I have just completed my first semester at URI, and have already experienced two extremes. On the one hand, I could wax unendingly about how wonderful my nutrition and communications classes were, with fascinating material and engaging professors and challenging but not overwhelming assignments. On the other hand, I also experienced the drag of the +300 student lecture halls in a psychology class that was mostly a dull Powerpoint presentations of definitions, and a theater class where most of the students goofed off. This is not to say the academic quality at URI is hit or miss, just that this school is not exempt from the challenges of the occasional large and apathetic classroom. That's what makes URI's honor's program so exciting: it's small classroom setting and instructor selected topics guarantee that it's going to be a fascinating and living course, even on the introductor, gen ed requirement level. Definitely take advantage of the honors program for the most stimulating academics.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Contrary to popular belief, URI is not a school full of Rhode Islanders! One thing I love about URI is getting to meet people from lots of different places; even many international students have found their way to this school and make it all the more fun of a place to be. Clubs like The Mob and Humans v. Zombies do crazy things to promote school spirit and the 100+ student organizations leave plenty of things to do, many of which feature free pizza. The abundance of things to do on campus is pretty fortunate, because URI's location is kind of quiet. (Unless Pauly D comes to visit!) There's not much to do off-campus unless you want to take the 40 minute drive into Providence, which is a bit of a bummer. On the flip side, the beach is only ten minutes away, and beautiful all year round. Lots of good food, too. There are lots of different people here, and that's one of the best things about URI.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The truth is, URI runs a little pricey as far as state schools go. Granted, my family and I are flat broke, but thanks to URI's financial aid and a few outside scholarships, I have been able to pay for my first year without taking out any student loans. Still, instate students might want to consider taking their gen eds at CCRI, since the credit is guaranteed transferable, and the tuition is much more affordable. The caveat out of the way, URI does deliver a plenty of perks for all its cost. Endless academic variety and free resources like Career Services and the Academic Enhancement Center ensure that you get your money's worth. It's difficult for a state school to balance the budget, but I wish URI could find some way to address the parking situation: commuter parking is less than ideal.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Use the gym and the AEC and the library - you're paying for these things, but it's depressing how few students actually use them.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Basketball fans, people looking for Greek life, theater geeks who want a tight-knit and fun group, beach bums, those bubbling over with enthusiastic school pride, and marine biology majors.
I have just completed my first semester at URI, and have already experienced two extremes. On the one hand, I could wax unendingly about how wonderful my nutrition and communications classes were, with fascinating material and engaging professors and challenging but not overwhelming assignments. On the other hand, I also experienced the drag of the +300 student lecture halls in a psychology class that was mostly a dull Powerpoint presentations of definitions, and a theater class where most of the students goofed off. This is not to say the academic quality at URI is hit or miss, just that this school is not exempt from the challenges of the occasional large and apathetic classroom. That's what makes URI's honor's program so exciting: it's small classroom setting and instructor selected topics guarantee that it's going to be a fascinating and living course, even on the introductor, gen ed requirement level. Definitely take advantage of the honors program for the most stimulating academics.
Contrary to popular belief, URI is not a school full of Rhode Islanders! One thing I love about URI is getting to meet people from lots of different places; even many international students have found their way to this school and make it all the more fun of a place to be. Clubs like The Mob and Humans v. Zombies do crazy things to promote school spirit and the 100+ student organizations leave plenty of things to do, many of which feature free pizza. The abundance of things to do on campus is pretty fortunate, because URI's location is kind of quiet. (Unless Pauly D comes to visit!) There's not much to do off-campus unless you want to take the 40 minute drive into Providence, which is a bit of a bummer. On the flip side, the beach is only ten minutes away, and beautiful all year round. Lots of good food, too. There are lots of different people here, and that's one of the best things about URI.
The truth is, URI runs a little pricey as far as state schools go. Granted, my family and I are flat broke, but thanks to URI's financial aid and a few outside scholarships, I have been able to pay for my first year without taking out any student loans. Still, instate students might want to consider taking their gen eds at CCRI, since the credit is guaranteed transferable, and the tuition is much more affordable. The caveat out of the way, URI does deliver a plenty of perks for all its cost. Endless academic variety and free resources like Career Services and the Academic Enhancement Center ensure that you get your money's worth. It's difficult for a state school to balance the budget, but I wish URI could find some way to address the parking situation: commuter parking is less than ideal.
Use the gym and the AEC and the library - you're paying for these things, but it's depressing how few students actually use them.
Basketball fans, people looking for Greek life, theater geeks who want a tight-knit and fun group, beach bums, those bubbling over with enthusiastic school pride, and marine biology majors.