Is Brown or WashU more fun for undergraduates?

Brown tends to feel more fun day to day for many undergraduates, mostly because its campus culture is more openly spontaneous, artsy, and student-driven. The open curriculum gives students unusual freedom in how they build their weeks, Providence is woven closely into campus life, and the social scene is less tied to one dominant structure. WashU absolutely has active student life too, but Brown usually comes across as looser, more expressive, and more visibly energetic in everyday campus culture.

One big difference is the social atmosphere itself. Brown has a reputation for being quirky, creative, and unusually relaxed in how students present themselves, which often translates into a campus that feels lively without being especially formal or image-conscious. Students often spend time in performances, student-run events, themed gatherings, and downtown Providence, so the fun is spread across many smaller scenes rather than concentrated in one lane.

Another differentiator is the surrounding city. Brown benefits from being embedded in Providence in a way that makes off-campus life feel immediate and accessible, with restaurants, music, coffee shops, and local events close to where students already are. WashU is in the St. Louis area and has access to great resources too, especially in neighborhoods like the Delmar Loop and Forest Park, but the day-to-day student experience is a bit more campus-centered and can feel less organically interwoven with the city.

The academic culture also affects fun more than people expect. Brown’s open curriculum often gives students more flexibility and a stronger sense of ownership over their schedules, which can make weekdays feel less rigid and leave more room for exploration, side projects, and informal social life.