Many have made URI’s campus their home to raise a family and
There are many people who live on campus year-round, and many of these people are not affiliated with the University of Rhode Island in any way, but still consider URI as a friendly neighbor.
Kitty Tally of Bayberry Street has lived near the campus grounds since the late ’90s.
“[My husband and I] love it here,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be near a beach community, so it really wasn’t about near a campus, it was [about] being near a beach.”
Some minor issues have come up, mainly with a former fraternity house where the Women’s Center is now located on Upper College Road.
“We were concerned when we first were going to buy it and with the noise level and the kids around us,” said Tally. “They weren’t bad and they were nice kids, but the upkeep of the property was really kind of bad.”
Tally described how at the time the fraternity house dumpster overflowed and eventually led to a rat problem.
Due to multiple infractions, like keg parties thrown by fraternities and the trash left, former URI President Robert Carothers moved all of Greek Life to Fraternity Circle and away from the main entrance of campus.
“There were five fraternities on [Upper College Road],” said Tally. “Where the engineering housing is and the Women’s Center, those were all frats. They either got closed down if they had an infraction or they got moved down to Fraternity Circle.”
Overall, Tally said her experience living here is a positive one.
“We love it so much,” Tally said. “When my kids were little, there [was] so much construction, and I have two boys and of course they were really into all the front loaders and backhoes.”
Tally fondly recalled on going for walks with her sons all over campus, from the Quad, to Honey Dew Donuts and all the stores and shops throughout the Emporium.
“[My kids] really love living where they [do],” Tally said.
Tally also said her family frequently goes to basketball and football games.
“I feel like I’m still young at heart and my husband is too,” said Tally. “We like being around all the college students.”
She believes it is best having an open mind to live on a college campus. Tally marks 22 years of living on campus this Halloween. Her two sons are adults now and currently in college.
Another resident, Tom Wozniak
“Theres an energy and a vibe on campus,” Wozniak said.
He described it as “contagious” and “fun to be around,” and enjoys it because it’s the “opposite of retirement.” He often goes to events at the Fine Arts Center, and basketball and football games.
Wozniak’s dog named Bogie, a large poodle mix, is well known around campus. He is the unofficial campus dog, according to Wozniak, and he also serves as a therapy dog for many students.
“We walk campus with the dog everyday,” said Wozniak. “Early morning, sometimes late at night. It’s our neighborhood. We know everyone who has a dog [and] we know their dog. We’re locals, it’s our neighborhood.”
Wozniak and his wife like to sit on their porch and listen to the different kinds of music played in all the cars that go by.
“It’s like a parade,” Wozniak said.
Wozniak’s interactions with students were always positive and many times helpful to the student themselves.
“We’ve seen and helped in some [students] rear-end accidents,” said Wozniak. “I’ve had them sit on my porch and had them call their parents.”
Wozniak added some comical aspects to living on campus as well.
“It will be 2 or 3 a.m. and a male or female will be on the phone outside the house saying ‘I can’t believe your dumping me on the phone, you don’t have the guts to tell me to my face,’” said Wozniak. “You want to yell out the window ‘They’re not worth it!’ That’s the fun of being on campus.”