UConn Storrs offers a tour to DHS students 

By Alison Echeverria-Soto’26

On Nov. 20, 2024, Derby High School (DHS) students were granted a spot for a full two-hour tour of the UConn Storrs campus. This included one hour to see the campus and another hour to eat in the dining hall. 

Around 30 students attended the field trip to UConn and were enthusiastic to learn more about the university and what it has to offer to the future students. Many students loved the campus and the environment knowing they might potentially be at UConn in a year or two.  Nedaat Masiat 26’ stated, “ I felt kind of surreal for a minute because that’s gonna be me in two years, it felt like a fever dream almost.” Most if not all students enjoyed the trip and had a great experience, wanting to come back as a future student of UConn.

As students walked around the campus they got to see a regular day for college kids. They saw them study, exercise, walk around, and even just their daily lives on campus. Sofia Rudus 26’ stated, “It’s nice to see the college atmosphere with all the students there.” 

A couple of things that were learned on the trip include that ever since 1934, UConn has had a husky mascot to honor Jonathan Trumbull, the first state governor of CT. They also have a special tradition next to the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion where in 1995 a Jonathan the Husky statue was built. Ever since then, students and fans rub the ears and nose for good luck on games, tests, midterms/finals and even their personal life, believing Jonathan the Husky will bring them good luck. UConn also has their own ice cream shop. It is called the UConn Dairy Bar, and  students get free ice cream during midterms to get pumped up for their tests.

After the tour, the tour guide escorted us to our scheduled reservation in the dining hall. There were lots of options, including fast food and a buffet style selection, all of which met everyone’s culinary specifications and needs.

Everyone was filled with excitement in the possibility of going to UConn. At the end of the day, DHS students filed slowly back to the bus home. It had been a fun and eye opening experience.