Brown University
Reviews

Life Is What You Make It

Brown's party scene is what you make of it. It's likely that if you come to Brown during your freshman year you will go to the periodic frat/club-sponsored parties, as time progresses I notice that people party mostly with their own circle of friends. In addition, people start getting off the hill more and checking out Downtown Providence's night club scene. For those who aren't into partying in the typical way, Brown provides a number of other outlets for entertainment and leisure.

Not Too Intense

The campus strictness at Brown University is very lenient. There is a lot of underage drinking, which takes place in frats, sororities, dormitories, and the like. There is also quite a lot of drug usage. Marijuana is very popular and smoked pretty much everywhere. The campus officers are extremely helpful and are not all out to turn people in or ruin people's fun. Their main purpose is to ensure that Brown students remain safe.

Majors at Brown

Large variety of majors and one does not have to declare a major to begin with.

Impressive

Guys are hot although there is a clear divide between the athletes and the non athletes. All the girls on campus try to look presentable and do so with their own style. Both genders are very fit and into good health.

Diverse

There's a type for everyone, and it's often difficult to even say if one student belongs to one particular type of student because people tend to take on multiple identities, which is good, because people are never as one dimensional as we think. Also, very hot boys and very pretty girls. Fashion varies across a wide spectrum, but majority of people don't wear sweatpants to class.

Campus Strictness at Brown

Generally isn't an issue. Serious problems if you're put on medical or mental leave, however.

Humid

It rains a lot, often without warning; lots of people get nice clothes/shoes ruined by the moisture in the air and on the ground. At the beginning of the school year, it's deathly hot and small fans are a must since there is no air conditioning; fall is cool; winter is insane. Think pretty, fluffy snow about 10% of the time; the rest is rain, hail, brown slush, WIND CHILL, and thunderstorms. Bring umbrellas and rain boots. Do not wear leather. Hairstyles are pointless. But in the end, we all get used to it.

Biology Major at Brown

The atmosphere is not very competitive, and yet everyone does well in classes. I believe most of the Brown students are very self-motivated, and realize that the battle is between themselves not with others. Very helpful environment, and everyone is willing to help.

Liberal

It's a hippy school. Drugs and alcohol are abundant, enforcement is light, but still keeps people safe

Open Curriculum

Very open academic atmosphere with similarly open students. Teachers are renowned in their fields, but not all are great teachers. Some teachers, however, are truly extraordinary

I Haven't Finished Yet but...

Brown has been rated the Happiest College Campus in the world and I think that rating holds true. i couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. The people are friendly, the campus is beautiful, and everyone has a place at Brown.

Some Are Better Than Others

Brown University is very old so there are some old buildings and some very new buildings. The new facilities are fabulous! Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they are designed with students in mind. The gyms are nice...once again some bigger and better than others. The student center is pretty breath-taking with a contemporary architecture style that overlooks the Main Green. The Main Green is a huge grassy area canopied with large luscious trees and surrounded by beautiful antiquated buildings/lecture halls. This is where you'll find a lot of student life groups handing out flyers, etc.

Having a Car Is Inconvenient - Luckily You Can Walk Almost Everywhere

It's really tricky having a car in Providence, due to the parking bans, and renting a parking spot is expensive. However, there's rarely anywhere you'd need a car to go to, you have free use of RIPTA (Rhode Island public transportation) with your Brown ID, and you can always catch the commuter rail or a bus to Boston or New York.

There Is Always Help

I'm studying mechanical engineering at Brown University under its School of Engineering, and the professors in the division are all readily available in terms of office hours. Their response to e-mails are very quick, detailed, and helpful. Professors also make time to meet with you if you ever need help. The same applies to TAs as well. Academics aren't the only things they help with; they also help you solidify your career via a wide network of connections.

Freedom at Its Best

Brown has a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy when it comes to students' social lives. For the most part, the university lets students be; the only exceptions are in instances of flagrantly illegal/ dangerous behavior. It's just the right balance between taking care of students and letting students have fun.

Fantastic Open Curriculum

Brown's academic strength lies in its flexibility. Though some of the required courses for your major may be "ehh", there are always plenty of fantastic electives available for students - and they run the gamut from Egyptian hieroglyphics to analysis of C.S. Lewis's novels. The sky's the limit.

Open Curriculum

Brown is truly unique in regards to the Ivy Leagues. We have no Gen-Eds and our student population is very relaxed in comparison to other preppy, conservative schools. Brown provides students with various advisers to guide us throughout our college experience and we don't have typical RA's; we have residential peer counselors, minority peer counselors, and woman peer counselors in the dorms that serve the role of a college RA. All in all, Brown is a place to not only get a quality education, but also have a good time with great people.

Not a Strong Presence

There are parties every month or so but greek life is not a big deal at Brown. No one really cares if you are in a frat or sorority; it's just another housing option.

Great Experience

I talked to many schools as I began to finalize my college decision process. However, Brown was the most friendly and prompt in response. They worked with me and were willing to put me in the right direction to ensuring the numbers were accurate.

Top-Notch Sailing Team - Bravo!

Brown University has a fantastic sailing team - consistently among the top ten in the country for both coed and womens, despite it's 'club varsity' status

I Like It.

I am a big fan of the food on campus, however, my parents were not the best cooks. My favorite things are the fact that you can make your own panini if you're not diggin the meal of the night and the Blue Room, which has (pricey) food from a great local bakery and Indian restaurant.

House Parties Are the Thing

Overall, there is lots to do both on & off campus, from shows to movies to bars to parties. But, most students tend to attend house/dorm parties, where they can walk back to their room later.

Housing Options Are OK, but Parking ... Not So Much

There is ample off-campus housing, both immediately surrounding the campus and within short distances from the campus. Parking on and around the Brown University campus is a NIGHTMARE, so most students do not bring cars to school. So, you tend to see students opt for housing that immediately surrounds the campus so they can still walk or ride bikes to class, etc Of course, the demand on housing surrounding the campus tends to bring rental costs up, so it is not uncommon to have multiple students sharing a place.

Safe

I feel pretty safe walking around Brown. The only people who get mugged are people walking around by themselves after midnight. Brown does not care if you smoke pot or drink.

It's Your Call

Providence is a pretty good-sized city. And most things are close to campus. It's just a short bus ride or a 15-minute walk to the mall (with a multiplex), great restaurants, and pretty much whatever else you want. The train station is also close, and it's only an hour or so to Boston.