Brown University is located in the city of Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, at the head of the Narragansett Bay. An hour south of Boston and three hours northeast of New York City, Providence proper is home to roughly 175,000 people, and approximately 1 million live in the larger metropolitan area. Diverse and historic, bicycle-friendly, and easy to explore by foot or public transport, Providence is an active center of art, culture, culinary diversity, education, and politics.
Brown University campus overlooks downtown Providence and covers nearly 140 acres on College Hill. The campus is surrounded by dozens of historic homes and landmarks as well as an abundance of apartments and multi-bedroom houses that can be shared by students. Most Brown graduate students live off campus in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the University.
Downtown Providence, with its popular mall, many restaurants, concert venues, train station, hotels, and scenic riverfront, is just a short walk from campus. Providence is nationally known for its varied and high-quality restaurants, particularly in the Federal Hill neighborhood, which is a quick trolley ride away (Brown ID holders ride free on RIPTA).