New Student Communications

Welcome! Join Us for Social and Community Building Events During Orientation

Welcome to Brown University! We're thrilled to have you join our vibrant graduate community this fall. Starting graduate school is an exciting milestone, and we want to help you build meaningful connections from day one.

Our graduate assistants have organized a series of social and community building events specifically designed to help you meet fellow graduate students and learn about the many things to do and see in Providence and at Brown. These events are a fantastic opportunity to:

Meet students from across different programs and departments
Build lasting friendships and professional network
Learn about your new home, Providence, RI
Relax and have fun as you transition into graduate life
Connect with mentors and peers who can support your journey

Please note that many of these events have limited space, please only register for those you are most interested in and if your plans change, please cancel right away to allow another student to take your place.

Events:

Graduate Student Council Ice Cream Social| Aug. 20 | 1-3 pm
Enjoy ice cream and toppings, and meet members of the Graduate Student Council. No registration required, just stop by!
Global Brown Center Tour | Aug. 20 and Aug. 21
Visit the Global Brown Center, meet professional staff, learn about our programs and resources, and check out international students’ very own home away from home at Brown. Space is limited, register for a specific day: Aug. 20 at 3:35 pm | Aug. 21 at 3 pm
International Graduate Student Reception | Aug. 21 | 4 pm
Enjoy hearty appetizers and conversation with Graduate School and School of Professional Studies deans, leadership and Center directors from across the University. ID (passport or license) required to enjoy beer or wine. Registration not required, just stop by!
Explore International House of RI | Aug. 22 | 2-4 pm
Founded in 1963, International House of Rhode Island has been a resource for the Brown international community for over 60 years! They have six private residential rooms, reserved for international scholars, and host English classes, 1-1 tutoring, Film Club, musical concerts, book talks, and other programs. In this session, you will get a tour of the house, enjoy international-themed treats*, learn more about International House, and get a chance to connect with incoming international graduate students. Space is limited. Registration required.
Hangout at the Graduate Center Bar | Aug. 22 | 8:00 pm
The legendary Graduate Center Bar also known as GCB is open! They have a very strict ID policy, so bring your passport to get in and/or become a member. The experience of generations of Brown grad students tells us that you will be hanging out there often. Registration requested.
RISD Museum Tour | Aug. 23 | Openings at 2, 2:30, 3, 3:30 & 4 pm
Join your peer graduate students in this group tour to view over 2000 objects exhibited in the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Established in 1877, this museum has gathered art and design from ancient times to the present day from all over the world. It is a perfect occasion to appreciate world art, make new friends, and get more acquainted with local life in Providence. Space is limited, register for a specific entry time: 2:00 pm | 2:30 pm | 3:00 pm | 3:30 pm | 4:00 pm
Rock Climbing | Aug. 24 | 1 pm
Looking for a fun way to kick off your time at Brown? Join us for an afternoon of rock climbing and community building at Rock Spot Climbing! Whether you’re a first-time climber or an experienced pro, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, meet other incoming master’s students, and have fun before the semester begins. Space is limited. Registration required.
Brown University Public Art Tour | Aug. 24 | 1 pm
The Public Art Tours enable the University to share its significant cultural assets with the wider public and underscore the value of public art within the Brown community. With guidance from University Curator Nicole Wholean, 15 students, supported through Brown Arts Institute’s ArtsCrew workforce development initiative, curated tours that feature a personal selection of 6 works from Brown’s wide-ranging public art collection of over 30 pieces. Participants can look forward to a student-led exploration that promises not just a tour, but an inclusive and enjoyable learning experience, unveiling the stories behind each artwork and the collection as a whole.Space is limited. Registration required.
Speed Networking for PhD & MFA Students | Aug. 26 | 2:05 pm
In this session we take the first step to create your grad community for the year to come by connecting you to your peers through our certified, purely random process which has an anecdotally proven track record of creating lasting memories and connections. Led by graduate assistants. No need to register, just check in the morning of Aug. 26 and grab a group number.
The Guild Beer Garden and Games | Aug. 27 | 5-7 pm
Join us at The Guild Beer Garden for cold beer or seltzers, lawn games, food trucks, and hangs! Space is limited. Registration required.
Slavery & Legacy Walking Tour | Aug. 28 at 11 am and 4 pm
This tour examines the history behind Brown University, the State of Rhode Island and their roles in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The tours help students (K-12 +college) as well as adult groups think critically about the University and state histories. Space is limited, register for a specific entry time: 11:00 am | 4:00 pm
Grad Student Skate Night | Aug. 28 | 8 pm
Roll with a fun night of skating at United Skates of America. Enjoy free rink admission, skate rentals, a slice of pizza, and a soft drink. United Skates of America is in East Providence and accessible via RIPTA bus lines 35/78, ride-share apps, and has free on-site parking. Space is limited. Registration required.
Yoga on the Green | Aug. 29 | 3 pm
Join fellow graduate students across programs for a free outdoor yoga class on the Nightingale-Brown House Lawn. Whether you are new to yoga or looking for a new studio to check out in Providence, graduate students of all abilities are encouraged to join us to connect with the graduate student community at Brown through yoga. This vinyasa style class will be taught by an instructor from Jala Studio and will last about 45 minutes. Please bring a water bottle and dress comfortably. Space is limited. Registration required.
Grad Student Night at Dave & Busters | Aug. 29 | 6:00 pm
Incoming graduate students are invited to connect at our off-campus social event at Dave & Buster’s. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow graduate students, enjoy games, food, and celebrate the start of your journey at Brown in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Space is limited. Registration required.
Field Day | Aug. 30 | 2-5 pm
Join fellow incoming graduate students at the Graduate School Orientation Field Day. Enjoy picnic-style food and beverages while playing fun lawn games like cornhole, Spikeball, KanJam, and more. Come ready to play some games and soak up the sun! Registration requested.
RIFC Soccer Match | Aug. 30 | 7 pm
It’s time for some Wicked Good Soccer ⚽️. Come watch Providence’s premier AA soccer team, RIFC, beat the Charleston Battery FC at the new Centerville Bank Stadium! Space is limited. Registration required.
Kayaking | Aug. 31 | 3 or 4 pm
Come explore Providence by water, kayaking throughout the Providence River! This experience with Providence River Boat Company will provide you with beautiful views from the river that separates the East side and Downtown Providence. Enjoy the city’s rich architecture, paddling through the Waterplace Park and over picturesque bridges. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen for this outdoor activity. No previous experience is required. Please complete the required waiver form prior to your arrival. Space is limited, register for a specific entry time: 3:00 pm | 4:00 pm

