Dept of Economics
1 / 10

Brown University

4.5
·835 reviews·Providence, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Campus blooms beautifully

CrowdMedium
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Dept of Economics

Brown University

Best Time

Spring mornings

Campus blooms beautifully

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(835 reviews)

"Beautiful, gorgeous university, great location, beautiful buildings and classrooms. We felt great there!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Green

The Main Green

Central Campus

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

TikTok
Pembroke Center

Pembroke Center

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

A hub for interdisciplinary study and a beautiful architectural space on campus.

TikTok
John Hay Library

John Hay Library

Campus

Home to rare books and manuscripts, offering a glimpse into history and unique collections.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Open Curriculum

Brown's unique Open Curriculum means no core requirements! Dive into subjects that truly excite you. Explore diverse fields and forge your own academic path. It's a chance to be truly curious and self-directed. TikTok

Navigate Providence Charm

Brown is nestled in Providence, a city with a vibrant arts scene and historic charm. Explore Thayer Street for diverse eateries and shops right off campus. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Campus blooms beautifully
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Crisp air, vibrant leaves
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

happy little college in a happy little town #brownuniversity #ivyleague #college #teenlife #fypシ #providence
@oolongmilktea27
1M likes • 5.3M views

No GPA? No Problem! :chart_with_upwards_trend:

Brown operates on a pass/fail system for many courses, reducing academic pressure. TikTok

Explore Thayer Street :shopping_bags:

This lively street offers diverse dining and shopping options right next to campus. Reddit

there can’t be a wrong choice, right? i’m so scared #senior #college #harvard #yale #brown #gilmoregirls #rorygilmore #classof2029 #university #brownuniversity #ivyleague
@kayta333
674.2K likes • 4M views
Best school in the world 🫶 #brownuniversity #ivyleague #college #collegelife #collegestudents
gabthai
4.5K likes • 135.6K views

Embrace the Open Curriculum :books:

No core requirements mean you can tailor your education to your passions. TikTok

Campus is a Movie Set :movie_camera:

The beautiful architecture and scenery make it feel like a film set. TikTok

After screening their CVs, David goes on to interview the lucky candidates. It’s Brian’s turn, proudly representing Brown University. Does he have what it takes to join Wall Street’s best M&A team?! 💸⚜️ #financebro #corporatelife #finance #corporate #investmentbanking #interview #cv #nyc #london
the.swiss.chris
124.5K likes • 4.5M views

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. TikTok

Explore Thayer Street :shopping_bags:

This lively street offers diverse dining and shopping options right next to campus. Reddit

Embrace the Open Curriculum :books:

No core requirements mean you can tailor your education to your passions. TikTok

Campus is a Movie Set :movie_camera:

The beautiful architecture and scenery make it feel like a film set. TikTok

Student Life is Vibrant :microphone:

From clubs to events, there's always something happening on campus. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(835 reviews)

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

Beautiful architecture
Picturesque campus
Vibrant Thayer Street

What People Dislike

Confusing parking

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Metered street parking is available around campus, though it can be confusing with varying time limits and sometimes mismatched meters. Reddit It's often easier to use public transport or ride-sharing if you're just visiting. Reddit

Yes, you can explore the campus grounds independently. However, a guided tour offers valuable insights from current students. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the Brown University campus. However, guided tours may have a nominal fee or require advance registration. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. TikTokReddit+1

Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to design their own course of study without general education requirements, fostering intellectual freedom and exploration. TikTok+1

Student life is vibrant with numerous clubs, organizations, and events. The campus fosters a collaborative rather than competitive environment. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, Thayer Street, adjacent to campus, is packed with casual restaurants, cafes, and international food options. Reddit

Visitors can sometimes eat at the dining halls, often by purchasing a meal pass or as part of a campus tour experience. TikTok

Thayer Street offers a wide range, from pizza and burgers to more international flavors like Indian and Thai. Reddit

Brown's dining halls strive to offer a variety of healthy choices, and Thayer Street also has numerous cafes and restaurants with fresh options. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Spring and fall foliage also provide stunning backdrops for photography. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. For commercial or professional shoots, you may need to obtain permission from the university. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Brown is a university, its beautiful campus and surrounding city offer a pleasant visit for families. The Main Green is a spacious area for children to run around, and the general atmosphere is welcoming. Exploring Thayer Street can be fun for families looking for a casual meal or a sweet treat. Reddit Consider visiting during pleasant weather in spring or fall when the campus is at its most scenic. TikTok

🎓 Prospective Students

For prospective students, a campus tour is highly recommended to get a feel for the Open Curriculum and the unique academic culture. Engage with your tour guide to understand the student experience firsthand. TikTokReddit Research the admissions statistics and what Brown looks for in applicants, focusing on demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning. Instagram

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

Brown University's campus is a visual treat, featuring a blend of historic Georgian and Colonial architecture alongside more modern structures. The stately brownstone buildings, meticulous landscaping, and open green spaces create a picturesque environment. Don't miss the John Hay Library for its impressive interior and the Pembroke Center for its unique design. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Brown Open Curriculum: Academic Freedom in Action

Brown University is renowned for its Open Curriculum, a distinctive academic philosophy that empowers students to design their own educational path. Unlike many universities with rigid core requirements, Brown allows undergraduates to pursue any course of study that interests them, with no distribution requirements or general education mandates. This fosters a unique environment where intellectual curiosity and self-directed learning are paramount. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Life in Providence: Beyond the Ivy Gates

Brown University is situated in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, a city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and a burgeoning culinary scene. The campus is immediately adjacent to Thayer Street, a vibrant hub teeming with a diverse array of shops, cafes, and restaurants offering cuisines from around the globe. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for students to grab a bite, socialize, or run errands without straying far from campus. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

The Brown Experience: What Students Say

The student experience at Brown University is often described as uniquely supportive and intellectually stimulating. A key aspect highlighted by students is the absence of a traditional GPA system, with many courses operating on a pass/fail basis. This approach is intended to reduce academic pressure and encourage genuine exploration of subjects without the fear of grade-based competition. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok+1

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