Campus Touring: Yale & UConn

It’s easy to spend a busy day at UConn, either during busy days on the school calendar or during the various school breaks. Visit the William Benton Museum of Art, where, among the many features, collection highlights are on display in “Seeing Climate Change.” The Benton is also home to the Connecticut Archeology Center.

Next, a visit to the unique and remarkable Ballard Museum of Puppetry is in order. UConn is home to a school of puppetry, and its creations and performances are most likely well beyond what you would imagine.

Grab a sandwich for lunch at the UConn Co-op’s cafe and watch the student world go by.

Check out the UConn schedule/calendar to see what else might be going on during your visit. There are athletic contests, debates, lectures and other special events almost every day. Certainly take a look at the schedule for the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts as well. 

Next morning, make your way down to New Haven and the nonpareil campus at Yale.

First of all, when is the last time you were on a campus tour? Probably when you were applying to schools yourself (or accompanying your children). Yet, taking Yale’s Campus Tour is probably the best way to get an overview of all the campus has to offer. There are self-guided tours as well on Public Art at Yale, Architecture at Yale, Sustainability at Yale and Women at Yale.

Once you’re on your own once again, you’ll have choices for the rest of the day. One good decision would be going to the Yale University Art Gallery, which has recently undergone a celebrated and completely successful $135 million renovation and expansion.

Your plans will be aided greatly by referencing the Yale Arts Calendar. Dine at one of downtown New Haven’s many fine restaurants before taking in a show.