If you have any questions about the events, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at gradstudent-orientation@brown.edu.

We look forward to meeting you and helping you become part of our graduate community!

Sincerely,
Brown University Graduate School

Student Health Services Portal

Welcome to Brown University Graduate School - Important Orientation Information

International Students: Visa Appointment Request for Information

International Students: Summer English Language Program

Dear Graduate Student,

The Summer English Language Program at the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning is now accepting participants for the 2025 cohort!

Program snapshot

The Summer English Language Program (ELP) is a two-week pre-orientation program that aims to equip incoming international graduate students for whom English is not a primary language with the language skills to feel confident and successful in navigating their academic contexts. Throughout the program, participants are oriented to key knowledge and skills for competent and confident participation in a range of essential academic communicative events and genres, including email writing, small talk, academic discussions in classrooms and research group meetings (RGM), relationship building with academic advisors, giving academic presentations, and writing with sources.

Resources and practices

By the end of the program, participants will practice social and academic English language skills in low-stakes contexts, receive direct and tailored feedback from English Language Support, connect with staff and university resources and services, and interact with other graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines. In addition, ELP is one of the eligible pathways for CIRTL Associate certification through which Brown graduate students gain access to a wide range of professional development resources geared towards the integration of research, teaching, and learning.

Schedule and logistics

The program will take place from August 4th to August 15th and will be delivered in person with a maximum capacity of 25 students. There are no program fees for participation. Materials and fees for any site visits will be provided. Participants should plan to secure their own housing and any transportation to and from the program site prior to the program start date.

Application

Master’s and Ph.D. students in any discipline who are beginning their academic programs on campus in Summer or Fall 2025 can use this Google Form to apply by 11:59 pm EST, June 1 (deadline has been extended). Accepted participants will be sent an invitation email on June 5. Invitees will be asked to confirm their participation in the program via email by 11:59 pm EST, June 10. If you are unable to access the Google Form or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Joy Shuyuan Liu, Assistant Director of English Language Support, at joy_s_liu@brown.edu.

For more information about the program, please see the ELP webpage. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Moving to Providence: Graduate Student Webinar

Getting Ready for Graduate School

Dear Graduate Student,

Brown University Graduate School looks forward to welcoming you to campus.

We ask that you take the following steps:

Set up your Brown Account - please wait 2 days after accepting your offer of admission before activating your account. The account gives you access to electronic services, including a Brown email address. Beginning in early June (for fall starts) or early January (for spring starts) the Graduate School will send email exclusively to your Brown email address. For issues, see the IT Knowledgebases or contact the Office of Information Technology Service Center.
To activate, you will need your Brown ID number: 140782477

Enter your last name, date of birth, and the ID number.
Read and agree to the terms of use for your Brown account, and choose a password.
Read and agree to the terms of use for your Google account, and choose a password.
Your Brown username and email address will be listed on the last page - print this page or make a note of them.

After activation, we recommend you:

Add a mobile number to Banner. This allows you to reset your Brown password should you forget it, and also ensures you are notified should an emergency occur at Brown. To do this, log in to selfservice.brown.edu and click Personal Information.
Log in to your email. You can simply visit gmail.com and log in with your Brown email address; and you'll be prompted to log in with Brown single sign on.
Set up Two-Step Verification. The first time you log into a Brown service like Banner, you will be prompted to set up a means of verification, such as a phone number. You can log into MyAccount after setup to add additional devices or phone numbers. Read more about two-step verification at brown.edu/go/twostep
Note for international students: International numbers are acceptable and they should be entered with a + in front of the country code. If you don't plan to get a US cell phone once in the country, you can use the smartphone app (Duo Mobile) over wifi or without a connection.

