Info for Families

Welcome and congratulations on your student’s success. We look forward to getting to know you better over the coming years. Begin getting to know us by reviewing the information on this site.

Stay on top of things

There’s a lot your student needs to do before they arrive and many ways you can help them transition to life at RISD. Remind them to check their email frequently (for updates from welcome@risd.edu) and the incoming student portal (to complete required forms) and refer to this site for the bigger picture regarding upcoming events, next steps and information about life at RISD.

Tuition and student accounts

Our Student Financial Services (SFS) team is here to help you seek, obtain and make the best use of all resources available to help finance the costs of attending RISD.

Your student can view charges, review financial aid and schedule payments via Workday. They can also use Workday to give access to friends and family within Workday, which would allow you to view their account and receive important billing reminders.

Student Financial Services

a view from the risd quad of greenery and the tip of carr haus

Tuition and student accounts

Our Student Financial Services (SFS) team is here to help you seek, obtain and make the best use of all resources available to help finance the costs of attending RISD.

Your student can view charges, review financial aid and schedule payments via Workday. They can also use Workday to give access to friends and family within Workday, which would allow you to view their account and receive important billing reminders.

Student Financial Services

Shipping and moving in

As you’re helping your student prep for their move, please take a look at our information on packing and shipping, housing and dining, and exploring Providence.

For various shipping and move-in dates, please refer to our first-year or transfer incoming student calendars. Specific times for moving in to RISD housing will be specified as part of the detailed orientation schedules which will be shared in the summer.

Moving to RISD

A student walks down a flight of steps through an art installation.

Shipping and moving in

As you’re helping your student prep for their move, please take a look at our information on packing and shipping, housing and dining, and exploring Providence.

For various shipping and move-in dates, please refer to our first-year or transfer incoming student calendars. Specific times for moving in to RISD housing will be specified as part of the detailed orientation schedules which will be shared in the summer.

Moving to RISD

Healthcare and confidentiality

Families are a vital part of a student’s wellness support system and we value the role you’ll continue to play in their health and success.

You can visit our Health Requirements page to stay in the know on what incoming students will need to provide to Health Services before beginning at RISD. It's important to note that under Rhode Island privacy laws and federal HIPAA regulations, all student health records are confidential and cannot be discussed without clear documented permission from the student, except in serious circumstances.

Health Requirements

a white desk with glass front shields inside a medical office with a light blue wall behind it

Healthcare and confidentiality

Families are a vital part of a student’s wellness support system and we value the role you’ll continue to play in their health and success.

You can visit our Health Requirements page to stay in the know on what incoming students will need to provide to Health Services before beginning at RISD. It's important to note that under Rhode Island privacy laws and federal HIPAA regulations, all student health records are confidential and cannot be discussed without clear documented permission from the student, except in serious circumstances.

Health Requirements

RISD Families Association

As a family member of a RISD student, you are also a member of the RISD Families Association. There are many ways to get involved—from volunteering to giving to advocacy. Regardless of how you participate, you play a pivotal role in shaping the RISD experience.

Reach out to our Institutional Advancement team about additional opportunities to join the Leadership Council or serve on committees focused on international family engagement, life after RISD and more.

RISD Families Association

Students and families exploring the RISD campus together in downtown Providence.

RISD Families Association

As a family member of a RISD student, you are also a member of the RISD Families Association. There are many ways to get involved—from volunteering to giving to advocacy. Regardless of how you participate, you play a pivotal role in shaping the RISD experience.

Reach out to our Institutional Advancement team about additional opportunities to join the Leadership Council or serve on committees focused on international family engagement, life after RISD and more.

RISD Families Association

Info for international families

If your student is coming to RISD from overseas and you have questions about visas and travel, please be sure to review our guidance for navigating this process.

International student information

Coming to Providence

Conveniently situated on I-95 between Boston and New York, Providence is relatively easy to reach. For those traveling to and from campus by air, the nearest airports are Rhode Island’s Green Airport and Boston Logan International. As you're planning your trip to Providence, be sure to consider booking your accommodations through RISD’s travel portal where you’ll find discounted rates for RISD affiliates.