Providence College Reviews

The gym here is huge and awesome—I...

The gym here is huge and awesome—I work there. They recently resurfaced the indoor track, so that's pretty sweet. Alumni, where the women's b-ball team plays, is a nice basketball court, and students can sometimes play in there. There isn't an outdoor track, which is weird because our track and cross-country teams are among the best in the country. Our men's b-ball team plays at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in downtown Providence, and it's really nice. There are plenty of places to study—ample study lounges in most buildings, the library is pretty big, and, at night, a few buildings with computers and classrooms.

The facilities here are nicer than...

The facilities here are nicer than most schools. Our gym is practically brand new and is open almost all the time. The library is kind of small, but they have of a huge Internet database and lots of places to sit or even nap! There are tons of places for people to study, meet friends or clubs, or just hang out.

The academic facilities are the...

The academic facilities are the best. If you are having any problems in any subject, go to the OAS—Office of Academic Services—on the second floor of the library. The OAS hires tutors for every subject, and they are there to help you for free. Also, Howley Hall and Koffler Hall offer help for people in math or any business-related subject. The library is nice and it is always looking to improve itself.

Ray is okay, and it is getting...

Ray is okay, and it is getting better as my time here goes on. It definitely gets boring, but it's nothing you can't handle. Slavin is really good and has different stuff all the time in the International section that is really good. Slavin is also open later, so it is a good place to get late-night snacks.

The computer network is usually...

The computer network is usually fairly reliable, although you sometimes get kicked off unexpectedly. Some of the computer labs can get crowded, especially during midterms and finals, which makes it more convenient to have your own computer and printer. I rarely print anything in the computer labs because we don't have one near my dorm. However, it is a close enough walk if students don't want to waste their own ink and paper. Printing is also free at Providence, which is another incentive to use the computer labs and library.

There are lots of off-campus...

There are lots of off-campus parties on the weekends, which are tons of fun and usually have a theme. If you're 21, you can hit up one of the off-campus bars down the road any night of the week. There are many 18-or-older clubs in downtown Providence. We also have an on-campus bar, McPhails, which is a lot of fun even to just hang out if you're not of drinking age.

The campus has two giant parking...

The campus has two giant parking lots and two or three smaller parking lots to accommodate parking throughout the campus. It is easy to park here, but you have to be sure to register your car as a junior or senior, otherwise they will issue tickets.

I have never felt unsafe walking...

I have never felt unsafe walking by myself late at night on Providence's campus. A lot of the incidents that occur happen off campus where people are walking alone late at night. The College encourages students to ride the shuttle when going to places off campus, so they don't have to walk there. We also have a blue-light system that is in place all over campus that students can use if they feel unsafe or to report a crime or incident. Most of the incidents that have happened off campus typically are resolved within 24 hours, and security always e-mail the students to encourage them to be on their guard for crime.

Freshmen cannot bring cars at all,...

Freshmen cannot bring cars at all, unless you have reasons or you make up a reason. It gets easier as a sophomore, but, for the most part, juniors and seniors all have their cars here.

Many of the facilities on campus...

Many of the facilities on campus are new. The gym is stocked with dozens upon dozens of new equipment. Similarly, the library has been remodeled. PC really cares about providing students with the best atmospheres and really invests its time and money into campus facilities.

If there is one great thing in...

If there is one great thing in Providence, it is the amount of restaurants we have. Within walking distance are the Admiral Spa, which is a great, cheap breakfast place, and LaSalle Bakery for sandwiches and deserts. In town there are a ton of chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, but also unique ones, as well. For some excellent food and a ton of places to choose from, I recommend Federal Hill, especially Mediterraneo, but it is quite pricey.

The dining hall at Providence...

The dining hall at Providence College is your typical dining hall. Select meals are not that bad, but the dining hall generally tries too hard and ends up getting old real quick. However, the Slavin, where you can use Friar Bucks, has excellent food, and the College is near tons of great restaurants if you need a backup plan.

