Resources for Commuter Students

three students walking on campus

At Providence College, our commuter population is an integral part of our community. Commuter students are encouraged to take an active role in the community, not just through their classes, but also by participating in PC’s various student clubs and organizations, student events and by taking on leadership roles.

The following services and support are available for all students, including commuter students: 

Personal Counseling Center: https://personal-counseling.providence.edu/
Student Health Center: https://health-center.providence.edu/
Student Success Center (SSC): https://academic-services.providence.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact if I have questions about commuting?

Kevin McMahon at 401.865.2075 /kmcmaho5@providence.edu or the Dean of Students Office at 401.865.1782 /deanofstudents@providence.edu.

Where am I allowed to park?

Commuters can park in the lower level of the Anderson Stadium Parking Garage or any student parking lot. Commuter students cannot park in faculty/staff parking lots during the business day. Commuter students can park in faculty/staff parking lots after 4:30pm. Click here for interactive campus map.

Where do I apply for a parking pass?

You can apply for a parking pass on the Transportation & Parking website (requires login to the MyPC portal).

Where can I find food on campus?

Commuters can purchase food from a variety of locations on campus. Alumni, located in Slavin Center and Raymond Dining Hall are the two main dining halls on campus. The Eaton St. Café which is in the Ryan Center for Business Studies and the Ruane Café located in Ruane Center for Humanities offer coffee and quick bites. There is also a Dunkin’ Donuts located in the Slavin Center. For more food and dining options check the PC Dining Services website.

Where can I study on campus?

The Phillips Memorial Library has 24-hour study spaces available which all students have access to through scanning their PC ID Card. There are also spaces to study in the Slavin Center as well as many of the academic buildings on campus.

Campus Map

View the interactive campus map.

Commuter Lockers

Please contact Kevin McMahon at 401.865.2075 / kmcmaho5@providence.edu.

Commuter Student Meetings

Commuter students are supported by various staff and faculty members on campus who work together to host commuter meetings. These meetings are designed to educate and connect commuter students about different offices, opportunities, and services on PC’s campus.

Public Transportation

All Providence College students can ride the RIPTA free of charge with their PC ID. Please visit the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority webpage for more information about routes and schedules. The RIPTA Route 55/Admiral bus route has a stop on the Providence College campus.

Parking

All commuter students are eligible to park on campus at no cost, but only after applying for and receiving a parking sticker. Commuters must live more than 1/2 mile away from the borders of the campus. Please visit the Office of Public Safety Transportation and Parking site for more information.

Student Testimonials

Being a commuter at Providence College has still allowed me to feel a part of the “Friar Family“ although my journey may be different from other students. Despite not living on campus, I was still able to obtain a job on campus as an Intermediate Accounting Tutor and help to start a Business Ethics Club. Getting involved as a commuter is vital to the Providence College experience and really allows one to make this campus their home for four years. I would highly encourage commuter students, and all students alike, to take advantage of opportunities on campus as it will not only help you meet new people, but it also works to build your resume and find a career once these four years are over – and trust me, they fly by.

Soliel Corvelo ‘22

Being a commuter at Providence College may mean you will have a different college experience, but it definitely does not take away from being a part of the PC community. I jumped right into clubs as a freshman, and it has helped me make a lot of friends and be a part of on-campus life. I am on the club softball team, mock trial, admission ambassador, and co-editor of the yearbook. I love Providence College because I feel a part of the Friar family, even though I do not live on campus. You will love the people you meet at Providence College, so be sure to branch out. As a commuter, you can get as much as a college experience if you want it. I wish you the best of luck these next four years!

Elizabeth Hein ‘25

Commuting to Providence College has been a great experience for me. It has taught me time management and it has taught me to seek out opportunities to engage in the broader campus community. The events and talks that Providence College sponsors provide great ways of incorporating commuters into the Friar Family. I would highly encourage commuter students to seek out any events that interest them whenever possible. 

David Salzillo ‘24