University of Rhode Island breaks ground on new student housing
New England Council member, the University of Rhode Island, broke ground on January 28 on a student housing project that will add more than 1,100 beds to its Kingston Campus. The initiative, delivered through an innovative public-private partnership, includes two new undergraduate residence halls with apartment-style suites on Flagg Road and the reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments complex for graduate students.
The expansion addresses growing demand for on-campus housing amid increased enrollment at URI. The University received a record number of applications for Fall 2025, and the new residence halls will support URI’s strategic plan, “Focus URI,” which prioritizes cultivating an engaged and inclusive learning environment. The first new residence hall is scheduled to open in August 2027, with graduate student apartments following in fall 2028.
“We know many of our students want to live on campus and value the many benefits of on-campus living, including convenient access to campus resources and amenities,” said Ellen Reynolds, vice president for student affairs. “We are excited to move these plans forward and to offer additional and enhanced on-campus living opportunities for our students.”
The New England Council applauds the University of Rhode Island for its collaborative approach to expanding campus infrastructure, supporting student success, and strengthening Rhode Island’s position as a leader in higher education innovation.
Read more in Providence Business News and on URI’s website.