Please provide a photo for your Brown Identification Card. The Brown Card is the official University identification card. The image should be a passport-style “head and shoulders” image. To submit your photo, log into the secure area of Banner, Applicant and Student section, and use the link for Brown ID Online Photo Submission. Upon arrival on campus, you can pick up your card during business hours at the Brown Card Office.

Read our online guide for admitted students. Find important dates and contacts and learn information about governance, campus resources and services, life at Brown, and living in the Providence area.

Sincerely,
The Deans and Staff of the Graduate School

International Students: Welcome to the OISSS Gateway!

Welcome to the OISSS Gateway! In this portal, you will be able to upload the documents required for issuance of your I-20 Certificate For F-1 Visa Eligibility, which includes:

Passport Biographical Page
Copy of your Letter of Admission to Brown University
Copy of your Stipend Fellowship/Assistantship Financial Award Details
Copy of current visa [if applicable]
Copy of passport/+marriage certificate/+financial evidence (for Dependent Spouse, and/or Child) [if applicable]

Please use the link below to log into your OISSS Gateway account. Once logged in, proceed to complete each step. Please answer the questions in Step 2, and upload your passport into Step 3, and your Admission letter and Financial Stipend Award letter details into Step 4. Once all steps are complete, click the complete button on Step 5.

After you have uploaded all applicable documents to your account, your data & documentation will be reviewed for processing of your I-20 Certificate. Once the Create I-20 request has been completed, the I-20 along with further instructions on applying for a student visa will then be sent to you via DocuSign. You must then print, sign and use to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate. You will be notified by email via DocuSign as soon as it is issued. Please note that for students that currently hold F-1 status at another U.S. school who will be transferring their F-1 SEVIS record to Brown University, that we cannot issue your transfer I-20 until after the SEVIS transfer release date (date which your current school releases your F-1 SEVIS record to Brown University.)

NOTE: IF you plan to apply for the DS-2019 Certificate for J-1 Visa Eligibility instead of the I-20 Certificate for F-1 visa, email the oisss@brown.edu to request/obtain a J-1 Student Profile prior to uploading any documents. A comparison between F and J Visas is linked here.

You may now log into the OISSS Gateway Portal and complete each step within the portal to submit your request for I-20 Certificate.

brown.edu/go/oisssgateway

Please contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISSS) with any questions.

Sincerely,

Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISSS)
Brown University
oisss@brown.edu

Joining the Brown University Community

Dear Incoming Graduate Student,

I am delighted that you have accepted our offer of admission to the Brown University Graduate School. Congratulations on taking this step and thank you for choosing Brown for your graduate studies.

Tentative dates for Orientations are:

International Orientation: August, 20-22, 2025
Student of Color Orientation: August 24-25, 2025
All-Student Orientation: August 26-27, 2025
Resource Fair: August 28, 2025

All-Student Orientation is a required event (and International Orientation is required for international students). You will receive additional information via the Accepted Student Portal, as well as email communication this spring and summer. Your degree program may also host program-specific orientation activities.

At Brown, you have easy access to leading scholars, teachers, and researchers, as well as the Graduate School deans and staff. During the academic year, I set aside time each week to allow students to drop by and discuss your ideas and interests. You also can call or email to make an appointment with me or another dean.

As you prepare for your studies in the program, we encourage you to become familiar with the culture and resources of our vibrant University community. The Brown University Academic Code and Student Conduct Code documents provide an essential understanding of expectations and rules regarding scholarly and research pursuits and interactions on campus. You will be asked to complete an online course on the Codes after you set up your Brown email account, which we recommend you do as soon as you receive an email with instructions.

Brown also works to provide diverse and comprehensive opportunities for health and wellbeing educational empowerment. As a new student, you are required to complete the Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduate Students course as a beginning to this journey. We ask you to engage with this programming before starting courses, so that you feel well-informed about the variety of resources available at Brown. Look for email instructions in July. The Graduate School website offers additional information about University resources.

Our goal is that you are aware of information, as you begin your studies, that will help you be successful at Brown. In addition to knowing your degree requirements, be sure to look at your program handbook, as well as the Graduate School Handbook. Our website provides a link to most program handbooks; to find yours, look at the webpage devoted to your program.

Please retain your offer of admission. The offer represents the University's commitment to you. In the future, you may want to refer to it and this communication.

Again, congratulations on joining the Brown community. The Graduate School will be in touch with you several times before Orientation, and I look forward to welcoming you to campus.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Lewis
Dean of the Graduate School
Professor of Religious Studies
Brown University

Graduate School

New Student Communications

Breadcrumb

New Student Communications

Events:

Brown’s Graduate Student Orientations

What to Expect

Deadline

Additional Information

Program snapshot

Resources and practices

Schedule and logistics

Application

Additional Information

Today@Brown

Admitted Students & Orientation

New Student Communications