Brown University

Hallmarks and Quirks

Things I'm Good At:

  • Happy students. According to some folks over at the Princeton Review, at least. Preaching acceptance goes a long way.

  • Multiculturalism. I love including different traditions in my events on campus and sending off my students all around the world for awesome study abroad opportunities.

  • Letting students design their own path. I've got a special "new curriculum" just for them, no GEs required.

  • Dancing. Check out my moves all across campus on commencement weekend.

My Top 5 Must-Haves:

  1. Your most trendy clothes. Women's Wear Daily even named me the most fashionable Ivy League, so you better bring your A-game.

  2. Bike. A lot of my students ride to class in style.

  3. A warm jacket. For those nights that get down to below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, a windbreaker isn't going to cut it.

  4. A laptop is a must. Of course, you can take notes on an old notepad if you want, but it'll be easier to write your papers and jot down your ideas all in one digital place.

  5. Your sports gear. You don't want to be left out in the cold on game day, and we have a lot of them. Thirty-seven varsity teams exist and twenty of them are for women.

Why You Might Have Heard of Me:

  • Spring Week attracts people from all over. Whether you like concerts, dancing, sports, or food, you'll find something at this extravaganza.

  • We have the most varsity women's sports teams of any school in the country.

  • I have the highest-ranked writing program amongst the Ivy League schools. Take that, Harvard.

  • The Simpsons. The writers are from Harvard. They're always mocking me on that show, but hey, I know how to take a joke.

On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...

You'll probably find me on Thayer Street, near campus. Wednesdays are party nights around here, and Thayer is only twenty feet from campus. No driving necessary. Whether I'm getting my groove on at Liquid Lounge or Spats, you know I'll be having a good time.

Favorite Hangouts:

  • The Blue Room for focaccia and coffee. Mmmm…

  • Wickenden Pub. They've got a great assortment of beers and host raffles where you can all kinds of different prizes.

  • Whiskey Republic for some Irish rock and great pub food. Best of all, anyone over eighteen is allowed in.

  • Anywhere with a warm fireplace after November. Remember, being this close to the ocean gets chilly.

Quirks:

  • Don't pass through my Van Wickle gate twice before graduation, or else (rumor has it) you won't graduate.

  • The SciLi or science library has a great view of the city, but I'll let you in on a little secret: My students head up those fourteen floors to get some well-needed privacy with a special someone.

  • I have my own rowing and lacrosse teams. Check it.

  • Naked donut run. Just like it sounds, except better. It's a great way to strip yourself of the stress of finals, if you know what I mean.

  • My campus was used to house soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Like I keep saying, we make everyone feel welcome here.

Famous Alumni:

  • Emma Watson. My students actually got to take classes with Hermione Granger.

  • John W. Heisman, namesake of the Heisman Trophy.

  • Lois Lowry, author of The Giver.

  • Julie Bowen, who you may have seen on Modern Family.