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.
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:
- access to shopping shuttles for essentials (families welcome).
- time to speak with local bank and phone representatives (families welcome).
- evening social events.
- presentations from International Student and Scholar Affairs, Student Employment, and the Center for Arts & Language
- F-1 Visa sessions.
- community time with your orientation leaders.
Request early arrival to attend International Orientation
If you are a dual citizen, permanent resident, a student with a J-1 visa status, or an international student without F-1 status, you must request to arrive to campus early to participate in International Orientation.
Complete the International Move-In and Orientation Request form to make sure you can arrive to campus early. All requests are due by August 19, 2025, and you will be notified of your approval by August 20, 2025.
More information about requesting early arrival to attend International Orientation
Please note that completing the International Move-In and Orientation Request form is required to attend International Orientation if you are an international student without an F-1 visa (this includes: dual residents, permanent residents, and students with a J-1 visa sponsored by RISD). If you participate in International Orientation on August 29–30, you will also participate in the New Student Orientation on August 31–September 2.
If you will be living on-campus, you can use this form to confirm your early arrival into the residence halls.
If you do not complete the form, you will not be approved for early arrival and will move in on your predetermined move-in date, and will only attend New Student Orientation on August 29–September 3. If you arrive early without proper approval, you will be charged for an improper arrival fee of $150 and $70 for each additional day that you stay in the residence halls prior to your original move-in date.
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.
Family Orientation sessions
AUG 29
Families of students attending International Orientation
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Campus Tour
RISD’s tour guides will bring you on a campus tour, ending at the international luncheon.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
International Luncheon
Join the Families Association for an international parents and families luncheon. Please RSVP by August 22.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
First-year Academic Support
The offices and individuals that support your students' academic experience will explain resources available to them and answer any questions you might have about RISD’s academic experience.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Centering your Student’s Wellbeing
The offices and individuals that support your student’s experience outside of the classroom will be sharing their roles and resources and will be available to answer any questions you might have.
Note: This session will be repeated on August 31, 2025
AUG 31
Families of all students
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Resource Fair
Offices from across campus are dedicated to supporting your student. This is an opportunity to meet campus resources with your student and ask any questions you might have.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Welcome & President’s Address
This welcome address will be delivered by President Crystal Williams alongside Associate Dean of Students, Sara Rothenberger and RISD’s Orientation Co-Directors.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Family Farewell
Enjoy light snacks and refreshments with your student before they continue on their orientation experience.
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Centering your Student’s Wellbeing
The offices and individuals that support your student’s experience outside of the classroom will be sharing their roles and resources and will be available to answer any questions you may have.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Family Reception
Join the Families Association for a family reception. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by August 22.
RSVP for the Family Reception