You’ve heard of the University of Rhode Island and wonder whether it might be the place for you. With over 16,000 students across several campuses, URI offers a range of academic programs set in a classic New England backdrop. Nestled along the southern coastline of the Ocean State, the school boasts some enviable views and access to iconic East Coast beaches. If breathtaking scenery and big school opportunities sound ideal, read on to learn more about what URI has to offer – from student life and athletics to academics and research. In this guide, get the insider perspective on what makes this public university unique.
An Overview of the University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island, known as URI, is a public research university with its main campus located in the city of Kingston. Founded in 1892, URI is the flagship public research university in Rhode Island and is home to over 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
URI has a suburban campus spanning 1,300 acres, with over 100 buildings and residence halls. Some of the notable buildings on campus include the Fine Arts Center which hosts theater and music performances, the Memorial Union for student activities, and the Fascitelli Center for Advanced Biotechnology.
URI offers over 80 undergraduate majors in fields like business, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and marine sciences. For graduate studies, URI has over 70 master’s and doctoral programs. URI is especially known for its College of Business, College of Nursing, and College of Engineering.
There are over 400 student organizations and clubs to join at URI, including Greek life, cultural groups, academic clubs, and sports teams. URI’s athletic teams are called the Rams, and they compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Popular sports at URI are football, basketball, sailing, and ice hockey.
Some other highlights of URI:
-
Beautiful campus with gardens, ponds and wooded areas.
-
Close to Rhode Island beaches and only 30 minutes from Providence.
-
Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad.
-
Historic Quadrangle with traditional stone buildings at the center of campus.
-
Delicious dining options like Fresh Food Co, Ram’s Den and Starbucks.
Whether you’re interested in a challenging academic program, an exciting campus life, or enjoying all that Rhode Island has to offer, URI has something for everyone. Overall, URI provides a balanced college experience in a stunning natural setting.
Academics at the University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island offers over 80 majors and 100 minors to choose from across nine colleges and schools. No matter your interests, URI likely has a program for you.
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is URI’s largest college, with over 200 degree and certificate programs in subjects like English, History, Psychology, Mathematics and more. Whether you’re interested in humanities, social sciences or natural sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences has you covered.
College of Business
For future business leaders and entrepreneurs, the College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. The college has a strong focus on experiential learning, with many students participating in internships, study abroad programs and student organizations.
College of Engineering
The College of Engineering is one of the oldest engineering schools in the US, offering ABET-accredited degrees in Biomedical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Ocean Engineering. Hands-on learning opportunities like co-op programs, internships and research allow students to gain real-world experience. The college has over $10M in annual research funding and multiple research centers and institutes.
Additional Colleges
Other colleges at URI include Pharmacy, Nursing, the Environment and Life Sciences, Education and Professional Studies, and Human Science and Services. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, online degrees and continuing education.
No matter which area of study you choose, URI aims to provide a well-rounded education experience. General Education requirements expose students to a broad range of subjects, and there are over 300 student organizations and clubs to get involved in. URI’s faculty are leaders in their fields, with a strong focus on mentoring students. An education from URI will prepare you for success in your career and life.
Student Life and Campus Culture
The University of Rhode Island has a vibrant campus life with over 200 student clubs and organizations to choose from. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find your tribe.
Clubs and Activities
From cultural groups to community service clubs, intramural sports leagues to fraternities and sororities, there’s something for everyone. Get involved in student government, join the campus radio station, or write for the student newspaper. With so many opportunities to choose from, you’ll be able to explore new interests and passions.
Arts and Entertainment
There’s always something going on, from comedy shows and movie nights to dance performances and art exhibits. Catch a show at the historic Edwards Auditorium or the more intimate J Studio Black Box Theatre. Student programming boards put on events all year round, like Spring Weekend, URI After Dark, and the fall and spring concert series.
Dining and Nightlife
With over 20 dining options on campus, you’ll never go hungry. Grab a burger at the Ram’s Den, sushi at Shogun, or a coffee and scone at one of three Starbucks locations. For nightlife, head to Main Street for live music, trivia nights, and dancing at popular bars and clubs like Whalers Brewing Company, Ocean Mist, and Clarke Cooke House.
URI has a collaborative environment where lifelong friendships are formed. By getting involved in campus life, you’ll gain valuable experiences, discover new interests, and become part of a community that fosters personal and intellectual growth. The campus culture celebrates diversity, creativity and individuality, empowering you to achieve your full potential during your time at the University of Rhode Island.
Athletics at the University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island, also known as URI, has a long history of successful sports teams and athletic programs. As a Division I school in the Atlantic 10 Conference, URI competes in a variety of men’s and women’s sports.
Men’s Sports
The URI Rams men’s teams include:
-
Baseball – The Rams baseball team plays at Bill Beck Field, one of the premier college baseball facilities in the Northeast.
-
Basketball – The men’s basketball team plays at the Ryan Center arena. The Rams have made several trips to the NCAA tournament.
-
Football – The Rams football team plays at Meade Stadium. URI has a long-standing rivalry with nearby Brown University.
-
Other sports – URI also fields men’s teams in cross country, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field.
Women’s Sports
The URI Rams women’s teams include:
-
Basketball – The women’s basketball team is a perennial contender in the Atlantic 10, led by head coach Tammi Reiss.
-
Field Hockey – The field hockey team plays on Eleanor R. Foster Field. The Rams are consistently ranked as one of the top field hockey programs in the region.
-
Other sports – URI also has women’s teams in cross country, golf, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
With a variety of men’s and women’s sports across many disciplines, there are plenty of opportunities to catch an exciting Rams game. URI students get free admission to all regular season home athletic events with a valid student ID. So get out there and support your fellow Rams!
Frequently Asked Questions About the University of Rhode Island
Are you considering attending the University of Rhode Island but have some questions? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about URI to help you in your college decision making process.
How big is the campus?
URI’s main campus in Kingston spans over 1,200 acres, with over 100 buildings. There are plenty of open green spaces, gardens and trails to explore. The campus is large enough to feel like a college town but small enough to easily get around by walking, biking or taking the on-campus shuttle service.
What is the student to faculty ratio?
URI has a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, with over 200 undergraduate and 80 graduate areas of study. Class sizes average around 28 students, so you’ll get to know your professors and receive individual attention.
What student activities or clubs can I join?
There are over 200 student organizations and clubs to get involved in at URI. Some options include:
-
Student Senate
-
Programming Board
-
Student Athlete Advisory Committee
-
International Student Association
-
Student organizations for your major or interests (e.g. Journalism Society, Gamers Guild)
-
Fraternities and sororities
-
Cultural clubs (e.g. Black Student Union, Latin American Student Association)
With so many choices, you’re sure to find groups that match your interests or values. Getting involved in campus activities is a great way to make new friends and become part of the URI community.
What is campus housing like?
URI offers residence halls and on-campus apartments for over 4,000 students. Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year. Residence halls offer traditional dorm-style rooms as well as suite-style options with shared bathrooms. Upperclassmen can choose from coed or gender-specific residence halls and apartments. All campus housing includes amenities like wi-fi, study lounges, laundry rooms and dining options within walking distance.
Living on campus allows you to fully immerse yourself in college life your first year. The residential experience provides opportunities to gain independence, meet new people and get extra support transitioning into university.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick tour through life at URI. With beautiful beaches and historic buildings around campus, combined with strong academics and Division I sports, it’s easy to see why so many students love going to college in South Kingstown. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a Ram yourself or just wondering what URI is all about, hopefully this guide gave you some insight into what makes this university special. As you wrap up your college search, keep URI in mind – it just might end up being the perfect fit for you!
