Brown University's main campus has been located in the College Hill Historic District of Providence since 1912.
Brown University is a private Ivy League research university in Providence , Rhode Island , United States , founded in 1764 as `` The College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations . '' Brown 's main campus is located in the College Hill Historic District in the city of Providence , the third largest city in New England . College Hill is a neighborhood in Providence , Rhode Island , and one of six neighborhoods comprising the East Side of Providence and part of the College Hill Historic District . The College Hill Historic District is located on the East Side of Providence , Rhode Island , United States .