As an incoming freshman, it can be nerve-racking to enter a new chapter of your life for the next four years. However, there is so much to look forward to as you will explore what Rhody life is all about as you become a part of the Ram family in the fall! 

There are no two students that are the same at the University of Rhode Island. No matter what your passions or hobbies are, there are clubs, sports, and events for everyone. Exploring all that Campus Recreation has to offer is a great place to start! 

Come join our team as there are multiple different employment opportunities for everyone. From aquatics, club sports, facilities & operations, fitness & wellness, intramural sports, sailing, and our marketing team! URI offers more than 150 student-run organizations, 18 varsity teams, and many other programs and opportunities to get involved. Student Involvement starts here! Check out everything from student groups and event planning to traditions passed down by every Ram, check it out!

Some of the upcoming fall events I am excited about are O-Week, Rhody Fest, and Family Weekend. From tailgating the URI football games to food trucks and fun activities on the quad, our Ram community knows how to welcome others!

To all incoming freshmen, do not be afraid to take a risk and leap ahead for what is to come! Change is happening, but take each moment to breathe and let things fall into place. Give yourself the time and space to adjust to living on your own, meeting new people, and discovering new places. You got this! 

 

Helpful Resources for New Students 

Check out the Rhode to Becoming a Ram for a first-year checklist covering all the information for enrollment in the fall, including orientation sessions, accepted student events, Rhode trips, and contact information for student support. Another great support resource is TELUS Health Student Support. Upon downloading the Telus app, each student will gain free access to confidential support regarding one’s mental health and well-being. This service is available 24/7 through a real-time chat, video, or phone call within the app. Along with TELUS Health, the URI Counseling Center offers in-person appointments regarding individual or group therapy, referrals for medication, off-campus counseling, and academic and career counseling. It is always okay to seek help and support! Even if you don’t currently need these services, exploring each one is beneficial in case you do in the future.

Before you begin your new journey as a Ram, first let’s review the most popular spots on campus such as the dining halls, Memorial Union, the Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Commons, the Quad, the Fascitelli Fitness & Wellness Center, and the Emporium. 

 

Maps & Transportation

Check out URI Maps and Directions for an interactive map of campus, the Kingston parking spots, and the Narragansett Bay Campus. The map will assist you in familiarizing yourself with the locations of class buildings, dorms, condos all around campus, and other various destinations nearby. Additionally, there is information for the Kingston railroad station as well as the Campus Shuttle Service. There are multiple shuttle stops all around campus so no matter where you are, you can get a ride. Whether it is a rainy or snowy day, the shuttle service is convenient as you will be picked up and dropped off at class. 

 

Dining Halls & Residence Halls

The first building we’ll explore is the Mainfare Dining Hall. 

The Mainfare Dining Hall is located at 19 Butterfield Road. On the website, you will always find the menu for the day. To contact URI’s registered Dietician, Karen Orabona, for any questions or concerns, call (401)- 874- 4856. The menu offers nine different meal categories: allergy pantry, cereal bar, mf condiments, homestyle, pasta station, deli, Astro’s, fusion wok bowls, and a fruit and salad bar. Additionally, there are the all-you-care-to-eat and the build-your-own-meal options. You will also find the hours of operation, instructions on placing a mobile order, nutrition and food allergy information, meal plans, catering, ID cards, Ram account, questions, and contacts all on their website. 

The next building to explore is the Butterfield Dining & Residence Hall. 

The Butterfield Dining & Residence Hall is located at 1 Butterfield Rd. The Butterfield Residence Halls are just above the dining hall so students who are selected to live there can walk into the dining hall right from their building. I lived in Butterfield my freshman year and it was super convenient for grabbing food on the go, or a nice warm meal on a snowy day. Butterfield offers similar meal options as Mainfare, however there are a few differences in the food bars. With 11 different meal categories, the dining hall offers a pasta bar, pizza bar, fruit bar, cereal bar, beverages, condiments, fusion bowls, deli options, burrito station, allergy pantry, and homestyle meals. You will find the same information regarding their menu, hours of operation, meal plans, and more on the site. 

