Life in Providence

Brown is located in the heart of Providence, R.I., a vibrant place to live, work and study and a city rich in cultural diversity.

Breadcrumb

Life in Providence

Brown is located in the heart of Providence, R.I., a vibrant place to live, work and study and a city rich in cultural diversity.

Brown's campus on College Hill offers a classic New England college experience among brick quadrangles, scenic greens, soaring modern architecture, renovated centuries-old structures, state-of-the-art laboratories and world-class libraries.

All of this is located within the heart of Rhode Island’s vibrant capital city, known for its restaurants, innovative arts scene, youthful energy and unpretentious vibe.

Partnership with Providence

Brown actively invests in the success of the city we call home — improving medical care and public health, supporting community organizations and schools and fueling the regional economy — and our students, staff and faculty play a key role in that commitment.

Brown and Providence

9 Reasons to Live and Learn in Providence

Boombox karaoke:
If you’re feeling bold, belt out a tune in front of your friends (and welcoming strangers).
WaterFire Providence:
Imagine 100 sparking bonfires on the rivers of downtown, with world music echoing off the arched bridges and skyscrapers. It’s the brainchild of a Brown graduate.
Fantastic foodie culture:
Providence is home to an ever-expanding menu of fresh and inventive dining. Even the doughnuts are artisanal.
Riverwalk Park:
This riverside park is a great place to walk, bike or just relax.
The Providence Flea:
Don’t miss the fall markets, where you’ll find antiques, small treasures and food trucks galore.
Brown's campus and Providence
Brown's campus on College Hill offers a classic New England college experience within the heart of Rhode Island’s vibrant capital city.
The Avon Cinema:
This Art Deco gem has been showing independent and art house movies since 1938.
RISD Museum:
Discover at the museum for the Rhode Island School of Design an amazing collection of art and design from around the world  — and one of the largest university art collections in the U.S. (It’s free to Brown students.)
College Hill:
Historic architecture meets laid-back coffee shops on these serene, tree-lined streets.
Brown University:
Renowned for our innovative undergraduate education and groundbreaking research, Brown is home to classic quadrangles, state-of-the-art laboratories and world-class libraries.

Arts and Culture

Even beyond Brown's campus-based arts scene, Providence is a hub for performance. The city's signature WaterFire installation is a highlight. Nationally recognized theater company Trinity Rep is within walking distance of campus and home of the Brown/Trinity MFA program. And you can find live performances at the Providence Performing Arts Center, the VETS and the Columbus Theatre.

Food and Dining

Home to one of the leading culinary schools in the country, Providence is a magnet for "foodies" because of its acclaimed restaurant scene. Offerings range from Korean pancakes, veggie tacos, inventive food-truck fare, gourmet donuts and farm-to-table delicacies.

The Heart of New England

Providence is located 50 miles from Boston and 180 miles from New York City. The city itself is a great starting point for outdoor recreation, with numerous parks, biking trails and nearby hikes. The ocean is just a short drive away.