Packing and Shipping

Three students huddle around a laptop while surrounded by suitcases and bins.

See below for information on provided supplies for new and incoming students, our suggestions for housing and technology items to bring with you and guidelines for shipping and mailing to campus. 

Packing, shipping and supplies

RISD-provided housing items

All student spaces come with:

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

Suggested items to bring include:

  • 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

For more information about living on campus and what items to bring, visit the Frequently Asked Questions from Housing and Residence Life. For specific packing guidance for international students, visit our International Student Information page. 

RISD-provided academic items

Upon arrival, all first-year students are issued a tool box that includes the following items:

  • 16-foot metric/inch tape measure
  • 6 3/4" coping saw
  • 6-1/2" coping saw blade
  • 8" slip joint pliers
  • 8" long nose pliers
  • 7" diagonal pliers
  • six-way screwdriver
  • 12" combination square
  • drill bit set
  • 16 oz claw hammer
  • Olfa BN-l knife
  • Olfa LB-5B blades
  • Ryobi compact saw
  • dust mask
  • safety glasses

Technology

For required software, or to see if your laptop or computer is capable of utilizing software needed for your courses, visit RISD’s Student Laptop Program from Information Technology Services

Some faculty members may send out lists of additional supplies prior to the first day of classes. Generally, any additional supplies needed are available on or close to campus.

Shipping

In the case where a student would like to send items to RISD to ease move-in stressors, they may send their items to a local UPS location and retrieve the packages on move-in day. For full details about this program, please see the mailing instructions for new students. 

 

Mailing

  • Incoming students will receive their mailbox number on August 4.
  • RISD accepts deliveries from the following carriers:USPS,UPS,FedEx, Amazon, and DHL.
  • Campus mail is best reserved for shipping non-fragile, non-perishable, and securely packaged items in boxes that are not damaged.
  • Packages should be no larger than 24x24x24 inches, and lighter than 70 pounds.
  • Shipping labels should be easy to read and securely attached to the package.
  • Students are encouraged to keep all tracking information related to orders and shipments. 

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