Frequently Asked Questions

To fill out and sign your housing application, select housing and roommates, and complete other necessary forms, go to our housing portal.

We will work with you if you have a financial need for a specific room price. Here is what you can do to select a room that meets your needs:

1. Sign your housing license and, if one is available, select a room within your range.
2. If a room within your range is not available, put your name on the waitlist (available following the end of room selection).

If you need to join the waitlist, we will do everything we can to move you into a room in your range.

To update your personal information, log into the housing portal do the following and then proceed to make updates:

1. Click on the hamburger icon at the top-left corner
2. Click on your name

If you are a first-year student or rising sophomore, we encourage you to select a room. If you do not, you will be placed in one. (Remember that you are required to live on campus during your first two years at RISD.)

Upperclass and grad students must select a room in order to live on campus.

If you are not able to secure a room you prefer, you may submit a room change request via the housing portal. You will be able to start this process two weeks after the first day of school. If a room that meets your preferences comes available and you reach the top of the room change list, we will contact you to proceed.

Yes, for any student who does not participate in room selection but wishes to live on campus. Following housing selection, we will post the waitlist on the housing portal.

During the summer we only process room changes for emergency or gender-related purposes. Otherwise we won’t process room changes until after move-in.

We do not permit pets in the halls, with the exception of fish that live in aquariums 10 gallons or fewer. (Note that we do not permit lizards, turtles or other tank animals other than fish.) Guests cannot bring pets into a residence hall.

If you need an emotional support animal (ESA) or service animal, you must complete a medical accommodation form before doing so. See the medical accommodations overview below for more about our pet policies.

We do not allow overnight guests until you complete a roommate agreement via the housing portal. If you live in a single room or studio apartment, then you need to follow our guest policy.

No, we do not require on-campus residents to acquire renter’s insurance, but we highly recommend it. Follow this link to learn more about renter’s/property insurance.

RISD does not provide student parking. Off-campus parking in Providence is generally expensive, but if you need to park a car in the city, you can do so via Metropark, the Arcade Garage or DownCity Parking.

Whether you’re moving out of the dorms or leaving an apartment, you can donate items to RISD Flips. At the end of each year, this program takes unwanted clothing and other items to help generate scholarship money via an annual summer yard sale, support international students and community organizations, and lessen RISD’s environmental impact.

Please consider donating any of the following items to RISD Flips: 

• lightly used clothes, shoes and accessories
• art supplies
• clean kitchen items
• lamps, fans, hangers, storage bins and shower caddies
• and anything else that helps raise funds and support new students

If you have questions or want to donate, email RISD Flips.

RISD does not require renters insurance for on campus residents, but we highly encourage attaining this insurance. Please see more information about Renters Insurance (Property Insurance) HERE.
 

Am I required to live on campus during my first year?

Yes. RISD requires students to live on campus for their first two years of attendance. You may request a residency waiver if you:

• are 21 or older
• are married
• live with a parent or guardian in a permanent address within a certain distance of RISD

Can I move off campus after one semester?

No. In addition to the two-year residency requirement, you agree to a full year of residency by signing your housing and dining license (see below).

What is the housing and dining license?

The housing and dining license is your agreement of responsibility as regards your residency on campus. Similar to an apartment lease, it outlines fees, policies, refunds, etc., and is binding for the academic year. You are held accountable to its contents for the length of the agreement. Read it carefully.

When does housing selection begin? When will I receive my selection time slot?

You can find information in our listing of incoming student dates and deadlines (coming soon).

Can I choose my own roommate or are they randomly assigned?

New students can select their own roommates via the housing portal. If you do not select a roommate, the other bed in your room will come available for other students to select.

Can first-year students select a single room?

Yes, all first-year residences include single rooms. However, these are limited in number. Most first-year rooms are double or triple occupancy.

If you need a single room for medical reasons, review our medical accommodations process and submit your request before the stated deadline.

May I live with a sophomore or junior?

No. First-year students live with other first-year students only.

Are there cost differences between residence halls and/or room types?

There is no difference in housing cost among the residence halls. However, there is a cost difference between single, double and triple occupancy rooms. Review room rates for more information.

May I select my own room?

Yes.

I cannot find a roommate. Will I be randomly assigned to a room?

No. You can select a room from among any available bed space.

I selected a double room with two open beds. Will I get a roommate?

Yes. Any other first-year student can select the available bed in your room.

Am I matched with a roommate based on compatibility?

No. We do not place first-year students. You select your own room. When looking at available rooms, you should see how well you match with the student currently assigned to the space.

