Banking & Cell Phone Fair

Following an introduction to banking and cell phone plans in the U.S., students will have a chance to speak directly to bank and cell phone providers near campus.
Watch a video of the introduction to the Banking & Cell Fair, with tips on opening a bank account and cell service in the U.S.

Complete your I-9 Form

Stop by the Brown Business Center with the required documents to complete your I-9 form in order to receive your first-year supplemental fellowship payment and first stipend payment.
Wednesday, August 23 | Page-Robinson Hall, Room 213 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Graduate Student Council Ice Cream Social

Enjoy ice cream novelties and meet members of the Graduate Student Council.
Wednesday, August 23 | Simmons Quad | 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Campus Tours

A one-hour tour of main campus led by graduate student peers. This tour will highlight the College Hill campus and visit more than twenty places crucial to your smooth transition to Brown life. You will gain knowledge of the locations, services, and firsthand users' experiences about those places from your peers.
Wednesday, August 23 | Meet in front of Sayles Hall | 4:00, 4:15 or 4:30 pm

Check-in & Breakfast

Drop in anytime between 9 and 10 am to pick up Brown swag, make a name tag, and enjoy a light breakfast.
Thursday, August 24 | Simmons Quad | 9:00 - 10:00 am

Welcome to Brown

Welcoming words from the Graduate School and the School of Professional Studies, Global Brown, the Graduate Student Council and graduate Orientation assistants.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Peer Panel: Navigating Graduate Student Life at Brown and in the U.S.

Hear from fellow graduate students about their experiences at Brown and in Rhode Island.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Introduction to the English for International Teaching Assistants Program (PhD students only)

Learn about the English for International Teaching Assistants Program, which evaluates the spoken English proficiency of international teaching assistants prior to their assuming teaching duties at Brown.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Grab & Go Lunch with peer mentor groups

Meet with your graduate student peer mentors (including some Graduate School staff) and fellow graduate students in small groups to discuss academic and community life at Brown.
Thursday, August 24 | Simmons Quad | 11:45 am - 1:15 pm

Mandatory Session: Immigration Essentials

Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) team members provide an overview of immigration information pertaining to the maintenance of F-1 and J-1 student status. 

Doctoral & MFA Students
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Master's Students
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO): Brown Works Because We Do!

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO) is the union of graduate student employees at Brown University. As researchers, teachers, and mentors at Brown, graduate workers are vital to the everyday working of the university. Through collective bargaining and collective action, we advocate for the needs of a diverse student body, organize for improved working conditions, fight against discrimination in all its forms, and nurture a caring community that supports the personal and professional lives of all student workers. This session will be focused on International graduate student employees.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

International Student Reception

Enjoy hearty appetizers and conversation with Graduate School and School of Professional Studies deans, leadership and Center directors from across the University.
Thursday, August 24 | Engineering Research Center/Barus & Holley, 345 Brook Street | 4 - 5:30 pm

Hangout at the Graduate Center Bar (GCB)

The legendary Graduate Center Bar also known as GCB is open. They have a very strict ID policy, so bring your passport to get in and/or become a member. The experience of generations of Brown grad students tells us that you will be hanging out there often! Meet near the corner of Charlesfield and Thayer Street to be directed to the entrance.
Thursday, August 24 | Graduate Center Bar, 42 Charlesfield Street, Providence | 8:00 pm

Breakfast

Drop in anytime between 9 and 10:15 to enjoy a light breakfast.
Friday, August 25 | Simmons Quad | 9:00 - 10:15 am

Understanding How Your Stipend is Taxed (PhD & MFA Students only)

This session will provide information on how various appointments are taxed, taking consideration of citizenship and appointment type.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Your English Language Support: Overview and Conversation Partners Information

An information session by the Writing and English Language Support Hub from the Sheridan Center, featuring the suite of services and programs tailored to international graduate students. The session will introduce the popular Conversation Partners Program and the registration process for the upcoming Fall semester.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Healthcare in the U.S.

