Student Life

The rest of the East Coast has never quite known what to make of Rhode Island.

Because of our founder's zealous pursuit of religious freedom, we once became known as “Rogue’s Island”—that's how our state got its name. And because Rhode Island is the smallest state, we're often used as a benchmark of size (“A storm system the size of Rhode Island swept up the coast…”). But these slights have never really seemed to affect the citizenry much. The idealistic, creative, stubborn, unique, and independent nature of the state is worn proudly by locals and transplants alike.

In Providence, the singular aspects of Rhode Island are condensed into a relatively small area. It’s here where you find experimental theater next to karaoke; rock clubs around the corner from old Victorian homes; and a skating rink at the mayor’s doorstep. The beauty of Providence is that it keeps its idiosyncratic ways, while also embracing the more cosmopolitan aspects of our Boston cousins to the north and our New York brothers to the south.

The advantage of living in the smallest state is especially apparent when you decide to travel outside of the capital; no Rhode Island destination is more than an hour away. Head down to Newport for great music festivals. The Newport Bridge you’ve seen on our quarter is, obviously, along the way as well. The Ocean State is well known for our large number of beaches and beautiful shorelines. If you prefer spending your time inland, there are local farms and orchards, hiking, a drive-in theater, dozens of parks, and numerous towns in which you can experience unadulterated Rhode Island-ness (stuffies and cabinets, for example).

Providence, Rhode Island, is a place of distinctive people, original thinking, and local pride. Lucky for you, Brown is right in the middle of it all.

Some Providence-related links of note:

Galleries and Museums

Performing Arts

Film

Venues

Resources