Which residence halls have co-ed floors, single-gender floors, gender-informed floors, etc?

All residence halls are gender inclusive, but roommates will belong to the same gender identity. Based on interest, we anticipate having single-gender floors as well as gender-informed floors (on which roommates can have different gender identities) throughout the first-year area.

Does selecting a floor according to gender limit my housing options?

Yes. Upon selecting a specific option, you will only see available rooms matching your choice. You can update your choice at any time via the housing portal.

What is a group?

A group is made up of students who want to room together. You can create a group in the housing portal.

How many people can be in a group?

The maximum number of first-year students who can form a group is three.

I found a roommate. How do we create a group?

Both you and your roommate need to sign the housing and dining license by the deadline. Upon signing, each student should create a group in the housing portal and add the other(s) to their group. Make sure to verify your group in the portal.

Can we create a large group if we all select rooms next to one another on the same floor (for example, a row of double rooms for an eight-student group)?

No. You create a group for a single room only, not a block of rooms.

Which group member selects the room?

You can designate a group leader in the housing portal. This student will place each group member in a bed space. You can change the group leader at any time. We recommend you choose the member with the earliest selection time slot.

My group leader placed me in a room. Do I also need to select that room during my time slot?

No. By assigning you a bed, your group leader has secured your room on your behalf.

Why can’t I find my group member(s) in the portal?

This is most likely because they have not completed their housing and dining license. You will not be able to locate them in the portal until they do so.

Can I leave my group?

Yes. Group members can leave at any time. You should communicate with your group members if you choose to do so, as they are selecting a room with the understanding that you will occupy one of the bed spaces.

If you leave the group, you will select your room during your assigned time slot.

What do I do if a group member leaves at the last minute?

You can either find another roommate and create a group with them or select an available room as an individual.

Can I choose to live next to a friend as a neighbor but in a different room?

Yes—if the room next to your friend is available.

Are there cost differences between residence halls?

No. However, there is a cost difference between room types. Review room rates for more information.

What are the restrooms like? Are there any single-occupancy restrooms or private restrooms inside a room?

There are two types of restrooms:

• Multi-stall restrooms that are communal, gender inclusive and shared by all residents on a floor. Multi-stall bathrooms have stalls with nearly floor-to-ceiling partitions and locking doors. These are located on every floor of Homer, Nickerson and North Hall.
• Single occupancy restrooms for use by only one individual at a time. These are gender inclusive and also contain a shower. Anyone on the floor can use a single-occupancy restroom. This is the only restroom type in East Hall. They are also located on every floor of Homer, Nickerson and North Hall.

There are no private restrooms in any of the first-year residence halls.

What is an ADA double and a COM double?

An ADA double is configured for wheelchair use. COM denotes that the room has fire safety enhancements for students with visual and/or hearing impairments.

When can I move in?

Move-in for domestic students is generally the Sunday before the start of classes. International students move in a few days earlier.

We will post dates and times to this website when they come available. We also announce move-in dates and times via email during the summer.

Can I move my belongings into my space before move-in day?

No.

Can I arrive 1–2 weeks early?

In general, no. Residence halls are not sufficiently staffed to support early move-in.

What items does RISD provide?

All residence halls come with the following:

• card access and room entry locks
• fire detection and sprinkler systems
• wireless internet
• electrical outlets
• card-operated laundry
• window shades or blinds

All student spaces come with:

• extra-long (80") twin bed and mattress
• closet or wardrobe
• bureau
• work desk and chair
• ceiling light
• wastebasket

What should I bring?

You should bring the following:

• sheets for an extra-long (80") twin-size mattress
• mattress pad
• blankets/comforter
• towels
• pillow and pillowcases
• desk/work lamp (no halogen bulbs)
• art and general school supplies

You might also consider bringing:

• an area rug
• a laundry bag
• flip flops/shower sandals
• a shower caddy
• a fan
• posters and other decorations (but you may only cover up to 30% of your wall space)
• plants
• power strips
• other items that make you feel at home

What am I not allowed to bring?

Do not bring any of the following:

• a water bed
• a loft unit
• a large refrigerator (3 cubic feet or more); only one fridge per room
• pets (except fish in 10-gallon tanks or smaller)
• candles/incense
• halogen or "lava" lamps
• cooking appliances (toaster, microwave, anything with a heating coil, etc.); a coffee maker is ok
• curtains or large tapestry/wall hangings
• paper lanterns
• weapons of any kind
• acetylene/propane torches, oil lamps or any open-flame devices
• space heaters
• air conditioners
• any ceiling hangings

How much does it cost to rent a micro fridge?

