New student housing selection will take place in June 2023.
Welcome to RISD!
Welcome to the RISD on-campus community! We are thrilled to welcome you to RISD, to Providence, and to the greater Rhode Island community.
First year students and transfer students are required to live on campus. Living on campus during your Foundation and/or transfer year provides ample opportunity to meet new people, explore classwork together, and transition to the RISD community.
As you prepare for your arrival to campus, this page will be your go-to resource for housing and dining selection, as well as move in information.
2023-2024 Selection Timeline
*Dates are subject to change
MAY 3
Housing Selection begins for First Year students. Students may complete the application on the Student Life Portal.
MAY 24
Deadline for Medical Accommodations and Residency Waivers. Assignments will be sent prior to room selection as applicable.
May 31
Housing Application due for First Year Students
JUNE 6 – 9
Room selection for First Year Students
Important Terms
As you go through the process of selecting housing at RISD, here are a few terms to know to make the process even easier.
Timeslot
Refers to the exact date and time you will first have access to select a room. Timeslots are drawn randomly.
Student Life Portal
The Student Life Portal is the RISD website that houses important forms, processes, and housing selection. This is where you will sign the Housing + Dining License, select roommates, and select a room. This is also where you will check out of your residence hall at the end of the year.
Meal Allotment
This refers to the dining plan that comes with your housing. This information can be found on the Room + Dining Rates page.
First Year Area or Quad
The First Year Area (FYA), otherwise known as the Quad, is where all first year students live: East, Homer, Nickerson, and North Halls. The Met, Public Safety, Residence Life, and the Student Fitness Center are located in this area.
Shared Bathrooms
All of our residences halls in the first year area come with shared, communal bathrooms. These bathrooms can be multi-stall or single occupancy, but are shared among the residents in the building.
MAILING
Specific instructions for mailing belongings to RISD prior to your arrival will be made available in July 2023.
If you have any questions about mailing items or your mailbox, please reach out directly to the RISD Mailroom.
Resources
- Student Life Portal: Please follow the room selection dates and timeline. All first and second year students are required to live on campus. Students will complete their housing application, select their room, and select their roommates on the Student Life Portal.
- Medical Housing Accommodations: Any student who may need a housing accommodation based on a medical need must complete and submit these forms prior to being housed.
- Residency Waiver: Any first or second year (including transfers) looking to live off-campus must complete this form to request off-campus housing.
- Property Insurance: Students are always encouraged to have property insurance.
Professional Staff
The First Year Area is overseen by two professional, live-in Community Coordinators. Feel free to reach out to them directly if you have any questions about living on campus, getting involved, need help finding a roommate, what to bring, etc.
saeixeir@risd.edu
Roommates
Ask any student what some of their favorite memories at RISD are, and they will undoubtedly talk about memories made living with their roommates.
Finding a roommate and living with someone new is an exciting part of going to college. We know, for some, it may also be stressful trying to find a roommate. Below are some helpful links to help you navigate finding a roommate.
Living on campus
Residence Life provides an exciting and engaging on campus experience first new students. Throughout the year we host a variety of programs and activities targeted specifically to new students.
Here are some general pages about what it means to live on campus and who to go to:
First Year Experience
On Campus Resources
Our Team
ResLife Instagram
what to bring
The most common question new students ask us is “What should I bring with me?” We always encourage you to bring what will make your space feel like home.
Click here for a general overview of what to consider bringing and what to leave at home. Visit the residence hall pages for additional information on what furniture comes in each room.
Tip: Bring only the essentials with you. When you move in, you will have time to run some errands to pick up any additional items. Providence has a variety of shopping outlets within a 5 mile radius.