Graduate Student Events
Offering an even closer look at RISD, our on-campus and online info sessions feature faculty, staff and current students sharing information about research support, professional development and career preparation, and other valuable insights into the RISD graduate experience.
Summer events and programs
Each year, admitted graduate students will be invited to attend and participate in virtual summer events and information sessions. Programming provides general information about the RISD community, and an overview of available resources, department-based meetings and opportunities to connect with your incoming classmates. In-person orientation events are offered in September to welcome you to campus.
For more information including the zoom links for online events, please refer to your email and the google calendar that was shared with all incoming graduate students. If you did not receive the shared calendar, reach out to us at gradstudies@risd.edu.
Additionally, the following departments run summer programs that incoming students may be required to attend:
- Architecture | 3-year MArch
- Interior Architecture | MDes (both programs) and MA
- Landscape Architecture | 2- and 3-year MLA
- Teaching + Learning in Art + Design | MAT
June 2025
Jun 12
General Graduate Studies Q&A (online)
6:30–7:30 pm
Join us to discuss the RISD graduate experience with current students. Bring your questions about starting at RISD, living in Rhode Island and anything else you want to know before you arrive.
Jun 16
Graduate Studies intro/info session (online)
5–6 am
From events and open studios to grants and teaching opportunities, learn more about how Graduate Studies can support you throughout your time at RISD.
Jun 16
Graduate Studies intro/info session (online)
6–7 pm
From events and open studios to grants and teaching opportunities, learn more about how Graduate Studies can support you throughout your time at RISD.
Jun 23
What would you do? A virtual discussion on real grad life (online)
6 pm
Join your Grad Guides for an open, supportive virtual conversation about some of the challenges new graduate students might face at RISD. Together, we’ll explore real-life “what would you do if…” scenarios—covering everything from academic hurdles and roommate conflicts to emotional wellbeing and language fatigue.
Incoming students will have the chance to share thoughts in small groups and hear advice and personal experiences from current grad students. This is a great opportunity to connect with your peers, talk through common fears, and build confidence heading into the semester.
Jun 27
RISD Grad living: Navigating campus and community spaces (online)
7:30–8 pm
Moving to a new city or country can be overwhelming especially when you're trying to balance apartment hunting, getting familiar with a campus spread out over many blocks and getting settled in a new academic environment. This session is going to help incoming grad students get familiar with the RISD campus and the facilities available across departments. We’ll walk you through the buildings you’ll likely be spending the most time in, highlighting key shared resources, and talking about how all of this might help with your housing selection or daily routine. Whether you are figuring out your commute or planning your studio setup, or just trying to get familiar with what is to come, this session will help you feel more grounded before arriving in Providence and starting the academic year.
Jun 29
Graduate campus tour (in-person)
10–11:30 am
Join incoming and returning graduate students in exploring and learning more about the RISD campus with the Grad Studies Grad Guides.
The tour will last approximately an hour and a half and will meet in front of Bolt's Cafe Pearl (224 Benefit Street, Providence RI, 02903). This will be a great opportunity to explore what the RISD campus has to offer as well as ask any questions you may have. We'll be visiting various grad studio locations, pointing out where to find resources!
Tours run rain or shine, unless there is heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Please select all that you wish to attend. There will be more tours throughout the summer.
Jun 30
International student support session: coping with change (online)
11 am
This event aims to support incoming international students at RISD by addressing common challenges they may face, such as homesickness, academic pressures, language barriers, and cultural differences. Students will have the opportunity to share experiences, listen to others, and receive practical tips on coping with change.
July 2025
Jul 1
Graduate campus tour (in-person)
10–11:30 am
Join incoming and returning graduate students in exploring and learning more about the RISD campus with the Grad Studies Grad Guides!
The tour will last approximately an hour and a half and will meet in front of Bolt's Cafe Pearl (224 Benefit Street, Providence RI, 02903). This will be a great opportunity to explore what the RISD campus has to offer as well as ask any questions you may have. We'll be visiting various grad studio locations, pointing out where to find resources!
Tours run rain or shine, unless there is heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Please select all that you wish to attend. There will be more tours throughout the summer.
Jul 6
Summer graduate welcome social hour (in-person)
6:30–8:30 pm
Welcome (or welcome back!) to RISD!
Many graduate programs, including Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Teaching + Learning in Art & Design, kick off in the summer, and we’re excited to celebrate all incoming and returning graduate students with an in-person gathering.
Join us on Sunday, July 6 at 6:30 PM in the Fleet Library for an evening of food, drinks, and community. Whether you're just arriving or already deep into your RISD journey, this is a great opportunity to meet fellow grads and connect across programs.
Planning to attend? Let us know so we can make sure there’s plenty of food for everyone! If you are around Providence and want to come we would love to see you!
Jul 7
First day coffee on Grad Studies (in-person)
Kick off your first day with a treat from Graduate Studies!
On Monday, July 7, stop by Bolt Coffee (Washington Street location) and let us buy you a coffee (or your favorite drink) to celebrate the start of the summer session. Our Grad Guides will be there to welcome you—just check in with them and your drink is on us!
Feel free to hang out with the guides and meet other RISD grads, or grab your drink to go. Either way, we’re excited to start the day with you!
Jul 11
General Graduate Studies Q&A (online)
6 pm
Join us to discuss the RISD graduate experience with current students. Bring your questions about starting at RISD, living in Rhode Island and anything else you want to know before you arrive.
Jul 17
Graduate Studies intro/info session (online)
6:30 pm
Meet with Phoebe Snyder the Graduate Community and Experience Specialist to learn more about what the Office of Graduate Studies does and how to utilize it as a resource while you are at RISD.
Contact Graduate Studies
Hours
Mon–Fri: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Contact
20 Washington Place
Fourth floor
Providence, RI 02903