 (or if they have to be 21). But if they do rent to 18+, you could just rent a car to get to and from NYC, and not need to own your own car at all.

If not, I'd suggest either Metro North, or even taking a commercial bus such as Greyhound. You can get a Greyhound from New Haven to NYC, round trip, departing one saturday and returning the next saturday, for under $40.

UNH campus isn't in walking distance to any downtown stuff, but it's sandwiched between West Haven and New Haven, on several bus lines going in either direction. It's a bicycle ride to the beach, which would be a pretty safe ride with the exception of the usual traffic precautions. You wouldn't want to ride a bike into New Haven though, the route along the way takes you through some grungy neighborhoods.

It's also not far at all to the Boston Post Road (Rte 1), and there are buses that will take you there, and the UNH shuttle as mentioned, which will get you to the CT Post Mall (which has had a new name for years but I reject it because I'm an old fogey).

In all, UNH campus is a pretty conveniently located spot for a college student. Everything you need is right there, and everything you want is either in walking/bike riding distance, or has easy bus/shuttle access.

[Stylo]

I believe there's a UNH shuttle to Union Station, or at the very least to downtown New Haven, which is close to Union Station. From there it's just 90 minutes to Grand Central. No big deal.

When the West Haven train station is done, it'll be even more convenient to NYC. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Ha...-North_station)

As far as how you will adapt coming from NYC, it is a very different area. Much more low key, a bit more relaxed. New Haven does have a lot of good city qualities: world class restaurants, pizza that rivals NYC, museums, funky coffee shops, amazing architecture, music/theater, nightlife, etc. It is the best city in CT for all those things and is a college town at its core. It has a lot of the things NYC does, just on a much, much smaller scale.

UNH people tend to go out a lot in downtown New Haven, but also go out in the Milford/Orange area. Downtown Milford is a popular destination in the warmer months.

The only disadvantage to UNH is West Haven, while it has some nice beaches - it doesn't offer as much as the nearby towns and New Haven. But you're close enough to the good stuff.

I had a friend that went to UNH and lives 45 minutes away and loved the school and still comes down to the area quite often to experience everything it offers.

[Stylo]

University of New Haven : Union Station Train Service