Orientation for New and Incoming Students

Kicking off your RISD experience, our orientation programming lets you meet friends, get a sense of campus and settle into housing before the start of classes. Read below for more information.

Pre-arrival emails and social media

Throughout the summer you will receive weekly Wednesday emails from welcome@risd.edu to help you get to know your community and learn about available resources at RISD. You can also get updates by following us on Instagram @WelcomeRISD.

Are you a first-generation student?

Consider applying for FGC POP

Running each summer before orientation, First-Generation to College Pre-Orientation Program (FGC POP) is designed to help first-gen students transition smoothly to life at RISD. Follow the link below for details.

Discover FGC POP

International Student Orientation — Aug 29–30, 2025

At International Student Orientation, new and incoming international students will learn about available resources and support at RISD, and other important information to assist in your transition to living and studying in the United States.

Beginning the day after international student move-in day, orientation programming includes:

New Student Orientation — Aug 31–Sep 2

Designed for all incoming first-year, transfer, international and graduate students, New Student Orientation provides information about campus resources and introduces you to faculty, student leaders, and your peers. 

Orientation programming includes:

  • a resource fair with representatives from campus departments (families welcome).
  • opportunities to speak with local bank and phone representatives (families welcome).
  • a welcome address by President Crystal Williams (families welcome).
  • presentations from student resources and academic representatives.
  • evening social events.
  • panel sessions.
  • lunch with your academic advisor.
  • community time with your orientation leaders.
  • campus tour opportunities.

Please note that you will receive your complete orientation schedule via email before you arrive on campus, and in person at Orientation check-in. The schedule will indicate which sessions family members can attend.