Learn about the basics of U.S. healthcare, including common terms.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Mental Wellness and Resilience during Your Time at Brown

Presented by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), this session introduces common concepts and terms for wellness, self-care, and counseling. Learn what resources are available to you at Brown (for example, CAPS offers services in multiple languages besides English) and how to manage stress and maximize self-care during graduate school. 
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

RAIN UPDATES: Lunch & Global Brown Center Open House

UPDATE: Join us at Simmons Quad for a grab and go lunch and visit to the Global Brown Center (GBC) in small groups. Meet professional staff, learn about our programs and resources, and check out international students' very own home away from home at Brown at the GBC.
Friday, August 25 | Lunch on Simmons Quad) | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Explore International House of RI

Founded in 1963, International House has been a resource for the Brown international community for over 60 years! They have six private residential rooms, reserved for international scholars, and host English Classes, 1-1 Tutoring, Art Night, Music Concerts, and other programs. In this session you will get a tour of the house, enjoy international-themed treats*, learn more about International House, and get a chance to connect with incoming international graduate students. Space is limited; register for this event through the social and community building events form. 
Friday, August 25 | IHRI, 8 Stimson Ave, Providence | 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Movie Night: Encanto

Come enjoy the evening watching a movie on the green with other international students. We will be screening Encanto, a Disney animation from 2021 that takes place in Colombia. Popcorn and soft drinks will be provided.
Friday, August 25 | Simmons Quad Tent | 7:30 pm

Saturday, August 26

RISD Museum Tour

Join your peer graduate students in this group tour to view over 2000 objects exhibited in the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Established in 1877, this museum has gathered art and design from ancient times till today from all over the world. It is a perfect occasion to appreciate world art, make new friends, and get more acquainted with local life in Providence. Space is limited; register for this event through the social and community building events form. 
Saturday, August 26 | RISD Museum, 20 North Main Street, Providence | 1 pm, 1:30 pm or 2 pm         

Sunday, August 27

Day-trip to Newport

Join a ferry ride to Newport - a must see place  in Rhode Island. It is most famous for its beautiful beaches and the Gilded Age mansions, some of which are now museums. Among other things to do and see are Cliff Walk, Norman Bird Sanctuary and New England traditional food - clam chowder and lobster rolls. We will start at 9 am and from a ferry terminal on India Street and take a 5.30 ferry back from Newport. You will have a whole day to enjoy it. Space is limited; register for this event through the social and community building events form.
Sunday, August 27 | Providence Ferry, 25 Portugal Parkway | Meet at 8:30 am for 9 am ferry 

Kayaking - POSTPONED

DUE TO EXPECTED RAIN THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO SEPTEMBER 2.

Come explore Providence by water, kayaking throughout the Providence river! This experience will provide you with beautiful views from the river that separates the East side and Downtown Providence. Enjoy the city’s rich architecture paddling through the Waterplace Park and over picturesque bridges. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen for this outdoor activity. No previous experience required. Space is limited; register for this event through the social and community building events form.
Sunday, August 27 | Meet at 101 Dyer Street, Providence | 3:00 and 4:00 pm 

Spooky Tour

If you’re a fan of the supernatural, you can’t miss this ghost tour! we will explore Brown campus, admire the beautiful architecture, while a guide from Providence Ghost Tour will tell you about the fascinating and sometimes chilling history of the area. Their guides are excellent storytellers, and their tales are sure to give you goosebumps! Space is limited; external registration for this event, cost is $10
Sunday, August 27 | Meet in front of University Hall | 8:00 pm         

Garden Tour

Brown has a unique campus, with beautiful architecture and gorgeous gardens. Most of these places are generally taken for granted or even not noticed. To help you find a secret place to call yours, either to rest or to get some work done, we put together a list with "secret gardens" you must know. Follow the map instructions to guide yourself through incredible hidden little spots around campus! Also consider taking the campus tree tour (provided by the Office of Sustainability).