Popular Spots on Campus 

The next stop is Memorial Union.

The Memorial Union is located at 50 Lower College Road in the heart of campus. The union is super convenient as you will pass by it on the way to class near the Quad. With various meal options, there is a Dunkin Donuts right outside the union. This is my favorite spot as I will get coffee before or after class and is perfect for picking up a fancy latte or snack on the go. Through the Dunkin app, you can order ahead, saving time, especially when the lines are long after classes. Not only is there a Dunkin, but you will also find the Ram’s Den, the Campus Store, the Ram Tech, Fuji, Snack Shack, Total Image Hair Salon, 193 Coffee House, the URI Mail Services, and more. You’ll also find study lounges and multiple classrooms for getting work done or collaborating with others. Many clubs hold meetings in Memorial Union. Their website provides more information on events, programs, and resources for involvement.

Next, is Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Commons.

The Robert L. Carothers Library & Learning Commons is located at 15 Lippitt Road. On their website, you will find the library hours in which the study lounge room on the first floor is open 24/7, research help and references, contact information for suggestions and feedback, the launch and innovation lab, the maker space for hands-on learning and crafts, and other study rooms/spaces. The library is beneficial for all types of studying. There are multiple floors, with each higher floor progressively quieter. This is a great place for collaborating on a group assignment, doing individual work, or just exploring the different labs and study spots. My favorite place in the 24/7 room is the Daily Grind. From Starbucks drinks to bagels, RI Guys Donuts, muffins, and other snacks, it is a great place for staying energized!

As we make our way past the library, our next destination is the quad. 

The Quad is a place on campus that you will not miss. Whether you are studying, doing yoga, or having a picnic with friends, it is a great place to relax and unwind. The Quad is near the Emporium and surrounds mostly all of the buildings where classes are held. Some common halls surrounding the Quad are Washburn Hall, East Hall, Bliss Hall, Lippitt Hall, Ballentine Hall, Davis Hall, and Ranger Hall. Events are held on the Quad year-round, featuring activities like food truck nights, games, club sign-up events, yoga on the quad, and more. 

Across from Mainfaire, you will find Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center is located at 18 Butterfield Road. As part of Campus Recreation’s Mission to be Active, Be Well, and Belong the gym is a perfect place to stay moving and explore workout classes, weight machines, and cardio machines. At Campus Recreation, you will find fitness and wellness classes you can sign up for on IMLeagues, intramural and club sports, along with aquatics and sailing sports. To name a few, there are yoga, cycling, and arms and abs classes, so there is something for everyone! Additionally, outside the gym, you will find the labyrinth and outdoor meditation space for students to sit and do work or just relax.

Our last destination is the Emporium at the very top of campus.

The Emporium is located at 99 Fortin Road. On the website, you will find multiple different food options on the go or to sit down, some popular ones such as Insomnia Cookies, RI Guys Donuts, Calientes, The Rhode House, and more. Additionally, there is another campus store, a CVS, two convenience stores, and a yoga studio all in the same plaza. There is so much to explore, so go check it out!

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Campus Recreation is here to support you and your transition into becoming a Ram! Check out our About US page, facilities, memberships, recreation programs, and registration portal to learn more! We also have plenty of blogs on how to adjust to a new place, move-in tips, or even notes to self where our blog writers have shared their experiences trying something new! 

When it comes to classes, extracurriculars, scheduling, and time management, it is an adjustment as you are living on your own and learning to take accountability for going to class, doing your work on time, cleaning and doing laundry, etc. The best piece of advice I can give anyone who is becoming a Ram is to make a to-do list every day and have three non-negotiables. Having three tasks or places to explore on campus that are the most important helps you to manage your time productively and intentionally. Although it can be challenging to stay motivated at times, engaging in something you’re passionate about during your free time can make your experience enjoyable and rewarding. Building connections with your classmates, friends, professors, and staff members truly makes everything worthwhile!