
Brown University
An Ivy League institution founded in 1764, known for its unique Open Curriculum and vibrant campus life in Providence.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Campus blooms beautifully

Brown University
Best Time
Campus blooms beautifully

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An Ivy League institution founded in 1764, known for its unique Open Curriculum and vibrant campus life in Providence.
"Beautiful, gorgeous university, great location, beautiful buildings and classrooms. We felt great there!"

No GPA? No Problem! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Brown operates on a pass/fail system for many courses, reducing academic pressure.
Explore Thayer Street :shopping_bags:
This lively street offers diverse dining and shopping options right next to campus.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Green
Central Campus
The heart of Brown, a picturesque expanse perfect for studying, socializing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Pembroke Center
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
A hub for interdisciplinary study and a beautiful architectural space on campus.

John Hay Library
Campus
Home to rare books and manuscripts, offering a glimpse into history and unique collections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Open Curriculum
Navigate Providence Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
No GPA? No Problem! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Brown operates on a pass/fail system for many courses, reducing academic pressure.
Explore Thayer Street :shopping_bags:
This lively street offers diverse dining and shopping options right next to campus.
Embrace the Open Curriculum :books:
No core requirements mean you can tailor your education to your passions.
Campus is a Movie Set :movie_camera:
The beautiful architecture and scenery make it feel like a film set.
Tips
from all over the internet
No GPA? No Problem! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Brown operates on a pass/fail system for many courses, reducing academic pressure.
Explore Thayer Street :shopping_bags:
This lively street offers diverse dining and shopping options right next to campus.
Embrace the Open Curriculum :books:
No core requirements mean you can tailor your education to your passions.
Campus is a Movie Set :movie_camera:
The beautiful architecture and scenery make it feel like a film set.
Student Life is Vibrant :microphone:
From clubs to events, there's always something happening on campus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brown University for its stunning traditional architecture, beautiful green spaces, and vibrant campus atmosphere. The adjacent Thayer Street offers a diverse culinary scene, and the university's prestigious Ivy League status is a significant draw. Some find parking confusing, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many feeling an immediate connection to the campus.
"Went for a visit at Brown University for a campus tour at noon. It was a spectacular day. Our guide was a lovely young lady who was a second year student, extremely knowledgeable and filled with pride. She answered many questions during the 1.5 hour campus tour.
Things to know: there is metered street parking some with 2 hr limits. Funny thing is there are some “unmetered” spots because the meters don’t match the parking spaces. It’s confusing. 😆"
Al Muniz
"I loved it - clicked with it immediately! Beautiful, gorgeous university, great location, beautiful buildings and classrooms. We felt great there! Of course, it's also a prestigious Ivy League School, so any student would be very lucky to be here!"
Yulia Berry
"Visiting Brown University was a wonderful and peaceful experience. Beautiful architecture buildings and lots of green lawns. It’s less crowded than Harvard. We enjoy walking around the campus and also visited the cafeteria."
Jean Tsou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island. You can reach it via I-95 North or South, exiting onto I-195 East. If flying, Providence T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is nearby. Public transportation options include Amtrak to Providence Station and local bus services.
Providence is a walkable city, especially around the university. The RIPTA bus system is efficient for longer distances. Many students also utilize ride-sharing services or bikes.
Metered street parking is available around campus, though it can be confusing with varying time limits and sometimes mismatched meters.
It's often easier to use public transport or ride-sharing if you're just visiting.Yes, you can explore the campus grounds independently. However, a guided tour offers valuable insights from current students.
The closest airport is Providence T.F. Green Airport (PVD), which is about a 15-20 minute drive from campus. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is another option, about an hour and a half away by train or car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to simply walk around and explore the Brown University campus. If you wish to take a guided campus tour, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak admissions seasons.
The campus itself is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building hours may vary, and guided tours typically run on a schedule. Check the official Brown University admissions website for tour times.
There is no admission fee to visit the Brown University campus. However, guided tours may have a nominal fee or require advance registration.
Visitors can often experience the dining halls as part of a campus tour or by purchasing a meal pass. Some students even share their dining hall experiences online.
Campus tours can usually be booked through the official Brown University Admissions website. It's advisable to book well in advance, particularly for prospective students.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Main Green for its central beauty, the historic John Hay Library, and the Pembroke Center. Exploring Thayer Street for local flavor is also a must.
Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to design their own course of study without general education requirements, fostering intellectual freedom and exploration.
Student life is vibrant with numerous clubs, organizations, and events. The campus fosters a collaborative rather than competitive environment.
While specific traditions evolve, the spirit of academic freedom and student-led initiatives are central. The 'happiest Ivy League' reputation speaks to a positive campus culture.
Besides the libraries like the John Hay Library, students often find quiet spots on the Main Green or in various academic buildings. The collaborative atmosphere encourages study groups.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Brown offers several dining halls with diverse menus, catering to various dietary needs. Students also frequent the many eateries on Thayer Street, offering global cuisines.
Yes, Thayer Street, adjacent to campus, is packed with casual restaurants, cafes, and international food options.
Visitors can sometimes eat at the dining halls, often by purchasing a meal pass or as part of a campus tour experience.
Thayer Street offers a wide range, from pizza and burgers to more international flavors like Indian and Thai.
Brown's dining halls strive to offer a variety of healthy choices, and Thayer Street also has numerous cafes and restaurants with fresh options.
📸 📸 Photography
The Main Green, with its iconic buildings and green spaces, is a prime spot. The historic architecture of buildings like the John Hay Library and the general campus aesthetic are very photogenic.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Spring and fall foliage also provide stunning backdrops for photography.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. For commercial or professional shoots, you may need to obtain permission from the university.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive campus, while telephoto lenses can isolate architectural details.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check Brown's official policies before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎓 Prospective Students
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brown Open Curriculum: Academic Freedom in Action
This approach encourages students to explore a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities and arts to sciences and engineering, without the pressure of fulfilling a predetermined set of courses. It's an opportunity to delve deeply into subjects that truly ignite passion, leading to a more personalized and engaging academic experience. The emphasis is on what you want to learn rather than what you have to learn.
Students at Brown are encouraged to take risks, experiment with different fields, and forge interdisciplinary connections. This freedom cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. The success of this model is often reflected in the innovative research and diverse career paths pursued by its graduates.
Life in Providence: Beyond the Ivy Gates
Beyond Thayer Street, Providence itself boasts a lively arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city's historic architecture, particularly its colonial-era buildings, adds to its charm. For those seeking scenic views, Prospect Terrace Park offers a stunning panorama of the city, including a glimpse of the State House.
While Brown is an Ivy League institution, its integration with Providence provides a more grounded and accessible college town experience compared to some larger, more isolated university settings. The city's manageable size makes it easy to explore, and its friendly atmosphere contributes to the overall positive student experience.
The Brown Experience: What Students Say
Students frequently praise the collaborative environment on campus, emphasizing that it's more about lifting each other up than cutthroat competition. This supportive atmosphere extends to group projects, study sessions, and general campus life. Many also note that Brown is considered the 'happiest Ivy League,' a testament to its positive and engaging community.
Beyond academics, students enjoy the vibrant social scene, diverse dining options on Thayer Street, and the picturesque campus itself, which is often likened to a movie set. The freedom offered by the Open Curriculum is a recurring theme, allowing students to pursue their passions and create a truly personalized college journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit