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Rhode Island College Gems & Traditions
Things to do:
Roger Williams Park Zoo -- Widely considered the best zoo in the country, this is a fun place to spend the day. Quite cheap, considering the wide variety of exhibits and activities, and full of overly-effusive zoo employees who are willing to go considerably beyond the call of duty to assure that you really, really appreciate the miracle of the bats’ nocturnal habits. To top it all off, there is an awesome park adjacent to the zoo with classic amusement park rides (bumper boats, carousel), and fairly cheap eats.
Avon Cinema -- From the newest of art house flicks to classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this theatre has it all. Lots of foreign and documentary type movies pass through this historic theatre, located in Providence’s East Side, and it’s definitely the perfect place for a date with that cute artistic student from your intro to Eastern Philosophy class.
The Newport Beaches -- Hop on a relatively short bus ride (45 minutes or so) and head to the picturesque Newport beaches for a day of sun and fun. You’ll have to contest for a spot on the sand with the Newport locals -- a mix of Rhode Island-accented townies and Newport’s famously super-rich slumming it on the public beaches while their private club has the pool cleaned -- but it’s worth it. Second Beach is your best option. It’s got better surf and is generally less crowded, but First Beach is more centrally located. Head down to Brick Marketplace for some pub food after you’re spent.
The Arts Districts -- Providence had an unfortunate yet sadly appropriate reputation as a mobster-run, dirty city, but within the last five years, that reputation has been blessedly ameliorated. In fact, Providence is leading the state and country as an arts and culturally central locale, even offering tax incentives for artists living and working within the city’s preordained arts districts. This boosts the economy of the city by attracting tourists and arts aficionados to the specific areas, and creates very funky and interesting neighborhoods to hang out in. Checking out the RISD art museums is a must as far as city arts are concerned.
Waterfire -- A totally, totally awesome event, taking place
every other Saturday night during the summer. Do the words “fire sculpture,”
sound linguistically logical to you? If not, then head down to the area around
Providence’s three rivers and experience a truly eclectic and ethereal event.
Attendants clad completely in black stoically feed the fires via circulating
torch-lit boats, and international and classical music floats softly through
the air. The area is always great for strolling, but put on your hiking boots
and bug spray, because this is a legitimate outdoors experience. Pack a picnic,
as the neighboring vendors take advantage of their prime location.
RIC Traditions
- Free Period: Every Wednesday is Free Period. There are no classes scheduled at this time and because of this, most clubs meet at this time. Take advantage of this time! Get to know what’s going on around campus and relax! That’s what this time is for!
- Student Activities Day: This is the second Free Period of every semester. All the clubs set up booths on the Quad (unless it’s raining, then look for the event in the Student Union Ballroom.) You can get information on clubs or even sign up for one! It’s always a good time and you can get some free stuff too!
- Midnight Madness: This is an event that WXIN throws as a rally before the Winter Sports season. Different residence halls compete to show who has the most spirit. Everyone goes and it’s always a blast. Details are announced weeks before so you have plenty of time to plan.
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