Move-in weekend is over and the Storrs campus is bustling with students heading to classes for the first time, seeking the thrill of meeting a professor for the first time, or exploring a new building. But when the day is done and the adventures are over, is there still time to play?
This may seem like a trivial question. After all, the University of Connecticut is primarily an academic institution. However, considering that a survey by Vorhaus Advisors found that nearly 76% of adults in the United States play video games, there must be some fundamental interest on the Storrs campus. Likewise, in 2023, the Entertainment Software Association released a report that, while potentially biased, found that gaming can reduce stress and anxiety.
As I put the puzzle pieces together, I realized that gaming is a central part of relaxation and entertainment for both freshmen and returning students. If you live with a roommate or in a crowded dorm room, you may worry about the noise or feel like you can’t play with friends. In this guide, I’ll introduce the world of gaming on the Storrs campus and show how you can fit it into your schedule.
Let’s start with the place you’re most likely to play: the dorm room. Depending on the setup and location, the cramped and often shared space may not seem like an ideal place to play. But ask your roommate if they play and maybe that can spark some nostalgia and interest in similar games. And there you go, playing. Remember, this is an ideal case. I remember my freshman year in Storrs and it was a little weird to leave the screen on while my roommate tried to sleep. So how can this be avoided?
It all depends on what games you play and how you play them. For example, the Nintendo Switch, whose successor is set to launch in 2025, is a hybrid system that can be used both portable and on a TV. In my estimation, it’s the best option for gaming in Storrs. And if you’re worried about the screen keeping your roommate awake, why not play under the covers? You can also purchase products like screen covers to help you curb your nighttime gaming experience.
However, the Nintendo Switch isn’t for everyone and it’s seven years old. What other options are there?
Well, PC gamers may be hesitant to upgrade to a laptop, especially for more demanding titles, but options like the Steam Deck or the ASUS ROG Rally can help enable the portable, lightweight PC gaming experience.
However, if you have space for monitors or a TV, there’s no reason not to host game nights or tournaments with roommates and friends. Not only is it a great way to break the ice, but it’s a common interest among so many students that it should be easy to find people who want to join.
For game night, there are easy options like playing Call of Duty in split-screen mode—look for Treyarch’s zombies to return in Black Ops 6 in October—or you can set up VR and take turns playing Beat Saber.
But some have found an even better way to have a great game night. Let nostalgia win and pull out your family Wii (with 100 million units sold, you probably have one or know someone who does) or PlayStation 2. There are plenty of games for older systems like these. They’re also cheap and easy to find online. And best of all, if you played them as a kid, you’ll find the fun in gaming today.
Still, after years of experience and the advice of some friends, the Nintendo Wii U may be the best console to take to Storrs. It features a tablet-like gamepad that serves as an alternative to the Nintendo Switch, and allows for multiplayer gaming, including Nintendo Land – an excellent selection of mini-games – as well as full backwards compatibility with the Nintendo Wii. This means that mid-2000s classics like Wii Sports are playable on the Wii U.
If you have one or are looking to buy a new console, the Wii U is a great choice. However, it’s only the best way to play alone or with friends. If you’re looking to explore gaming in a new way at UConn, there are plenty of options available.
Next Wednesday, September 4th, is UConn’s Fall Involvement Fair. There will be all sorts of clubs and events going on there, but gamers should look out for the UConn Gaming Club, Nintendo Club, Pokémon Go Club, Super Smash Bros. Club, and many others.
In an interview with Daily Campus contributor and Super Smash Bros. Club Vice President Hayden Cromer, a fifth-year communications major with a psychology minor, the question of clubs raised an interesting point. “You either just wait until the Involvement Fair happens or you Google the name you want,” he said. “That’s what me and some of my friends in the club did to even find it.”
On the role board members play in their clubs, Cromer added: “As an e-board member, you are constantly looking for new club members and you find that they are naturally drawn to a club, especially when it involves gaming/esports.” He noted: “If you want to find someone, it’s usually not that difficult.”
He concluded by saying, “From a tournament director’s perspective, everyone is pretty warm and easy to talk to because we’re all respectful nerds. We’re all here for a reason and love it when people share the same passion/interests.”
For more information about the clubs, visit UConntact. No matter how you choose to play this semester, take some time to relax and have some much-needed fun.