The gym is the nicest building on...

The gym is the nicest building on campus, without a doubt—it's huge. The library has been renovated and is very spacious. All of the facilities have up-to-date renovations, for the most part.

Most off-campus apartments and...

Most off-campus apartments and houses are relatively close to campus, but off-campus housing is not available until junior or senior year. But, from what I hear it is a generally easy process. Living on campus is definitely more appropriate considering the layout of the campus, but if you want to live in your own "house-like" environment, that's your call.

Personally, I have not felt unsafe...

Personally, I have not felt unsafe while walking around Providence College. However, there have been incidents just outside campus and involving a couple of students while I have been here. I think that as long as you are safe about it and do not walk alone, you will be fine. There are police on duty every night, and you can often see them driving around to make sure everything is okay on campus. There are emergency buttons around campus that you could press if you experience a problem. Also, there are students who will walk anyone back from the library at night in case they feel unsafe.

Our school has many security...

Our school has many security guards at the entrance gates. We also have access to a shuttle, which takes us to and from different locations off campus. We are in a very poor area of Providence, and there are a lot of crime alerts, but the College truly does all it can to protect us in times of need.

There are many restaurants...

There are many restaurants surrounding PC. The Providence Place Mall has a lot of good restaurants with cheap prices, such as The Cheesecake Factory, Fire + Ice, and Joe's American Bar and Grille. There are also pizza places right near campus if you feel like ordering in for the night. A good place to go for more expensive food, which is good for dates or special occasions, is Federal Hill. It is filled with a number of Italian restaurants and dessert bars. For warmer days and something fun to do in the afternoon, Thayer Street is right near the Brown campus and has restaurants, along with pizza places, ice cream and smoothie shops, and coffee shops.

The dorms are a little small at...

The dorms are a little small at first, but eventually people rearrange their stuff so it works. The smallest rooms for freshman girls are probably in McVinney, and for guys, it would be St. Joe's. Girls, if you get the choice, choose Raymond! It's probably the best location of a dorm on campus—it's close to everything.

We have a really great gym, along...

We have a really great gym, along with great aerobic classes that are really fun. Everything is really new, and even at the busiest hours, it's still possible to get a good workout. Also, our cafeteria is pretty good, but the dining hall in Slavin is a real treat.

Most sophomores, freshmen, and...

Most sophomores, freshmen, and juniors live on campus, and many seniors live off campus. The off-campus housing is convenient and oftentimes less money than on-campus housing, but it is personally not worth it to me for safety and convenience reasons.

One of the most unique things...

One of the most unique things about this school is that bars are huge. The local bars—Louie's, Oldes, Brad's, Danny's—are all PC students. McPhails is our on-campus bar, and you have to be 21 to drink but not to get in. So, students of all ages can come in and dance to the live music and hangout. It's a really good time. Meanwhile, when the bars close, all the students who live off campus throw parties. Basically, you will never get bored here.

Public transportation is really...

Public transportation is really good for getting around the city of Providence and Rhode Island in general. The RIPTA bus allows any PC student to ride for free any day to anywhere in Rhode Island. It can bring you to the mall, the train station, supermarkets, or even to other college campuses to visit friends.

Providence does not have Greek...

Providence does not have Greek Life, which I think is one of the greatest aspects of the social scene. There are so many other ways to get involved and meet people on campus, and I think Greek Life would hinder this experience.

Security is great at PC. The area...

Security is great at PC. The area around the school is kind of sketchy, but they maintain a sort of safe "bubble" atmosphere on the campus itself. ecurity guys are always driving or riding bikes around campus. They like to talk to students and get involved with activities around campus. They are awesome.

I cannot imagine my life had I not...

I cannot imagine my life had I not come to PC. Between what I have learned, both academically and personally, and the people I have met, I cannot say enough good things about this school—just that I am so happy that I chose to come to PC.