International Student Orientation
International student orientation provides you with the extra time you need to feel settled before being integrated into the larger RISD community at New Student Orientation. You'll tackle logistics, get over jet lag and learn about resources available to you on campus as you begin to build cultural understanding in an American university context.
Important dates
August
28
International Student Orientation Day 1—Wednesday
Parents and families are invited to attend an optional orientation program from August 28–30.
- 8 am – 2 pm: Move in and check in
upper Quad
Welcome to RISD. Pick up your ID card and check-in for International Orientation in the upper quad. Make sure to check-in at the immigration table with your documents. There will be plenty of time to settle in, once you have checked in. - 7:30 am – 2 pm: Brunch
The Met
Head over to The Met, the main dining location at RISD, located at 30 Waterman Street. Bring your RISD ID and Orientation nametag in order to enter. - 10 am – 2 pm: Banks and phones
The Met A
Let us help you get set up a new bank and phone service. Representatives will be on campus during this time to meet with you. - 10 am – 2 pm: Shopping shuttles
30 Waterman Street
If you need to shop for your room or apartment, please take advantage of our complimentary shopping shuttles. Vehicles will be running from 30 Waterman to the Seekonk Shopping Area and Providence Place Mall. Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Home Depot are some stores that may interest you along this route. - 10 am – 2 pm: Yard sale
The Met C
Stop by our yard sale and claim something for your room or apartment. All items are free. - 4:30 – 5 pm: Welcome and President's Address
RISD Auditorium
Receive your first official welcome to the college. - 5 – 6:30 pm: Dinner/Meet your Orientation Leaders
The Met
Meet your Orientation Leaders and the other new students in your Orientation Group. You will be spending the next few days together as you move through the Orientation schedule. - 7 – 9 pm: Creating Community Game Night
20 Washington Place Auditorium
Join us for a night of desserts, games and fun while getting to your know RISD international community and your Orientation Leaders.
August
29
International Student Orientation Day 2—Thursday
- 8 – 9 am: Breakfast
The Met
Stop by The Met for breakfast before your first full day of International Student Orientation. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy your meal before the Orientation sessions start. - 9 – 10 am: Immigration and you
Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center)
This session is for all F-1 non-immigrant students. Learn about your documents, how to maintain your immigration status in the US, how to return to the US after traveling and your basic employment options. (Please note: if you did not check-in with your I-20, passport, F-1 visa and I-94 on move-in day, you will need to visit the Office of International Student Services (OISS) at Carr House, 210 Benefit St.) - 10 am – 12 pm: Exploring American culture
Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center)
Moving to a new country can be an adjustment. Join us for group activities as we explore US culture, the cultural adjustment process and how to navigating your time in Providence as an international student. - 12 – 1:30 pm: Lunch/Orientation Leaders small-group time
The Met
Stop by The Met between with your RISD ID and your Orientation name tag for some lunch. - 1:30 – 5 pm: Taking care of business/free time
campus
Take some time for yourself, relax or get work done. - 5 – 6:30 pm: Dinner
The Met
Gather with new friends and unwind after your day. OLs will be able to answer any questions you have during this time. - 7:30 – 9:30 pm: Movie Night
The Met
Put on some comfortable clothes and bring a blanket for a movie at The Met. We'll be showing Incredibles 2. Snacks will be provided.
August
30
International Student Orientation Day 3—Friday
- 8 – 9 am: Breakfast
The Met
Grab some breakfast in The Met. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to enjoy your meal before the Orientation sessions start. - 9 – 10 am: Navigating US systems
Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center)
This session will allow International Students to learn how to navigate US systems including, taxes, social security, drivers' licenses & IDs, health insurance and healthcare. - 10 – 11 am: Exploring US culture in the classroom
Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center)
International faculty share their experiences adjusting to the community. Explore aspects of the unique learning environment found at RISD. - 11 am – 12 pm: International student panel
Metcalf Auditorium (Chace Center)
Attend this panel with international students and ask any questions you still have. - 12 – 1 pm: Lunch/Orientation Leaders small-group time
The Met
Stop by The Met with your RISD ID and your Orientation name tag for some lunch. - 1 – 5 pm: Taking care of business/free time
campus
Take some time for yourself, relax or get work done. - 5 – 6:30 pm: Dinner
The Met
Enjoy dinner together. - 7:30 – 9:30 pm: International Karaoke Night
Taproom (Memorial Hall, 4th floor)
Come to the Taproom and sing your heart out. We will have both English and international karaoke machines so you can sing your favorite songs in any language. If you don't want to sing, just come hang out and meet new friends. Participation is completely optional.
August
31
International Student Orientation Day 4—Saturday
- 8 – 9 am: Breakfast
The Met
Grab some breakfast at The Met. - 9 am – 12 pm: Half day of service/free time
Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, location TBD
International students are invited to join us for an optional morning of service. Prior registration is required. - 12 – 1 pm: Lunch
The Met
Stop by The Met with your RISD ID and your orientation name tag for some lunch. - 12 – 5 pm: Free time
campus
Take some time to relax before New Student Orientation begins. - 5 – 6:00 pm: Dinner
The Met
Gather with new friends to enjoy dinner at The Met.