I recently got accepted into the Summer@Brown 2015 program, and I was wondering from any past experiences what I should expect. As of now I’m only doing one week because I am applying to other summer programs. I’m thinking of taking a week long math course there. Thanks!
I was there for Engineering last summer. That was a three week program, so it may be a little different for you. You basically get there on a Sunday and check in, and later that day there is a meeting for everyone to learn exactly what the week will be like. Then you will split into your Residential Assistant groups for some icebreakers. That was my initial experience, but it may change for you.
You will live with a roommate; maybe there will be three of you, but I was only with one other person. The dorm I was in was pretty good, but austere (desk, chair, bed. that’s it). You can rent fridges and microwaves, but since you’ll only be there a week, you won’t need those. You will get a Brown Student ID that unlocks the doors to the dorms, but there will be an regular old key to get into your room. This ID also is used to get into the dining halls for meals.
During the week you have your class either in the morning or afternoon, and then the rest of the day is free. They have some group sports and activities, as well as College Admissions seminars on things like writing essays, putting together a balanced list of colleges to apply to, etc. There are also smaller seminars led by Summer Staff, who are either Brown students or students from another university. These are mostly on college life and how to take notes, balance activities with work, things like that.
There is a main street a little ways from the residence halls that has many restaurants on it where I went to get lunch or dinner. It is called Thayer Street. Otherwise, I ate in the dining halls which weren’t too bad, especially being in the summer. You can get as much as you want, but you can only enter the dining hall once per meal block (so for breakfast, you can only go in once between like 7 and 10. that is generalizing, but you get the idea).
Overall, it was really good for getting to know the college experience: keeping up with work, getting your own food, managing your life in general. I don’t know how effective one week will be, but going there was really cool.
Just ask if you have any other questions. 
Thanks so much! @feartheENGR how was the workload and making new friends?
also @feartheENGR how many people take one week courses? Is it uncommon? sorry for so many questions 
For engineering, the course wasn’t too strenuous at all. Of course, this is a pre-college program, so they aren’t going to load you up on Physics and Diff. EQ. I had a little bit of work each night, and had to meet with some of my classmates during free time to discuss and work on projects. Making friends wasn’t too hard. You hang out alot with the people from your RA group, and after classes people would usually go get something to eat (mornings end at ~1130-12 and afternoon ended ~530-6) Personally, I am a hardcore introvert, but even then I made some pretty good friends. I think it is really like college because pretty much no one knows anyone else there, so it forces everyone to get out and meet others.
I don’t think that one-weekers are too uncommon, but they won’t constitute the majority there. Mnay are there for at least two weeks, many for three.
Forgot to mention: this is a highly international program. Many people there came from other countries to study during the summer. Almost a third of my ~20 person class was from Turkey; my roommate had flown in all the way from Thailand, so that is another cool thing about Brown. It was a really great experience, and maybe consider going for more time? Just a thought, but if you get into other summer programs, then by all means go for them. I think any of them will provide a really awesome experience!
@feartheENGR thank you for your answer!! that’s really cool about a lot of people being international, i’ll definitely think about doing more weeks!
@buddy16 happy I could help! 
I also got into Summer@Brown! Hopefully doing a three week program!
awesome! i’m really excited for it @sorifootball13
I know! We get id cards and everything! I’m doing a neuroscience course…or maybe psychology. I’m going to be a rising sophomore, how about you? @buddy16
Is this program free?
They do have full/partial scholarships to those that qualify @ndemazita
LOL. No. The one week residential program is almost $2500. A very expensive way to spend the summer IMO.
@sorifootball13 I’m doing a calculus course, and im going to be a rising junior!
That’s awesome! What other programs are you applying to? I got wait listed at Northeastern and waiting on UMASS Amherst @buddy16
Hey @sorifootball13 I applied earlier this week for a three week course. I know the answer is supposed to take 2 weeks, but how long does it really take?
It takes about 5-7 for a response, what course are you thinking about taking? @StudentsJouney15
I’m thinking entrepreneurship. And I already figured out why they hadn’t answered. Turns out they hadn’t gotten my transcript so I just sent it again I’m a rising sophomore too and I’m from Peru, so 3 weeks a million miles from home should be pretty awesome
Oh and @sorifootball13, you mean 5-7 DAYS right?
@StudentsJouney15 yeah, sorry about that.