Campus Traditions & Welcome Events

Even if you don’t live on campus, you’re a vital part of Rhody life. These annual events are open to all students and offer great ways to connect, celebrate, and belong.

Get Involved

Explore URInvolved and learn about ways to stay connected on campus

URINVOLVED
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URInvolved is a resource for students at the University of Rhode Island to search for and join student organizations, register and attend events happening on campus, and track involvement during their time at URI. It can be difficult to figure out where to begin and how to get involved so to start, check out URInvolved for help.

Signature URI Traditions

International Student Welcome Week

International Welcome Week & Orientation is for all incoming international students and exchanges as they begin their studies. The orientation program provides opportunities to familiarize yourself with URI’s campus, community, and resources for success. 

Orientation Week (O-Week)

A weeklong series of events for new students, which starts during Move-in. Settle in, meet others, explore campus, and get engaged before classes begin. Events are free, fun, and repeated during the week. Be sure to RSVP early and come prepared with your QR code, water, and sunscreen.

Family Weekend

A special fall weekend filled with campus events where students can invite family to join the fun. Key activities include the Rhody football game, a post-game reception, and Saturday evening entertainment. There are family tailgates, campus tours, and other activities. It’s a chance to invite loved ones to experience URI culture firsthand.

Homecoming Weekend

All alumni are invited back to campus to reconnect with friends and enjoy the homecoming football game, the Rhodyville block party, and reunions. It’s a weekend packed with activities: class celebrations, social events, informative presentations, football, tailgating, and much more.

Beats & Eats

A monthly on-campus event hosted by URI’s Office of Student Involvement and WRIU 90.3 FM that brings together free food and live music to engage students and celebrate the community. Usually takes place in the Memorial Union, featuring a rotating lineup of food trucks—such as “Incred‑a‑Bowl,” Hometown Poké, or Pit Stop. Past themes have included anniversaries like Arab American Heritage Month, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Women’s History Month.

Fall Fest at URI

Festive, week-long celebration held in late October or early November, hosted by the Office of Student Involvement and Housing and Residential Life. It offers a fun mix of daytime and evening activities—including pumpkin painting, a mechanical pumpkin ride, apple cider and donuts, games, giveaways, and live music. The event culminates in a major concert or comedy show, giving students an opportunity to connect, celebrate fall, and explore campus life.

Student Organization Fairs at URI are vibrant, campus-wide events held each semester by the Office of Student Involvement. They are open to all students and often feature free food, music, and giveaways. Whether you’re seeking a social outlet, a leadership role, or an academic support group, these fairs offer a perfect starting point. They bring together more than 40 student clubs and organizations—in the Union Ballroom or on the Quad—offering opportunities for students to explore a wide range of interests: athletics, academic, cultural, service, and recreational groups, connect directly with organization leaders to learn about membership and upcoming activities, and Engage with fellow students and discover communities aligned with their passions

A. Robert Rainville Leadership Awards

The A. Robert Rainville Leadership Awards, hosted annually by URI’s Office of Student Involvement and Center for Student Leadership Development, celebrate outstanding student leadership, academic excellence, and community service. Finalists are selected through nominations and committee interviews. The invitation‑only awards banquet—typically held in early April—includes a dinner and formal ceremony to announce recipients.

End of Semester Celebration

with President Parlange

Think Big
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  • What to Expect:
    • Big College Field Day style games—outdoor bowling, four square, tug-of-war, basketball contests, golf putting, and more.
    • Exciting attractions like a mechanical surfboard, a rock-climbing wall, and a ladder truck from Kingston Fire Station.
    • Entertainment and music powered by WRIU Radio
    • Free food and snacks served by URI Public Safety, including hot dogs, grilled cheese, popcorn, cookies, bagels, and chocolate milk.
    • Special features: Day of Giving booths, Rhody Senior Challenge station, free haircuts (“Buzzbox”), Humvee display, and climbing wall.
    • Seniors can decorate their caps, take graduation photos with Rhody the Ram, and receive philanthropy cords

Check out the Memorial Union

The Heart of Campus

WELCOME!
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Leadership and Involvement

Centers and Programs

Jobs and Internships

Rhody Match Form

So many choices. Not sure where to start? The Student Event Advising (SEA) Staff can help you through the personalized process to find ways to get involved. To begin, all you have to do is fill out this form and a SEA Advisor will reach out to you via email to help you find your fit.