RISD : Rhode Island School of Design : FAQS

ORIENTATION: FAQ

The following questions and answers are specific to dormitory living. For answers to more general questions about RISD and Providence, follow this link to frequently asked questions.

WHAT SUPPLIES WILL I NEED?

Here’s what you’ll find in your room:
·twin-size bed and mattress (extra long)
·work desk (or drawing table) and chair
·bureau
·closet or wardrobe
·curtains or shades
·wastebasket
·local telephone service
·Internet service

So plan to bring:
· sheets (extra long, 80" twin)
· blankets
· towels
· pillow and pillowcases
· mattress pad
· telephone

You might also want to bring:
· desk lamp (but no halogen torchiere lamps, please)
· alarm clock
· fan
· area rug and pad
· laundry bag
· posters
· plants
· whatever else will help you feel at home

Washers and dryers are available in each residence hall. You’ll also receive separate information from local companies that provide such things as linen/laundry service, refrigerator rentals and linen purchase programs.

Microwaves and other cooking appliances are not allowed in individual student rooms, but you can have a coffeemaker and one small refrigerator per room. You might want to contact your roommate prior to your arrival to avoid unnecessary duplications.

Computers are not required for Foundation studios, but most Liberal Arts teachers require papers to be word processed. Computers are available at certain labs on campus and many departments require computer literacy by the sophomore year.

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED IN DORMS?
· electric blankets
· space heaters
· paper lantern lights
· Christmas/string lights
· curtains/large tapestries
· waterbeds
· candles
· incense
· pets (except fish; tanks can be no larger than 10 gallons)
· knives other than pocket/Exacto knives
· weapons
· lofts
· large refrigerators (size greater than 5 cubic feet)
· halogen lamps, lava lamps and torchiere lamps
· cooking appliances: toasters, toaster ovens, microwave ovens, popcorn poppers, or anything with a heating coil
· blow torches, oil lamps, sterno or any other open flame device
· water, soft air, cap or any other type of toy gun

BASIC ART SUPPLIES
Although you’ll find most of the art supplies you need at risd:store, it’s worth bringing what you already have. (Follow this link to a list of nearby art supply stores.) While most of your assignments will involve some of what is listed below, when classes begin your instructors will distribute a list of specific supplies required for their courses. Most freshmen spend between $400 and $500 for art supplies during their first semester. Wintersession and second semester will involve additional expenses, depending on your assignments. Keep in mind that the list here suggests items you might need; feel free to bring any other tools or media you want.
· acrylic paints
· metal ruler
· camera
· metric scale
· canvas
· metric tape
· charcoal
· pencils
· newsprint pad
· charcoal sticks
· paperclips
· conte crayons
· pastels
· drawing pencils
· pliers/wire cutter
· drill
· portfolio
· erasers
· protractor
· file
· push pins
· fixatives
· sandpaper
· glue/rubber cement
· scissors
· hammer
· tape
· handsaw
· screwdriver
· magazines (for collages)
· sewing supplies
· magic markers
· sketchbook
· stapler + staples
· mat knife
· staple gun
· measuring tape
· tracing paper
· metal clamps
· t-square
· metal cutter
· woodcarving tools
· Kevlar gloves

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES DO I NEED?
You’ll be at art school, in the Northeast, on the coast. Bring clothes comfortable for studio work (i.e. that you don’t mind getting dirty and/or splattered). Bring sweaters for fall and heavy coats, gloves, hats and boots for winter. Shorts, sandals and beach attire may prove useful for the beginning and end of the academic year. (Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of ocean shoreline and RISD owns a farm with 33 acres of lawn and beach front on Narragansett Bay.) Rain gear and an umbrella are good investments for the late fall and early spring.

CAN I SHIP BOXES AHEAD?
Yes. Freshmen should send boxes after August 15 to:
[your name]
c/o UPS Store #3346
5600 Post Road #114
East Greenwich, RI 02818

WHERE WILL I LIVE?
Your room assignment for next year, your campus telephone number and your roommate’s name, address and home phone number will be sent to you no later than August 1. Do not call the Residence Life Office for this information unless you have not received it by August 10. If you need to update any of the housing preference information you submitted before you receive your housing assignment, send changes in writing to Brian Janes, Director of Residence Life, RISD, Two College Street, Providence, RI 02903-2784, e-mail rlo@risd.edu or fax 401 454-6382. Please note that room assignments may change before check-in.

WHO IS MY ROOMMATE?
Part of the excitement of going away to college is getting to know new people, like your roommate. Learning to share a living space is an important educational experience — one that will complement your success at RISD and help you become an integral member of our artistic community.

Remember that you and your roommate are not mirror images, but are sharing a living space. It’s important to have an understanding of each other. Because your roommate may come from a different background, lifestyle or part of the world, you’ll have a unique relationship, one that may be among the most valuable friendships you’ll ever make. Explore the interests and values you share, along with your differences. Through open, honest communication you’ll soon discover each other’s preferences. If you do this as soon as possible, you’ll find it’s much easier to negotiate potential points of contention before they escalate into an actual disagreement. Although living with a roommate can be challenging, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have at RISD. We hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it.

TELL ME ABOUT HEALTH SERVICES
RISD Health Services promotes health protection and education, disease prevention and clinical care by administering primary care and utilizing multiple referrals and community resources. Click here for complete information about RISD Health Services.

WHAT ARE MY COURSES?
Freshmen share a similar schedule of Foundation and Liberal Arts courses. In the Academics section, you’ll find a typical freshman schedule. Section assignments for Foundation courses as well as your Liberal Arts schedule will be in your mailbox the day you check in.

Transfer and graduate students are notified over the summer about registering for classes, which should be done via the web. Look for details in your RISD e-mail and home mailboxes. Another option is to register in person with the Registrar the day before classes begin. Upon arrival, look in your RISD mailbox for more information. (If you choose to wait to register until the day before classes begin, any information conveyed at meetings you may miss is available, after the fact, from the office hosting the meeting.) More information is available at wa.risd.edu

WHAT IS COLLEGE HILL?
RISD and neighboring Brown University are both located on a hill in a historic district on the East Side of Providence, which is why the neighborhood is often referred to as College Hill. Other institutions of higher learning in Providence include Johnson & Wales University, Providence College and Rhode Island College.

CAN I GO TO BROWN, TOO?
Because of their close proximity and historic connections, RISD and Brown work together to provide opportunities for students that might otherwise not be available. For instance, upperclass students from both institutions are encouraged to cross register for courses.

Brown and RISD students often cooperate through clubs and organizations that provide a basis for social interaction. RISD students also have access to Brown’s athletic complex, which includes squash courts, a swimming pool, playing fields and more. Some courts charge a small hourly fee; other athletic facilities require reservations. For more information, call RISD’s Office of Student Life at 454-6602.

CAN I SMOKE AT RISD?
RISD is a smoke-free campus, which means smoking is only allowed in limited areas such as private offices of a faculty or staff member, when that person is alone, and inside buildings or departments that have been collectively agreed upon as designated smoking areas. Cigarettes are not sold on campus. There is no smoking allowed in the residence halls. Click here to read RISD’s Smoke-Free Campus policy.

WHAT DO CURRENT STUDENTS THINK ABOUT RISD?
Go to the student-run website to find out what students really like about RISD.