All first-year rooms come equipped with a micro fridge/microwave unit, free of charge. This is to be shared by all room occupants.

Can I mail items ahead of move-in?

Yes. Read these mailing instructions to send your package(s) to Mail and Receiving Services. We have partnered with a local UPS store to support incoming mail from first-year students. Ship goods to us via UPS and affix this UPS label to all packages.

What is the first-year meal plan?

All first-year students receive the following with their housing plan:

• unlimited access to The Met
• five (5) café credits per week
• 225 dining points
• a one-time $50 risdbucks credit
• three (3) guest meal credits per semester

What is The Met?

The Met is our all-you-care-to-eat dining facility and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Swipe in to enter and eat as much food as you’d like. The Met provides vegetarian and vegan options among many others.

Where is The Met located? What are the other on-campus dining venues?

The Met is located in the first-year quad. Our other dining venues are:

• Portfolio Café, located in 15 West
• Jolly Roger Deli at 257 South Main Street
• Watermark Café, located upstairs from the RISD Store

What is a café credit?

First-year students can use café credits at any other RISD Dining venue outside The Met, with the exception of Carr Haus Café. You receive five credits per week, one per swipe.

Who do I contact if I have a food allergy?

RISD Dining will meet with any student with a food allergy to help them navigate options at The Met. Please email Maureen Young to get started.

Do dining facilities stay open during breaks and holidays?

Dining facilities stay open during the following breaks:

• Thanksgiving
• Wintersession break (between Wintersession and spring semesters)
• spring break

They do not stay open during winter break. Students remaining on campus at this time should prepare to provide their own meals.

What are risdbucks?

Like a preloaded, prepaid credit card, risdbucks are funds you can use on campus, including in all dining facilities.

Are transfer students required to live on campus?

Yes. Incoming first-year and sophomore transfer students must live on campus unless they qualify for a residency waiver.

How do I obtain a room?

All incoming transfer students are automatically placed on the housing waitlist and will receive an assignment in June. Housing reflects their class status: first-year transfers live with other first-year students, sophomores in sophomore housing, etc.

Can I live off campus?

Students must fulfill RISD’s two-year live-on-campus residency requirement unless you meet our qualifications to receive a residency waiver.

If my residency waiver is approved, can another rising sophomore live off campus with me?

No, unless they meet the same residency waiver requirements as you and submit a complete waiver form by the stated deadline. See the information here for more about residency waivers. 

Can I live with a junior or senior?

You may live in upperclass housing if you join a group organized by an upperclass student. You will not be able to select housing until the upperclass student’s time slot.

Can I live in an upperclass apartment if I do not have an upperclass group to join?

No. In this case you are only able to select housing in the sophomore area.

What are the housing options for sophomores?

You will be able to choose a room from those in the sophomore residences.

Can I renew my current room for next year?

Room renewals are not available for sophomore residences. Upperclass students in a room/apartment with more than one bed in the apartment must fill all bed spaces before being allowed to renew your bed. Single-bed spaces cannot be renewed, with the exception of studio apartments.

If I’m in a group with upperclassmen what do I do if we do not find housing for our group during our housing selection time?

If you do not find housing to fit your group, you need to split up and select housing individually. You should still be able to find housing options in the sophomore area.

Do seniors get priority housing selection time slots?

Yes. Seniors receive selection priority for upperclass housing.

Can juniors, seniors and fifth-year students live in sophomore housing?

Yes. Although sophomore housing selection priority goes to rising sophomores, upperclass students can select a room in sophomore housing if it is available during your time slot. Rising juniors and seniors may also form a group with a sophomore, who can use their priority to place the group.

Can I renew my current room for next year?

Room renewals are not available for sophomore residences. Upperclass students in a room/apartment with more than one bed in the apartment must fill all bed spaces before being allowed to renew your bed. Single-bed spaces cannot be renewed, with the exception of studio apartments.

If you wish to live with a specific set of friends, you can create a group and select your living space together.

How do I create a group?

The steps to create a group are:

1. After each group member receives a time slot, designate a group leader, ideally the person with the earliest time slot. Your group leader creates the group in the housing portal and assigns group members to other beds and/or rooms to fill the unit.
2. To confirm that each group member has filled out a time slot request, they can go into the housing portal and search for students in the “roommate group” page. If someone in your group does not appear there, ask them if they requested a time slot. If they haven’t, they need to do so asap.
3. During the group leader’s time slot, they need to select their bed in the room they’ve chosen on behalf of the group. Following that they will be asked to assign beds to the other group members. They must fill every bed in order to select that housing unit.
4. Select “reserve bed,” which will officially place each member of the group in the room selected by the group leader.

