Best College Towns In Rhode Island
Known for its lovely shoreline, state parks, and amazing charm, Rhode Island is a beautiful state in the United States. Nestled within the New England region, this state is the smallest in size but boasts amazing people and activities. Rhode Island is home to some amazing and accredited colleges offering a wide array of programs. These colleges are located within unique college towns which provide fun activities and great learning environments at an affordable rate. Find out what makes these towns particularly great destinations for those college-bound grads!
Providence
Often ranked as one of the best college towns in the country, Providence is an amazing place to pursue education. It is the capital of Rhode Island and has a bustling population of 190,000 people. Along with this, it is home to the main campuses of five prominent colleges and universities: Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Rhode Island School of Design. Providence is home to more than 20,000 college students across various fields and majors. Combining this with a low median rent of $1,100, Providence makes for an affordable and fun-filled town with college vibes.
Upon starting college in this amazing city, folks will discover its endless array of things to do and enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will adore Roger Williams Park and Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy. These sites boast natural space in the middle of town so visitors can relax, have a picnic, and enjoy the fresh air. For a more unique experience, grab some friends for the Providence Ghost Tour. Taking tourists through haunted sights accompanied by horror stories is the perfect activity to enjoy with friends. To grab an after-school bite, there are many amazing food joints here, such as West Side Diner and Harry’s Bar, and Burger. West Side Diner is an iconic spot from the 1800s which serves amazing burgers, shakes, and more. Harry’s Bar and Burger also has great food but also offers amazing craft beers for a perfect night out in Providence!
Newport
Newport is a scenic seaside town on Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island. It boasts a stunning environment, beautiful coastal views, and a rich sailing history as one of the state’s most famous resort towns. Needless to say, there is no end to the fun activities and sights in Newport. For example, spend the day along Cliff Walk, a unique trail that runs parallel to the coast with beautiful scenery. For those who want to delve deeper into the water, grab a sailing boat with your friends and go for a trip along Narragansett Bay. With all sorts of yachts, schooners, sailboats, and more, visitors can plan a seafaring trip with as many people as desired!
As far as colleges are concerned, Newport is home to the Salve Regina University and International Yacht Restoration School. The Salve Regina University houses more than 2,000 students across its campus which creates a positive environment for education and activities. If not on campus, students can meet on Thames Street, the main street for fun in town. With all sorts of cafes, bars, stores, etc. Thames Street is ideal for a morning, day, or even night out! One of the best places to spend the evening is Caleb & Broad. This unique pub is perfect for a college hangout with amazing snacks, drinks, and more! For those looking for a fun retreat and quaint atmosphere while attending school, Newport is a great college option in Rhode Island.
Bristol
With a thriving academic scene, Bristol is the perfect blend of small-town vibes and college living. Located in Bristol County, the town boasts an expansive coastline and deep water seaport. To this end, people can spend the day outdoors at one of many sites such as Colt State Park, Blithewold, and the Audubon Society Environmental Education Center. These spots are perfect for college students as they can enjoy some fresh air, catch up on studies, or have a picnic with friends. Apart from this, Bristol also has amazing food spots that everyone enjoys. Hungry? Head on over to Jacky's Galaxie and Sushi Bar which is one of the country’s best Asian-style restaurants. Or, for a drink, take in the views at Thames Waterside Bar & Grill for some amazing beer, food, and coastal scenery.
In terms of colleges, Bristol is home to Roger Williams University which offers a stunning campus. The university has more than 4,500 enrolled students and has amazing facilities for sports, recreation, education, and more. Students here enjoy a comprehensive learning experience where there is a strong sense of community and vibrant culture, sure to never bore!
Warwick
A few hours northeast of New York City, Warwick is a bustling college town in Rhode Island. Home to a population of 82,000 people, visitors can always find someone to strike up a conversation with. In terms of recreation, Warwick has everything from natural sights to shopping plazas and more! If wanting to spend some downtime shopping, visit the Warwick Mall which has more than 80 stores, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Or, for an outdoor study session, grab a bench at Goddard Park and take in the view while learning! No matter what is of interest, folks can easily find a way to spend their time in Warwick between studies.
