<p>Sara–Has your mom visited Providence recently? I’ve been impressed with the improvements in the city over the past decade. (That also applies to New Haven). But I would emphasize that the Brown campus is truly “up on a hill” and most of the students rarely go downtown. The train station is right at the base of the hill and easy to get to (I sledded there on my suitcase once during a blizzard). </p>
<p>Regarding New Haven: it’s true that it is a city and on the gritty side. However, Thatguy is correct: you must have IDs to enter the residential colleges, courtyards and buildings on Yale campus. And Pianista makes a very good point about the shuttle and escort services that are available, as well as the necessity of using your smarts while out at night.</p>