Housing Selection for Incoming Students
Find out how to use our housing portal and what you need to do to apply for and select housing on campus. Also see below for important housing application/selection dates and deadlines.
Selection and application processes
RISD Housing Portal
Our convenient online portal is a one-stop destination for you to complete several RISD housing and residence life processes, including:
- applying for on-campus housing
- requesting medical housing accommodations
- completing dining forms
- registering to live off campus (if eligible)
On-campus housing application
Incoming and returning students apply for housing and room selection each year via the housing portal. Returning students begin this two-part process in February; for incoming students, the housing selection window opens sometime in early May.
The first step is to sign the housing and dining license from within the housing portal ahead of the current-year deadline. After submitting your completed license, you will receive a time slot for room selection, which is the second step in the housing selection process. You can see the 2023–24 dining license or the 2024–25 license for details.
Please note that if you do not sign the housing and dining license by the current year deadline, you will not receive a room selection time slot. Instead, you will be assigned a room.
Medical housing accommodations
If you have special or medical needs that should be taken into account during the housing selection process, you should have a non-RISD affiliated medical professional complete a medical accommodation form. This can then be uploaded via the housing portal for review. Forms completed by a RISD Health Services provider, or a provider in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), will not be accepted.
If you need to request an accommodation as part of the room selection process for the coming academic year, do so by that year’s deadline to ensure full consideration of your request.
For students currently in RISD housing, requests for new or updated accommodations are reviewed monthly. To ensure timely review, submit your request prior to the first of the month.
Documentation guidelines
To accurately and equitably evaluate accommodation requests, you need to submit documentation from a medical professional that outlines the condition requiring housing accommodations. Complete our official medical provider form and submit via the housing portal when making your accommodation request. We will not accept other documents in lieu of the official form.
Factors we consider
We carefully review requests and supporting documentation on a case-by-case basis using the criteria below. Be aware that, in certain instances, a member of Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services might follow up with the treating professional.
- severity of condition
- ability for student to live in RISD housing with or without accommodations
- potentially permanent health impacts or threat to life
- importance of accommodation to overall treatment of the condition(s)
- impact on academic and/or social experience
Timing of Request
In evaluating medical accommodation requests, we take into account whether we receive the request:
- prior to the housing accommodation deadline.
- as soon as possible after identifying need for accommodation(s).
- before or after you receive your housing assignment or a change in diagnosis, etc.
Emotional support animal (ESA)/ service animal policy
You may be allowed to have an emotional support animal or service animal in RISD housing facilities if you meet the following criteria:
- You provide valid medical accommodation supporting your need for an emotional support or service animal.
- You comply with conditions outlined in RISD’s official service and emotional support animal policy.
Since not all campus housing is suitable for animals, we reserve the right to relocate you to properly accommodating housing.
If we approve your request, you will need to submit an animal registration form along with all vaccination records. We permit only one animal per student with approved accommodations, and only one animal per living environment. A relocation will be required if more than one student in a shared space is approved to keep an emotional support or service animal on campus.
Residency Waiver
Undergraduate students must live on campus during their first two years at RISD. However, you can request a residency waiver if you meet one of the qualifications below. Please note that items 1–4 require documentation as proof of your eligibility.
Student exemptions are at the sole discretion of Residence Life, which reserves the right to grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
- You live at home with a parent or legal guardian at their permanent address, within thirty (30) of the college. For documentation, please provide two (2) of the following:
- a copy of your lease, listing your parent or guardian as the primary tenant
- a mortgage statement including your parent or guardian’s name
- a utility bill, property tax statement, home insurance bill, etc., for the address of your residency, clearly addressed to your parent or guardian by name
- a copy of your parent or legal guardian’s driver’s license/state ID, which includes the address at which you will reside
- You are married. If so, please provide a marriage certificate.
- You have a child, or your due date to give birth is prior to or during the academic year. Please provide either of the following:
- a birth certificate
- a medical document indicating that you are due to give birth
- You are the legal guardian of a minor or dependent. Please provide either of the following:
- a birth certificate
- a legal document indicating your guardianship of the minor
- You are, or will be, older than 21 years of age by September 1, 2024. No additional documentation is required if you meet this eligibility requirement.
Requests are not approved until you receive written confirmation from Residence Life. Students are not guaranteed release from the residency requirement.
2024 housing selection timeline — incoming students
May 1
Housing application and other forms open
To complete your application, go to the housing portal. From the portal you can also fill out, as necessary, a medical housing accommodation request or residency requirement waiver.
May 22
Residency requirement wavier and medical housing accommodation forms due
If you plan to apply for a residency waiver or for a medical housing accommodation, complete the applicable form by this date via the housing portal.
Jun 3
Housing application due (in order to select housing)
If you want to take part in housing selection, complete your application via the housing portal by this date.
Jun 5
Housing selection time slots issued
If you complete your housing application by the stated deadline, we will send you a time slot on this date via email.
Jun 10-14
Room selection for first-year students
If you completed your housing application on time, you will take part in room selection at your given time slot. Housing selection will take place from 9 am–noon on each room selection day.
Jun 14
Room assignments issued to students not yet placed into housing
If you did not participate in housing selection, we will make an on-campus housing placement for you. We will notify you via email on the stated date.
Housing selection FAQs — incoming students
General
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.
Housing selection
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.
Group housing selection
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.
Residence halls
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.
Move-in
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.
How to prepare and what to bring
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.
Dining
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.
Transfer student information
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.
Housing selection FAQs — application and general processes
Where do I complete my housing application and select housing?
To fill out and sign your housing application, select housing and roommates, and complete other necessary forms, go to our housing portal.
I need to stay within a specific price range. What is the best way to secure a room within my budget.
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:
- Sign your housing license and, if one is available, select a room within your range.
- 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.
How do I update my profile questions or gender identity so I can find a more accurate roommate match?
To update your personal information, log into the housing portal do the following and then proceed to make updates:
- Click on the hamburger icon at the top-left corner
- Click on your name
What if I can’t find a room that I want during selection?
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.
Is there a housing waitlist?
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.
Can I make a room change over the summer?
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.
Do any of the residence halls allow pets?
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.
Can family members and/or friends spend the night on move-in day?
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.
Do I need to have renter’s insurance to live in the residence halls?
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.
What are my on-campus parking options?
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.
It’s time to move out and I have too much stuff to move. What can I do?
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.
Am I required to have renters insurance if I live in the Residence Halls?
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.