We’ve compiled the ultimate bucket list that all Brown should students check off before graduation

All of these are a must

Visit India Point Park

With a scenic view of where the Seekonk and Providence Rivers meet and merge into Narragansett Bay, India Point Park is one of the local parks in Providence. It has areas for running, exercise, picnics and events.

It’s a short distance away by car or bus, but if you’re feeling adventurous you can make the 30-minute walk from campus. You should definitely visit this lovely spot before you graduate.

Pro tip: there is also an abandoned railroad track that goes across the river, which is a great spot to chill and take an ‘Insta’.

Take a class S/NC

Most students at Brown have taken a class S/NC at some point or had a class that was mandatory S/NC. If you haven’t already done so, do it. This option is useful because it allows you to focus more on learning rather than being concerned about specific grades. It can also be a nice way to take an additional class for fun without being overwhelmed.

Visit the 13th floor of the SciLi (or the 14th if you can).

Brown’s Sciences Library has 14 floors, but only 13 of them are accessible to students. Studying on the 13th floor of the SciLi provides you with a gorgeous view overlooking campus and the greater Providence region. Whenever you’re at the SciLi, try studying on the 13th floor one day — or try it at night, when you can see all the lights around the city.

If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can try accessing the 14th floor. I somehow got up there during my visit to Brown at ADOCH, but a security guard came shortly to kick me out. If you’re a rockstar, try visiting the 13th floor during the SciLi Challenge.

 

Go downtown and sit by the Providence River

If there is a time when you’re not busy or just need to get away from everyone and everything, try taking a stroll down College Hill and sit by the Providence River. There are all kinds of nice spots along the river where you can sit to watch the ducks, geese, and fish.  Just don’t fall in!

Take a RISD class

Another Brown perk is that students can take courses at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It is limited to four courses throughout your four years at Brown, but it is certainly a great experience to try your hand at different art media.

Try drawing, sculpting, painting, photography, or any other art form. Improve upon your art skills, or just make new friends while being in a new environment. You have the opportunity to take art classes at one of the top art schools in the nation, so why not take advantage of this artistic venture?

 

Get to know some of the staff at Brown

Getting to know some of the people who help make Brown the wonderful place that it is will give you a newfound appreciation for all Brown staff and faculty do for us. It is a good idea to get to know some of the professors and deans, but also try talking with some of the people who work in the Ratty, the Mail Room, or the custodians who help keep our campus facilities clean.

To start, you could try talking to Gail from the Ratty, a popular and beloved figure on campus. Talking with some of the staff can also brighten their day. It’s always nice to have someone greet you by name or ask you how your day is. 

Rush a Sorority or a Frat

Greek life isn’t big at Brown, but it is definitely something worth exploring. If you’re looking for a new group of friends, you should try rushing. Rushing is nice because it only lasts one weekend, and it allows you to check out the sororities first-hand.

Rush events also include great free food. If you get to the end of rush and realize it’s not for you, just drop out. Either way, you will get to eat amazing cake-pops and meet some new people along the way.

 

Join an intramural team

IM League is nice because games happen only once a week. Grab a group of your friends and sign up for one (or more) of the many intramural sports offered. Your team can either be super laid back, or you can go all out. I’ve been on the same IM soccer team for three years, and we expect to take home the hardware next year.

Make it all 3 days of Spring Weekend

This is probably impossible.

Wake up at 4:20am on 4/20 and head to the Main Green

Although this is very early, there will be plenty of Brown students chilling on the Main Green at this time. Even if you don’t chose to partake, this is an amazing people-watching event.

Climb to the roof of Brown University buildings

Metcalf is known for easy roof access, and students will often sit up there at night. Some students are experts at climbing buildings here. For myself, I couldn’t even make it to the top of Metcalf because I was too scared. If you do get to the top of one of the buildings, you’ll get to enjoy a great view of Providence.

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