Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, but it packs a big punch

Thayer Street: The various dining and shopping options near campus give Providence the atmosphere of a classic college town

Providence is the state capital and second largest city in New England.  Diverse and historic, bicycle friendly, and easy to explore by foot, Providence is an active center of art, culture, education, and politics.

Brown is located in Providence’s East Side on the picturesque College Hill, surrounded by dozens of historic homes and landmarks. Close to campus are the vibrant Thayer Street, Wickenden Street, and Wayland Square, where students and residents find ample shopping, dining and entertainment.

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).

Providence is home to six institutions of higher learning and many performance venues. Brown has partnerships with both the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Tony-award winning Trinity Repertory Company.

The Brown/Trinity MFA programs in acting and directing are nurturing a new generation of theater artists.  The Brown-RISD Dual-Degree program, begun in 2008, offers undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue collaborative and multidisciplinary work at both institutions.

Any Brown undergraduate may take classes at RISD, and the RISD Museum of Art is free for all Brown students.

Brown is an integral part of the city, and students are actively engaged in many areas of local life. With political activism, community service, cross-college collaboration, art projects, and more—Brown and Providence rely on each other to make a great place to live and learn.