Your Guide to Hartford Area Resources
 

International students often ask us where to go to buy a car, open a bank account, shop for groceries, purchase furniture, make living arrangements etc. We believe that  it is not wise to recommend only one place for each need. Rather, we refer you to a number of places and advise that you visit or telephone at least three different  businesses to gather information before making a final decision. For each entry you should also look in the Telephone Directory's "Yellow Pages" for other shops or businesses which could help you. The mention of a particular business, service or product on this site does not indicate an endorsement by either the International Center or the University of Hartford.

Table of Contents

Rental and Leasing Companies

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Car Rental and Leasing Companies

* Many rental agencies require a U.S. driver's license, a bank card, and proof that the driver is 25 years or older.

Ground Transportation

Airlines / Airports

Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks, CT) 292-2000
LaGuardia Airport (New York City) 718-476-5000
Kennedy International Airport (New York City) 718-656-4520
Logan Airport (Boston, MA) 1-800-235-6426

Hotel and Motel Chains/Other Accommodations

Automobiles 

Automobiles can be a major problem for University of Hartford students. Thus, you must be very realistic and responsible in your decision to buy an automobile. Whether you purchase a new or previously owned auto, you must be prepared to pay for the cost of the car, the cost of insurance, and the cost of gasoline and upkeep. Automobiles may be purchased from a variety of sources, including new and used automotive dealers, from friends, or from others who may be selling their vehicles. Below is a list of some car dealers and service centers. There are many, many others. You should look in the "Yellow" pages of your telephone book to find other dealers, or look in the Hartford Courant newspaper for a daily listing of used cars for sale by private individuals. Click her for more  info on buying used cars.

Consumer Information

Automobile Club of America 1-800-AAA-HELP
Federal Information Center 1-800-347-1997
Encyclopedia of Associations 1-800-877-4253
Internal Revenue Service 1-800-829-3676
National Automobile Dealers Association 1-800-544-6232
National Automobile Insurance Consumer Helpline 1-800-942-4242
National Health Information Center 1-800-336-4797

Public Utilities

 Grocery Stores

These food stores carry fresh, frozen and canned meats, vegetables and fruits, cheese, milk, butter, eggs, spices, and baked goods. Most also sell cleaning supplies, paper goods and toiletries.

Ethnic Restaurants / International Specialties

Hartford has a number of fine ethnic restaurants to satisfy anyone's tastes. There are also many stores selling products that are not typically found in an Anglo-American kitchen. Due to the rich diversity of Hartford's ethnic population, international students can readily find Indian spices, tropical fruits and vegetables, Japanese noodles, West Indies baked goods and other products familiar to people from around the world. The restaurants and stores listed below are only a few of many places you may eat and shop.

 Movie Theaters

Shopping and Discount Stores

There are a number of discount stores within a short distance of the University. Typically, these stores carry an enormous variety of merchandise, ranging from clothing and personal care products to stereo systems and appliances.

Shopping Malls

Thrift Shops

Thrift Shops sell used merchandise at inexpensive prices. Proceeds generally are given to charities. Thrift shops offer clothing, appliances, furniture, and linens. You may want to telephone first to make sure they are open and have what you are looking to buy. The Yellow Pages of the Hartford telephone directory provide a complete listing of stores selling the type of merchandise that you might need. They are listed under such headings as, "Second Hand Stores," "Thrift Shops," "Clothing Bought and Sold." Some well-known shops are:

Bookstores 

Besides the University of Hartford Bookstore located in the Harry Jack Gray Center, you may wish to visit:

If you cannot find a specific book and wish to order it, talk with one of the staff at the University of Hartford Bookstore. They are usually able to make a special order for you, at little or no extra cost.

 Newspapers

The Hartford Courant (daily) Check out each Thursday's "Calendar of Events" for the Greater Hartford area.
USA Today (daily) National and international news, sports, business, and leisure.
The New York Times (daily) One of the best daily papers in the U.S.
The Advocate (weekly) A great source for local entertainment and news.
The Boston Globe (daily)
The Wall Street Journal (daily) The best in business news.
Foreign Newspapers and Journals - The University library carries many foreign newspapers and journals. You may also find foreign newspapers and journals at the Connecticut State Library on Main St., Hartford.

* These newspapers may be found in several campus locations, including the University bookstore, the Gengras Student Union, and the University library.

 Medical Services / Pharmacies / Insurance

For a list of doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals, please consult with University Health Services

Financial Institutions

Galleries / Museums

 Theaters / Concerts

 State Parks

West Hartford Reservoir, West Hartford - A great place for a hike.
Talcott Mountain, Simsbury - Easy mountain hiking - on a clear day you can see up to 60 miles away.
Stratton Brook, Simsbury - A beautiful park with fresh water swimming.
Penwood Park, Bloomfield - A great place for an easy walk and a picnic.
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill - Dinosaur footprints and museum.
People's Forest, Barkhamsted - Large park area, great hiking and river fishing (with a CT. fishing license!).
Kent Falls State Park, Kent - Large cascading waterfall with numerous hiking areas.

Some Interesting Places To Go!

Mystic Seaport, Mystic - Home of the Mystic Marine life Aquarium.
Science Center of Connecticut, West Hartford - A great way to spend an afternoon.
Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven - one of the great museums of the world.
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks - If you like airplanes and history, this is the place.
Valley Railroad, Essex - Enjoy an old fashioned 12-mile steam train ride.
Six Flags Amusement Park, West Springfield, MA - Amusement park.
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison - Ocean beach swimming and recreation.
Lime Rock Park, Lime Rock - Professional and amateur road racing, auto shows.
Mt. Tom State Park, Litchfield - A good local ski resort.
Haight Vineyard & Winery, Litchfield - Winery tours and wine tasting.
Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury - Amusement rides, shows and swimming.
Old New-Gate Prison, East Granby - Tour the site of Connecticut's first coppermine and prison (1773!)

Apartments and Management Companies

State and Federal Agencies

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles - 60 State St., Wethersfield, 842-8222
U.S. Social Security Administration - 20 Church St., Hartford, 493-1857
U.S.  Citizenship and Immigration Service - 450 Main St., Hartford, 240-3233
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Vermont Service Center - St. Albans, Vermont 802-527-1705
U.S. Customs Service - 135 High St., Hartford 240-4306
U.S. Internal Revenue Service - 135 High St., Hartford 1-800-829-1040

Other Useful Resources

We hope this guide was helpful to you and that you take advantage of the many things the Hartford area has to offer!