Basic Student Needs
Every RISD student, at any given point of time in your education, may need of help of some kind. If you’re looking for resources on campus, the Student Life Division can serve as your starting point.
To set yourself up to succeed, throughout your student experience, see below for information on where to go, who to contact, and how to advocate for yourself.
Succeeding in college—academically, socially, personally—requires a strong foundation and an environment that will meet your basic needs while you pursue your degree. This foundation is what Student Life considers to be a RISD student’s “basic needs.” Each person’s needs will be as unique as that individual.
Here is some information on many of the resources available to you at RISD that help guarantee your basic needs and open opportunities for you to be and do well.
Academic support
Academic advising
All RISD students receive academic advising from full-time faculty who guide you toward successfully completing your program of study. You will have multiple advisors over the course of your degree program. Learn more about the advising process and how to find your academic advisor in Workday.
If you’re facing an issue that could impact your degree progress, the Student Success team can also help you understand academic policies and make informed decisions.
Writing and academic communication
If you’re looking for guidance on essay writing, presenting your work to an audience, developing an artist statement, and more, the Center for Arts & Language offers peer tutoring in several modes of communication.
Belonging and community
At RISD you can find many opportunities to make friends and connect with the larger campus community. You can find social gatherings on campus, you can find them on the Involved campus events calendar, or join one (or more) of many the student-run clubs and activities supported by the Center for Student Involvement.
For first-generation and underrepresented students, you can find support and opportunities through Intercultural Student Engagement.
For international students, International Student and Scholar Affairs provides overall support and advocacy, as well as avenues to build community with fellow international students.
Students who live in on-campus housing will also have numerous opportunities, facilitated by resident advisors (RAs), advocates for inclusion In residence (AIRs), and the professional staff who supervise the RAs and AIRs. Events and programs open to residential students will be communicated to different living areas throughout the year.
Financial assistance
Jobs and employment assistance
If you’re looking for a student job, Student Employment can help you find a role that offers opportunities for personal growth while earning an income on campus. The team also oversees RISD’s involvement in the Federal Work-Study program, both on and off campus.
For help finding and applying for internships and other opportunities while at RISD, or to begin preparing for professional creative practice after graduation, RISD Careers provides students and alums with expert guidance and an array of job search and development resources.
Supplies
For free art and design materials, the Second Life Exchange offers RISD students donated and up-cycled supplies for working in many mediums.
Financial support for materials is also available to eligible students via the Materials Fund. Interested students should contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
To rent technical equipment for a project (such as cameras or monitors), contact Media Resources to check available inventory.
Unexpected emergencies
The RISD Student Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to students navigating crises. You may apply for this fund as many times as you need, but please note that assistance is awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Food
Food insecurity
RISD Dining manages the Swipe it Forward program, which offers students donation-based access to a free swipe into the Met, as well as a student food pantry located on the third floor of 20 Washington Place. The food pantry is self-serve and accessible with your RISD ID Card.
Food allergies or dietary needs
RISD Dining provides allergen information and individualized accommodations to students with dietary needs. To learn more about dietary accommodation options, visit dining.risd.edu.
Housing
For students living on campus
Residence Life can assist you with issues relating to facilities, roommate conflicts, and other concerns within the residence halls, while also offering student programming and other opportunities to build community with fellow students.
For students living off campus
Residence Life also provides useful information for living off campus in the Providence area. You can find advice for your apartment search, information about lease agreements, tips for staying safe, and more in their guide to off-campus living for RISD students.
Transportation
Cars and parking
RISD does not provide parking for students on campus without documented need, but if you have mobility concerns, you can obtain a parking pass or other forms of assistance by contacting Disability Support Services to register for accommodations.
For students who would like the option to use a car, RISD partners with Zipcar for reduced rates on short-term car rentals.
Public transportation
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides a bus system throughout the state that RISD students, staff, and faculty may ride free of charge to and from campus, using your RISD ID card. (Your RISD ID card serves as your bus pass.)
Wellness
Mental health
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is an on-campus team of mental health professionals who provide counseling, psychiatry/medication management, and case management services for off-campus care.
Physical health
If you are sick, injured, need a specialty referral, or are returning from a medical leave, you can obtain clinical care, free of charge, through Health Services.
A health vending machine is located in the lobby of 20 Washington Place. The machine is regularly stocked with a variety of over-the-counter health products.
RISD students also have access to the Catanzaro Student Fitness Center and Brown University's Nelson Fitness Center, both equipped with weightlifting equipment, cardio machines, and group fitness classes.
Health education
You may also find health education and guidance about wellness habits from the Health Education and Promotion team, which includes the health and wellness ambassadors, a group of students who can help you learn new habits for wellness or provide resources for your wellbeing. To learn more about the 10 dimensions of wellness, check out their online wellness guides.
Contacts
If you are facing challenges that require additional support, please contact the Student Life team for individualized assistance and further guidance on the options available to you.
If you know someone who needs support but you're not sure how to help them, you can complete a CARE Network referral. A RISD staff member will reach out to them privately to offer assistance.