Going away to college is very exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. What do I bring? What will my roommate bring? How can I make my room feel like home? These and many more questions arise during the summer months after school ends and the RISD academic year begins. Below you will find some information to help you decide what to bring with you. If you have a question please do not hesitate to contact the Residence Life office at housing@risd.edu. We’ll be more than happy to help you!
What We Provide
All of the residence halls have:
- Card access building and room entry locks
- Fire detection and sprinkler systems
- Wireless internet
- Several electrical outlets
- Card operated laundry facilities
- Window shades or blinds
Each student space has:
- Extra-long (80″) twin bed and mattress
- Closet or Wardrobe
- Bureau
- Work desk and chair
- Ceiling light
- Wastebasket
What You Should Bring
- Sheets — extra long (80″) twin size
- Mattress pad
- Blankets or Comforter
- Towels
- Pillow and pillowcases
- Desk/work lamp (no halogen bulbs)
- Art & general school supplies
Additional Items to Consider
- Area rug (room floors are tiled)
- Laundry bag
- Flip-flops/shower sandals
- Shower caddy
- Fan
- Posters and other items to decorate (note: only 30% of your walls may be covered)
- Plants
- Power strips
- Other things to make you feel “at home”
What NOT to Bring
Note: We encourage you to review our health and safety policies for more information on what is and is not allowed in our residence halls. Safety is our biggest priority and much of the items below and on our policies page are to protect the safety of our communities.
- Waterbed
- Loft unit
- Large refrigerators (greater than 3 cubic feet) or more than one per room
- Pets (except fish in tanks 10 gallons or less)
- Candles or incense
- Halogen or “lava” lamps
- Cooking appliances such as a toaster, toaster oven, microwave oven, popcorn poppers, or anything with a heating coil. A coffee maker is OK.
- Curtains or large tapestry/wall hanging
- Paper lanterns
- Weapons of any kind
- Acetylene/Propane torches, oil lamps, or any open flame device
- Space heaters
- Air conditioners
- Anything that hangs from the ceiling