The more roommates, the better.
This is the most genuine advice I can think to pass along to you. I lived in a triple in Raymond Hall my first year and had the most amazing experiences living in an all-girls' dorm. The girls in this res hall are bright, friendly, and helpful, and they will become your sisters. In my off-campus house of thirteen for senior year, twelve of us are from Ray, and nine of us lived on the same floor (second floor whoop whoop!). Ray girls just stick together. Aquinas is also a great place to live as a sophomore -- Suites is overrated! I made some really great friends that year (the close proximity makes it impossible not to).
Providence is an old city. Explore it!
Some ultra-specific advice: When you spend a Saturday on Thayer Street, whether at Bajas or Durk's, take some time after to wander around the surrounding neighborhoods. These cobblestone streets date back centuries, and the houses are absolutely gorgeous in the spring (and spooky around Halloween). Watch a sunset at Prospect Park, then thank me later.
LaSalle Bakery is a god-send.
My friends at La Salle our first weekend of sophomore year
Three words: snickerdoodle iced coffee.
Club sports are fun, intramural sports are better.
Me and some teammates after a win -- seriously, one of my favorite pictures ever of all time.
I played women's club rugby for three seasons and loved it. The girls on the team were leaders, and I had so much fun challenging myself with a new sport. I've never been much of an athlete, but there was something about being a part of something slightly above my skill level that was really exciting. I do suggest trying a club sport at PC, even if just for a single semester. If that's not something you can see yourself enjoying, try intramural sports instead. There's something for everyone, and you just might win yourself a championship t-shirt. One of my favorite moments ever at Providence was winning the women's inner tube water polo championship game as a sophomore (not-so-humble brag). Intramurals are some of the most fun you'll have in all four years, even if you get your ass kicked.
Black and white ball isn't lame!
My friends Mackenzie (L) and Lauren (R) the night of our freshman year Black and White Ball
Go every single year. I was so sad to miss this past year's Black and White Ball while I was studying abroad. I was all the way in Scotland and thinking about how much I wanted to be in a sweaty gym with the entire student population. Getting ready with your friends beforehand is the best part, except for maybe going to get food after. Oh, and a hot take -- Mirano's is way better than Mondoz. And the fried macaroni and cheese from Golden Crust will never let you down.
No matter how cold it gets, you do Not need a Canada Goose jacket.
Harkins Hall at Christmas time
Not only are they ridiculously expensive, Canada Goose jackets are also made with coyote fur -- not cool! You're gonna see a lot of them come November, but I promise that the winter coat you already have is perfect. Don't waste your money trying to keep up with everyone else on campus. Invest in some good sweaters and a pair of waterproof winter boots, and you're good to go.
Friars hold doors.
The view of the Aquinas quad from fourth floor
I didn't realize how unique this was to PC's campus until pretty recently. Everyone -- and I mean everyone -- holds doors for each other. I love it. At a school as small as PC, kindness is everything. My parting piece of advice is to be the most patient version of yourself, and to remember that an act of kindness is never wasted.
I hope that these 'golden rules' make more sense as you continue your journey through Providence College. This school has become my home over the last three years, and I have no doubt that it will become yours just as quickly. I leave you with these parting words: God bless and Go Friars!
