As the college kids start to head back to school, I thought I would provide a "Back to School Survival Guide" for Providence, Rhode Island, specifically the students at Johnson and Wales. This may assist you whether you are a returning college student, like me, or college is new to you.

1. Waterfire

WaterfireUnsplash

Waterfire is a must see if you are going to school in Rhode Island. It takes place along the Providence River. It is referred to as "the place where water and fire meet". The beautiful balls of fire resting on top of the water is just absolutely beautiful. There are Gondola boat rides on the river during the event. My favorite part is the atmosphere. It is both equally magical and calming. Everyone must go see this. There is much more to do during Waterfire. You can find the schedule to Waterfire, here.

2. RISD Museum of Art

RISD Museum of ArtUnsplash

RISD is another must-see if you go to school near RISD. To me, the RISD Museum of Art is so amazing. The museum consists of many different sections of art, including, Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek and Roman art galleries. They also are home to a Vincent Van Gogh and a Pablo Picasso. The museum is free every Sunday and on the 3rd Thursday of each month. For more information about visting RISD, click here.

3. Roger Williams Zoo

roger williams zoo map StableDiffusion

Roger Williams Zoo is a great way to get out on the weekend. I could spend hours at the zoo because I love animals. They have so many great exhibits to see. My personal favorite are the elephants, monkeys, and the otters. There are many interactive activities, too, for example, when I went to the zoo, I fed some of the animals. I would recommend going to the zoo during October and November. During this time, they are participating in their annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Here is a list of more events.

4. Beaches

rhode island beaches StableDiffusion

If weather prevails, going to the beach is always a good idea. Rhode Island beaches are beautiful and a lot less crowded than you may think. They are well kept and these beaches take pride in the cleanliness and beauty of their beaches.

5. Providence Place Mall

Providence place mall StableDiffusion

PPM is a staple destination that most everyone knows about. It has 3 floors of shops, a complete IMAX theater, and more than a dozen restaurants. It is a great place to spend a day to shop and get a bite to eat. I personally love to go shopping with some friends and get ice cream at dairy queen. One of my favorite parts of the mall are the glass windows. The view is absolutely breathtaking.

6. Fed Hill/Thayer Street

Fed Hill/Thayer Street Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Fed Hill is located around Atwells Ave. which is the home to famous eateries and various shops. Thayer Street is located near Brown University which includes a few quick serve places, shops, movie theater, and more. Both of these locations are within walking distance and is a great way to get out on the town.

7. PPAC

PPAC- Providence Performing Arts Center

PPAC is the Providence Performing Arts Center placed right next to Snowden and McNulty Residence Halls. There are many different shows that PPAC puts on and I heard they are very entertaining. You can find more information about the theater or the shows they put on here.

8. Visit other colleges

Visit other colleges in Providence

Since Rhode Island had so many colleges within a short distance, I decided to take the liberty to walk around different campuses. It was a great way to get to know your way around Rhode Island and become more familiar with your surroundings. Some beautiful college campuses include Brown University, Providence College, Roger Williams, Rhode Island School of Design, Bryant University, etc..

9. Go out

Go out

There's no doubt about it that college is known for going out and having fun. There's many places to go out on the weekends, for example, ROXY, Victor Spoils, Ego, Colosseum, Ultra, etc.. (All of these in walking distance from JWU Gaebe) Most times ladies get in for free before a certain time. I believe these are all 18+ clubs but 21+ to drink at the bar. If you want ratings or reviews on clubs, you can find them here.

10. Stay on campus and participate in campus events

Stay on Campus for events Photo by Wander Fleur on Unsplash

Staying on campus and doing something fun provided by JWU is always so much fun. There are so many events on campus to get involved in. Here is a list of the events that JWU Providence holds during the school year.