Living Resources

As a first-year student you will live in one of the buildings in the first-year area (FYA). In addition to residence halls, the FYA includes the Public Safety main office, the college’s fitness center, the Residence Life office and The Met, our main, all-you-care-to-eat dining facility. 

The first-year student dining plan is built into the cost of housing and includes unlimited access to The Met as well as additional meal points and credits. To help budget throughout a semester, take advantage of our dining points balance calculator. 

Part-time work study is common at RISD, with more than half the student body participating in the Work Study Program, which consists of both Federal Work Study (FWS) and student employment. (We will share more information about the student employment program over the summer and during orientation.)

This prepaid debit account lets you purchase products and services (such as paying for your laundry and meals on campus). You or a family member can add funds to at risdbucks.risd.edu. 

Health Services is your first line of defense for confidential, quality health care, from minor illnesses and injuries to more serious concerns. Find out what you need to provide to Health Services before beginning at RISD, including immunization records and other medical forms.

The CAPS team of mental health professionals is here to offer various kinds of support throughout your time at RISD, including counseling, medication management and case management services. Services are at no additional cost to full-time students.

Supported by our student health and wellness ambassadors (HAWAs), HEP offers you evidence-informed health promotion strategies, policies and programs that work in harmony to support student wellbeing.

ISE supports our ever-changing campus community through programming related to social justice, social identity and the celebration of cultural heritage. The ISE team also leads our First-Generation to College Pre-Orientation Program for first-gen students.

In addition to living and learning at RISD, you also have the opportunity to join any of the student organizations or attend campus-wide events hosted by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). To get involved at RISD, follow the link to discover student groups and events on campus.

ISSA supports and advocates for our international campus community by providing advice and guidance to prospective, incoming and current students and scholars. 

Our primary on-campus retail destination offers a large inventory of art supplies, as well as a rotating collection of work by RISD alumni. It is owned and operated by RISD, and all sales proceeds go to the college in support of our mission.

Across the street from risd:store, this shop carries a variety of hardware and specialty supplies for building, jewelry making, ceramics and sculpture. Owned and operated by RISD, the knowledgeable staff here is ready to help you find what you need for your projects.