With plenty of activities, make sure to focus on studying if planning to pursue academia in Warwick. This is because the only major institute in town is the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT). With a 57,000-square-foot facility in Warwick, NEIT provides advanced STEM courses in fields such as Business, Architecture, and Marine Technology. While quite challenging, boasting world-class faculty, hands-on learning, and great college-town environment, this is a great place to pursue your education.
Smithfield
Home to Bryant University, Smithfield is a quaint college town in Providence County. The town is home to 22,000 residents and exudes a peaceful vibe all over. As for Bryant University, the institute features two colleges, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business. With more than 3500 students across both colleges, the institute has set up many campuses in town. They offer a range of amenities such as a college library, student organizations, a radio station, residence halls, and more. When it comes to college life in Smithfield, students can expect a tight-knit student community with all the needed comforts and resources to focus.
Outside of campus, Smithfield is a relaxing town that has a few great spots to meet friends and chill out. For example, the Mowry Conservation Area and Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge offer large expanses of natural land. Spend the day hiking, watching animals, or camping out in the sun. For a more adrenaline-filled time out, spend a weekend at the Boston Skydive Center. Here, visitors can jump out of a plane for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! After all this, drop by Coach’s Pub with some new college mates; a surefire way to enjoy the years in Smithfield.
East Greenwich
The county seat of Kent County, East Greenwich is a mix of urban living and small-town vibes. The town boasts a plethora of standout features such as the amazing waterfront, lively shopping district, and defined school district. There is plenty of exhilirating opportunities for college students to enjoy in town. For example, be challenged to a true mystery by visiting the Riddle Room escape game. Here, participants follow clues and hints to make their way out of a room. Or, grab an evening drink with your mates at the LineSider Brewing Co. which is known for its top-notch food and drink. With these and a myriad of interesting stores, cafes, and more in downtown East Greenwich, making boredom impossible!
As for the college scene, East Greenwich boasts the main campus of the New England Institute of Technology. Offering STEM courses in various advanced fields, this campus attracts motivated students in search of a positive environment. Along with this, the campus offers technical labs, medical suites, recreational facilities, and more for an optimal college experience. To top it off, rent is reasonable so attendees can choose between on-campus and off-campus housing for a fun time in East Greenwich!
Kingston
Kingston is a small town that offers a retreat from urban hustle and bustle during academic pursuits at the University of Rhode Island (URI). Home to the institute’s main campus, feel right at home amongst the thousands of students in town. Moreover, as Kingston’s population is less than 8,000, yit will not be difficult to make friends with peers. Whether this is enjoying a drink at the local pub or skiing in the Boss Ice Arena, Kingston is the perfect description of a “college town.”
With the majority of URI students living off campus, there is no end to the youthful fun to be had in Kingston. For example, walk over to Rock Spot Climbing Peace Dale for a fun evening after class. This establishment features indoor climbing, amazing trainers, and is a great place to cool off from studies. If wanting to bolster prestigious education further, check out some of the amazing historic sites Kingston has to offer. Just head on over to the Kingston Village Historic District and be amazed by the unique past and stories these sites have. No matter what students enjoy they are bound to get hungry! The International Pocket Cafe is the perfect place for fueling up with some of the best falafels in town, perfect for an all-night study session. Alternatively, head over to Simply Thai to grab some amazing Asian food that can keeps students energized and content!
Conclusion
Out of these college towns, choose one that works best for your personal requirements and interests. Figure out which college is suited to you and then consider factors such as the rent, food, costs, environment, etc. Thankfully, most of the college towns in Rhode Island offer a buzzing environment with tight-knit college communities that create a great sense of unity. From Kingston's college student population, to skydiving in Smithfield, these towns offer the best of both academic life and adrenaline-filled pursuits!
