Security heightened at UConn Spring Weekend

STORRS, Conn. (WTNH) --The annual Spring Weekend at the University of Connecticut has begun, but not without heightened security.

Problems in the past have police enforcing strict rules at UConn's annual Spring Weekend.

This year, UConn students must first stop at a check point, and show proof of residency before entering. Also each UConn student is limited as to how many guests they can bring.

"Security has been stepped up a lot, there's been a lot of talk on campus, cops really ramping things up and not allowing kids to basically, have a good time," said UConn Senior Steve Temple.

The complaint from students over the years has been that it was non-students getting arrested and creating a negative stereotype.

"But honestly, it's not, it's really not as big of a problem, this is ridiculous. Just looking at this, this is so ridiculous," said UConn Senior Mike.

Changes to this weekends festivities include restrictions on who can enter the apartment grounds, who can enter campus, and a no-tolerance policy for non-students partying in the immediate area.

"Most of the students are very, very cooperative. They understand. Many student groups on campus want this type of control.  They don't want their weekends ruined, and we're not here to ruin them, we're here to make sure everyone's rights are protected," said LT. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police.

"If you get arrested here, you don't know the rules here," said UConn Senior Mike. "It's Spring Weekend, you know what to expect, don't act stupid."

"We've been limited to two people per person as guests, as we kind of feel is a little unfair towards us, and that are our basic freedoms and rights just from living here, and paying to live here are violated.  This is all forced upon us by ramifications in years past," said Temple.

Once on campus, students can party and take part in the annual tradition, but security will be on the look out.

Update:  Police made three arrests Thursday and early Friday. The charges include DUI, marijuana offenses and other charges. Last year there were 8 arrests.