Can my group select housing with more spaces than group members?

No. Your group must be able to fill all beds in a housing unit.

Can I leave my group and select housing on my own?

Yes. Please communicate this to the rest of your group so they can plan accordingly.

Are meals included with my housing placement?

Yes. A dining allotment is included with all on-campus housing placements.

If you live in an apartment unit and wish not to cook often, you can add meals or unlimited Met access.

Does my room cost include my meal allotment?

Yes. RISD does not assess additional charges for meals.

Can I lower or remove my meal allotment?

No. It is a fixed, “use it or lose it” allotment built into your housing package. You should plan to use it if you live on campus.

If you are interested in applying for the RA or AIR positions, please apply at the Involved website. This year’s deadline is Wednesday, January 17th, 2024.

While both resident advisors (RAs) and advocates for inclusion in residence (AIRs) live in the residence halls, work to build safe, inclusive resident communities and act as resources for their peers, RAs also serve in the after-hours “on call” rotation to engage with residents and ensure safety in the residence hall. In addition, they organize and conduct small-floor and hall-wide community-building programs.

Though AIRs offer service and support to all residents in their assigned hall, they are specifically focused on those belonging to marginalized social identities in particular. An AIR works collaboratively to educate their residential community on issues of inclusion, social identity and social justice, both on large and small scales. In addition, they support RAs on issues of inclusion and residential climate.

AIRs work equally with Residence Life and Equity and Compliance to create a learning, living and working environment for RISD residents that is free of bias, discrimination and harassment. They do not serve in the on-call rotation.

Both positions require an average of 10–15 hours per week of active work. This includes:

• meetings with staff
• meetings with students
• program planning
• checking in with residents
• responding to emails
• (for RAs) serving in the on-call rotation

Some weeks you may work fewer than the average hours, others more. Both positions offer time flexibility, as you can fulfill most of your responsibilities at points in the week that work best for you and your residents.

Both RAs and AIRs are compensated in the form of a meal plan and a private residential room.

Yes. However, your other on- and off-campus jobs and official extracurricular activities cannot total more than 10 hours per week. You will need to speak to your supervisor about your other commitments and understand that your RA/AIR duties must be your top non-academic priority in terms of schedule.

You cannot study abroad during your first year in the role. After you complete the first year, you may work with your supervisor and Residence Life leadership to explore how to study abroad while remaining on staff.

Please note that approval of RA/AIR Wintersession travel courses is contingent on the number of staff interested in participating.

These are typically one-year appointments. We do offer flexibility in the event of a change in graduation date, leave of absence and similar circumstances. You’re expected to communicate with Residence Life if you foresee any issues affecting your RA/AIR appointment.

Most RA and AIR spaces are single occupancy. However, we do have some double spaces in our apartment residences in which case you and your partner could live together. RISD does offer gender-inclusive housing, and Residence Life does not restrict roommate pairings based on sex, gender identity or gender expression. Your partner would be responsible for their share of the space as with all double occupancy spaces.

Our office only honors requests made mutually by all parties. Be advised that we place RAs and AIRs in residences based on fit. We do not take partnership status into consideration. 

Yes, if your community placement allows. If you are placed in a community that requires you share accommodations, we will provide instructions on how to select your roommates.

No, we simply want candidates who value residential community and can speak to its importance at RISD.

Student Financial Services (SFS) notes that the estimated cost of housing and dining is included in your RISD cost of attendance (COA), which is equivalent, dollar for dollar, to your financial aid eligibility budget.

Federal regulations require RISD to remove the amount of your Residence Life student staff credit, dollar for dollar, from your COA when evaluating your eligibility for financial aid. Therefore, this may impact your RISD/federal financial aid.

It is your responsibility to ensure you understand any impact this waiver may have on your financial aid. You may email SFS to help you understand any such potential impacts this waiver may have on your individual aid package.

No. We take preference into consideration, but prioritize how we see you connecting with a specific residential community. We want you to succeed, so we play to your strengths.

No. You will only receive one offer from Residence Life for either the RA or AIR position, with a specific assigned community attached. If you decline your assignment, you effectively decline the position and remove yourself from the selection process.

If you are selected and need a specific accommodation (e.g., a kitchen free of specific allergens), you need to request a medical housing accommodation. To receive consideration for an RA/AIR placement accommodation, your medical housing request must be approved for the given academic year.

If you have a medical accommodation during the current academic year, you’ll still need to submit a request for the coming year. Please do so as soon as possible. If you have questions email Melynda Heying-McMahon, our associate director for housing operations.