TravelTips24 :

College Hill

College HillProvidence

The district gets its name from two college campuses found within its borders: Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. It is an eclectic district swarming with college students, hipsters and wanna-be breakout musicians, but is also filled with a plethora of unique things to do and see.

Travel to College Hill & Visa Requirements

  • By Bus:

From Kennedy Plaza in Downcity Providence: Aside from providing in the entertainment in the form of people interaction, you can catch a multitude of buses from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) bus station, Kennedy Plaza. The 51, 52, 53, 54, 58, 72 and 99 lines will place you within walking distance of the district. The 35, 40, 42, 49, 78 and 92 will take you right to the heart and soul of College Hill, Thayer Street.

  • By Train:

The Amtrak Station in Providence is within walking distance of College Hill. Walk north on Gaspee Street until you reach Smith Street and take a left. Walk until you reach North Main Street, which is the western border of College Hill.

  • By Car:

From South: Take the exit onto I-95 N toward Providence entering Rhode Island. Slight right at I-195 E/US-6 E (signs for I-195/E Providence/US-6 E). Take exit 3 toward Gano St. Turn left at Wickenden St. Turn right at Hope St. and follow until you pass Power Street.

From North: Take the exit onto I-95 S entering Rhode Island. Take exit 24 for Branch Ave. Slight left at Branch Ave. Turn right at N Main St/US-1 and continue to follow N Main St. Turn left at Olney St.

From West: Take the ramp to US-6 E. Take exit 5 to merge onto US-6 E toward Providence. Exit onto Memorial Blvd. Slight right at Dyer St/US-44. Turn left at Washington St. Turn left at N Main St/US-44. Slight right at N Main St. Turn right at Olney St.

From East: Head west on US-44. Turn left at Pawtucket Ave/RI-114/US-1. Turn right at US-6/Warren Ave. Turn left at Lyon Ave. Turn left at Mauran Ave. Turn right at Arlington St.

The city of Providence and the surrounding roads are often under construction. Also, during the afternoon there can be a lot of traffic at the exit for I-195; if either of these things seem to be the case for you, consider taking exit 22A off of 95. Take a right at the light at the end of the exit ramp and follow the signs to College Hill.

  • Parking

There is parking at a reasonable rate at the Providence Place Mall, which is found right off of exit 22C off of 95. The mall is within easy walking distance of College Hill if you feel like leaving your car in a more secure location.

Other than that, there is plenty of on-street and on-location parking throughout the College Hill area. Beware, though, if you're coming in for an evening on the town, you might not be able to find parking directly on Thayer Street, but there are plenty of neighboring streets that should serve your purpose.

DO NOT try to park in the area during Brown's move-in or move-out weekend (these weekends change each year, but are in early September and late May). There will be nowhere for you to park, and if you do find a spot, your car could end up as a temporary loading bay for college knickknacks.

College Hill attractions and sightseeing