The 13 Best Activities for College Students in Rhode Island!

Want to escape campus for a day? Rhode Island is full of great activities for college students! Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a date idea, or just a new place to study, Rhode Island communities are full of new opportunities, and each school has something different to offer!

Take a study break at the beach

If you go to school in Rhode Island, chances are that you live less than 30 minutes from a beach. And with most schools offering free rides on the Rhode Island Public Transport Authority, you have no excuse not to hop on a bus and head to the beach for an afternoon. What better way to celebrate being done with finals in May?

Sunday brunch at Louis’ or the Duck and Bunny

Rhode Island is a culinary capital. After a late night out, give your body what it really needs: Breakfast food. The options around Rhode Island are seemingly limitless: Go for a classic like Louis’ or a more refined approach at The Duck and Bunny on Wickenden Street. As long as you can find bacon, you’re good. 

Go to a RISD gallery show

At the end of each semester, talented the Rhode Island School of Design students show off the products of an entire semester’s work. Each department—including furniture, painting, and apparel—host their own exhibition, so make sure to look out for them in May!

WaterFire, Providence, RI

A Providence staple, this wonderful festival of arts and Rhode Island culture never gets old. Enjoy music and people watching along the Providence River with friends, and maybe even buy some local art.

Teach English in Olneyville, Olneyville, RI

Put your free time to a good use! Teach English as a second language to local adult immigrants in Olneyville. Volunteer through Brown University of the MET Family Literacy Program. 

Go to a University of Rhode Island football game

The Rhode Island Rams may not be the most winning team, but their games bring all the energy of a classic football game. Grab your friends and tailgate before the game, and celebrate all night afterwards—regardless of whether the Rams win or not.

Discover a new coffee shop

Need to switch up your study routine? Head to one of Rhode Island’s charming cafés! Whether you’re a fan of a more traditional setting or want a hipster haven, Rhode Island has it all. Not studying? Maybe take a date out for a cup of coffee!

Enjoy a farmers market

Farmers markets are all around Rhode Island, and many schools such as URI and Brown host their own right on campus. Off meal plan? Stock up on some locally grown produce you won’t feel guilty about. 

Escape Rhode Island, Providence, RI

A trend nationwide, try out Rhode Island’s own Escape room! Come with your smartest crew of friends to try and solve a variety of strategic puzzle games that will require an entire team’s worth of knowledge.

Parlour Jazz Jams, Providence, RI

Are you a musician? Head out to Providence with your instrument in tow and join a jazz jam session. Jazz musicians collaborate and improvise on creating new songs together throughout the night. Not a musician? Enjoy the jams as an audience member, too!

Providence Place Cinemas 16 and IMAX, Providence, RI

Head to the movies! Students get a discount on tickets, too, so you can always make sure to catch the latest blockbuster or indie film, all from the convenient location of the Providence Place Mall. 

Volunteer with HOPE

Want to make a difference in your local community? The House of Hope aims to end homelessness in Rhode Island. You can volunteer by helping with the annual homelessness census or by passing out food and blankets.

Fête Music Hall, Providence, RI

Fête always has live music going on, and whether you like techno or pop you’ll find your scene here. When campus house parties are getting repetitive, maybe it’s time to head downtown. 

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