Mansfield (Storrs) is a lively college town anchored by the University of Connecticut with a compact, walkable core, cafés, cultural programming, farmers’ markets and immediate access to trails, paddling and Mansfield Hollow State Park — a scenic, activity-rich base that makes multi-week contracts feel more like an enjoyable extended stay than being stuck somewhere boring.
Bigger-city options are close for weekend escapes: Hartford (~25 miles), Springfield (~35 miles) and Providence (~46 miles), so dining, museums and airports are all within easy reach.