All first-year students stay in one of four buildings known as the "first-year area" (FYA). In addition to the residence halls, the FYA is where you'll find The Met (RISD's main dining facility), the Fitness Center, Public Safety and Residence Life offices. EMT-certified Public Safety officers, a ResLife staff member and an on-call CAPS counselor are available 24/7. Each of the first-year residences includes laundry facilities, access to a kitchen, shared bathrooms, work rooms and social lounges. As your move to RISD approaches you'll want to refer to Residence Life's new student move-in information, detailing all the specifics for your particular move-in day.

Our packing guide, as well as details you’ll receive via email about RISD’s laptop program, will help you plan for your move. If you need to ship items ahead, you'll want to take a look at our information about shipping to campus.

The application process will become available in May to all incoming new students. It will provide you the opportunity to share information about your living habits and search for a roommate who shares similar habits and likes.

You’ll be contacted by email when the Student Life portal opens and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out.

RISD Dining offers a variety of options across campus and our chefs and kitchen crews take great care in preparing creative, nutritious, locally sourced food. All first-year rooms include a board plan that comprises of the following:

• Unlimited meal swipes at The Met, RISD’s “all-you-care-to-eat” facility
• One meal swipe per day at Portfolio Café, Watermark Café or Jolly Roger Deli
• $350 dining points per year ($175 dining points per semester)
• Three guest meals per semester
• A complimentary celebration treat for birthdays or other celebrations

risdbucks is an optional prepaid debit account that enables you to purchase products and services both on and off campus (wherever you see the risdbucks logo) using your RISD ID card. Laundry facilities on campus only accept risdbucks. Students and parents or family members can easily add funds by visiting risdbucks.risd.edu. Students log in using RISD email username and password. Family members log in using the student's last name, ID number and date of birth.