Schedule

Block 1: 9–9:45 a.m. Welcome to URI Presentation
Congratulations on your acceptance! Today you’ll hear from administrators and students who are excited to welcome you to the Ram Fam, share their experiences, and help you envision your future at URI. Get ready to discover the opportunities, support, and vibrant community that await you!

Block 2: 10:15–11:10 a.m. Academic and Student Life Programs
Block 3: 11:30 a.m.–12:25 p.m. Academic and Student Life Programs
Block 4: 12:45–1:40 Academic and Student Life Programs
Block 5: 2–3 p.m. Student Life Programs

Dining

Taste our delicious cuisine prepared for you by our own chefs. At check-in, you will receive dining cards that are good for one meal at Butterfield or Mainfare Dining Hall during your Welcome Day experience. 

Event Listing

Academic Programs (Blocks 2–4)

Meet the deans, faculty, and students from your major. Use an additional block if you are considering a double major or minor. If you are still exploring your options, visit our Undeclared, University College for Academic Success presentation. 

• Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education 
• College of Arts and Sciences 
• College of Business 
• College of Engineering 
• College of the Environment and Life Sciences 
• College of Health Sciences 
• College of Nursing 
• College of Pharmacy 
• Harrington School of Communication and Media 
• Honors Program and Chinese Language Flagship Program 
• Undeclared, University College for Academic Success 

Not sure which college your major is under? View our majors list to learn more.

Have questions or need assistance? Email rhode2ram@uri.edu. 

Student Life Programs (Blocks 2–5)

CAMPUS WALKING TOUR 
Explore academic spaces, athletic facilities, residence halls, and more. 

UNIVERSITY FAIR 
Talk to students who have found their place and people in some of our 300+ clubs and organizations. Also, learn about our support services, additional academic opportunities, housing, dining, and other important resources for students. 

FAFSA COMPLETION MEETINGS 
In these one-on-one meetings, we’ll guide you through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Whether you’re a first-time filer or need assistance with specific questions, our Enrollment Services staff is here to provide support and maximize your aid opportunities. Bring your questions and documents, and we’ll help you complete your FAFSA with confidence. 

NEW RAM MEET-AND-GREET 
Gather informally to connect with other new students, make friends, find a roommate, and get excited for Orientation. 

PRE-ORIENTATION PRESENTATION 
Attend this brief kickoff presentation to learn more about your next steps on the Rhode to Becoming a Ram. 

RESIDENCE HALL WALKING TOUR 
Take an abbreviated walking tour with a current student to see different styles of living on campus. * Please note: This tour only showcases residence halls. 

RHODY LIFE UNFILTERED 
Curious about what URI students and families wish they had known (and what they have since learned) about the transition to college life? Join us for this interactive panel. 

TALENT DEVELOPMENT MEET-AND-GREET 
Admitted Rhode Island Talent Development students: Listen to, learn from, and ask questions of TD program representatives about the Summer Success Program and your first semester at URI. 

TRANSFER ONE-STOP 
Transferring to a new school is a big step. Get firsthand information about student life and chat with our transfer advisors. 

FAQ

We have collected our most frequently asked questions to help you plan and make the most of your day. If you have additional questions or need assistance, contact rhode2ram@uri.edu. 

Note: If you or your guests are observing Ramadan, please feel free to email rhode2ram@uri.edu and we can discuss accommodations and space options during your visit.

Registration

Why should I attend Welcome Day?
Each year, between 2,500 and 3,000 people attend Welcome Day at URI. These events provide accepted students, parents, and supporters with fun, interactive ways to explore campus and the surrounding area, learn more about academic majors and ways to get involved, ask questions of students and staff, and get a feel for our culture and community. You will also have the opportunity to meet fellow classmates in person and take the next steps on your college journey, like paying your enrollment deposit and learning about Orientation.

What if I’m not sure which major my college is in?
Download and view our majors list. If you’re still not sure, Admission staff or student volunteers can assist you on Welcome Day. Your college is also listed in your decision letter, and will be listed in the reminder email you receive two days before the event. If you’re still not sure, Admission staff or student volunteers can assist you on Welcome Day.

Attendance

How should I select my sessions?
Welcome Day is designed so you can select the events that interest you the most. We recommend prioritizing your favorites, or dividing and conquering with your family who is attending Welcome Day with you.

What if I need to leave early?
No problem. For the full experience, we do recommend staying through the end of each session.

Mobility Assistance

What if someone in my group needs mobility assistance?
Please note this on your registration form. Questions? Please email tourguideoutreach@uri.edu.

Directions, Parking, and Getting Around

How do I get to URI’s Ryan Center?
You can drive to The Ryan Center, located at One Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston, RI 02881, and parking will be available. Additionally, you can take the train to the Kingston Amtrak station or ride the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus to campus. If you are flying to Rhode Island, URI is only a 30-minute taxi/rideshare from our T.F. Green International Airport.

I’m taking the train to the Kingston Amtrak station. How do I get to campus from there?
The Kingston Amtrak Station, located at 1 Railroad Ave., West Kingston, RI 02892, is just 1.6 miles away from the Ryan Center! The easiest way to get to campus from the Station is to take a taxi or rideshare, like Uber or Lyft.

If my family is arriving by train or plane, will there be a place to store a small bag or suitcase (nothing valuable)?
Yes, we can accommodate this request. Families should let us know at check-in at the Ryan Center, and we’ll be happy to assist. 

Where should I park?
Please plan to park in the Ryan Center lot, located at One Lincoln Almond Plaza, Kingston, RI 02881. 

Will on-campus transportation be provided?
Yes, buses will be available for on-campus transportation. Please note that the campus tour is a walking tour. 

How do I get around campus?
We are proud of our walkable campus. View a PDF of our Welcome Day campus map to use as your guide. You will receive a paper program with a printed map on the day of the event. Buses will be available for on-campus transportation.

Planning

I’ve already been on a campus tour. Do I need to take one again?
No, but by touring again you will meet a new tour guide and learn about their URI experience. You may also want to consider taking a residence hall walking tour which focuses on the living options at URI.

Can I participate in more than one activity during one block?
No, each event is scheduled to last the entire hour. If there are multiple activities in one block you want to experience, we recommend dividing and conquering with family members attending simultaneous sessions.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Our dining services team has created a menu for Welcome Day that includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For all dietary and ingredient questions, please contact Karen Orabona, M.Ed, RD, LDN, our Dietitian and Nutrition Specialist by email at: karenorabona@uri.edu or call 401.874.4856. You can also learn more about how URI helps students manage food allergies and dietary restrictions here.

Area Accommodations

There are several nearby options for overnight accommodations, should you decide to spend the night and further explore the South County area. 

• Holiday Inn South Kingstown, located approximately 3 miles from the URI campus: 3009 Tower Hill Rd, Saunderstown, RI, 02874.
• Hampton Inn South Kingstown, located 5 miles from campus: 20 Hotel Dr, South Kingstown, RI, 02879.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites, located 5.5 miles from campus: 3 Fairfield Way South Kingstown, RI, 02879.
• For a list of other area hotels and restaurants, visit uri.edu/visit/dining-and-lodging/.

More

I have questions that weren’t answered in the FAQ. Who can I contact?
If you have any additional questions, please email rhode2ram@uri.edu.