Where is RISD located?
RISD is located in Providence – the capital city of Rhode Island, the US’s smallest state. Known as Rhode Island’s “creative capital,” Providence is home to seven colleges as well as waterfront parks, good restaurants, dance and theater companies and amazing architecture. Adding to this unique mix of culture is the city’s convenient proximity to major metropolitan areas – Boston and New York – and the natural beauty of the Atlantic coast. Learn more about Providence, RI.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, unless you are a US citizen attending an AICAD member school in the US, you will require a valid passport that should not expire within 6 months of the return date from your Exchange semester. Additional requirements may apply.
- U.S. citizens abroad: Check the Department of State website for renewal guidance.
- Citizens of all other countries: Check your consulate/embassy’s website for renewal guidance. If you are a Permanent Resident you should carry your green card together with your passport.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, unless you are a US citizen attending an AICAD member school in the US; or you are a US citizen or Permanent Resident you will need to apply for a visa in order to attend RISD. Learn more – Office of International Student Services
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, healthcare in the United States is extremely expensive and student health insurance offered by RISD Global’s preferred provider is required. This is supplementary coverage meant to complement, not replace, your standard health insurance coverage. More information will be communicated to accepted students.
How does housing and dining work?
RISD has a thriving Residential Life community with student dormitories which you may apply for and reserve for an additional feel, but only as space is available. On-campus housing is not guaranteed. Many exchange students choose to live within the local community and student apartments are easy to find as there are thousands of college students living throughout Providence.
RISD Residence Life staff members are available to provide students with information on housing options—both on campus and off—and help with resolving any issues that may arise in residences. Please see additional information for on-campus and off-campus housing below:
On-campus meal plans are available for purchase. Learn more about available meal plans and pricing and check out the on-campus dining options on the RISD Dining website.
How do I get around Providence?
- Buses: With a RISD ID card, students, faculty and staff can ride Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) buses anywhere in the state for free. Travel to New York, Boston, and throughout the country is also available through a variety of private companies, including Greyhound, Peter Pan, Megabus and other commercial bus lines that depart from downtown Providence.
- Train: RISD is a short walk from the Providence Amtrak Station, where you can catch a train from Providence to New York City (and beyond) daily and enjoy the city’s world-famous museums, galleries and cultural landmarks in just over 3 hours – or less when if you take Amtrak’s Acela Express. You can take a one-hour ride to scenic Boston, Massachusetts on the MBTA Commuter Rail to enjoy world-class dining, shopping, arts and culture while taking in the city's rich historical character.
- Ride-sharing: On-demand transportation in Providence and throughout Rhode Island is available through Uber and Lyft.
- Zipcar: Thanks to our partnership with zipcar, RISD students get a discount and have access to vehicles at dozens of convenient locations on or near campus. Great for day-trips!
- E-Bikes + Scooters: Use a mobile app for short-term e-bike and e-scooter rentals to zip around the city.
Are there art supplies stores nearby? Is it easy to get what I need?
There are several on-campus and off-campus options for buying your supplies locally in Providence. On-campus options include:
- risd:store: carries a wide variety of art supplies, as well as digital and office supplies, convenience items, and a large selection of RISD-imprinted clothing and gifts. Also located inside the store is RISD Works a retail collection featuring a rotating selection of work by RISD alumni and faculty.
- risd:store 3D: stocks a wide variety of materials and supplies used in 3D studios from ceramics to glass, jewelry, sculpture and woodworking. Plywood, hardwood, plexiglass, glass and metal rods can be cut to size for next-day pickup. Knowledgeable and dedicated staff members are always on hand at the risd:store 3D to help source materials and answer questions.