Frequently Asked Questions
What is the day-to-day schedule like?
From Monday through Thursday, students take classes in the morning and the afternoon, with a break in between for lunch. After afternoon classes end, there are approximately 2.5 hours of free time. Students choose when during this time to eat their dinner in the dining hall. At 7 p.m., a structured group study session begins. On Fridays, students go on industry tours, leaving in the morning and returning early to late afternoon. On most Saturdays and Sundays, students participate in organized activities.
Do all students take the same classes?
All students take the same subjects, but in mathematics, students will cover slightly different course material depending on the level of mathematics classes taken during high school. The other courses students take are physics, chemistry, and Python (our programming language).
What organized activities do we do?
Weekly activities include Science Bowl, Physics Olympics, and other group events. Past activities on the weekends have included going to the beach, community service, and other recreational activities.
Will I receive college credit for BRIDGE?
Students do not receive academic credit for the BRIDGE program, but this works to the student’s benefit because it effectively allows students to get a head start on the classes they will take during their freshman year and adjust to the engineering school before any grades received go on their transcript. Classes taken during the program (i.e. Chemistry, Calculus, etc.) are the same as the freshman year engineering curriculum. In doing so, they get a sense of the difficulty of college engineering classes and exams as compared to their high school classes.
Can I go home on the weekends?
All weekends are mandatory. Each weekend has planned events and activities for all BRIDGE students. Weekends are when students make lasting bonds with their peers and become more engaged in program activities.
How much free time will I have?
Students will have free time after your last class each day, after evening group study sessions, and on weekends. During the week, free time averages approximately 4.5 hours per day, and 6 hours per day on the weekends.
Do I have a meal plan? When would I need to provide my own food?
For the duration of the program, students receive a meal plan for Monday through Friday. On weekends, it is necessary to provide your own food. There are dozens of options available on or nearby campus, from grocery stores to take-out restaurants, including a food court at the center of campus. Tutors will be able to help students figure out all of the weekend dining options.
Can I bring a car?
No, because it will not be necessary to participate in any of the BRIDGE activities. Freshmen at UConn are not allowed to have cars on campus.