The Rhode Island School of Design, founded coeducational in 1877 to increase design education access for women, sits directly adjacent to Brown University on Providence's College Hill, with all first-year students housed together in The Quad, including East Hall, Homer Hall, and Nickerson Hall.
Enrollment
2,517
Total Students
Freshman Class
521
Approx.
Move-In Dates
September 2 - September 3, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
18%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Residence Life team members are available on-site to help direct move-in - Colonial and Dwight residents check in at the Residence Life Office located in Colonial C, 185 Benefit Street. Incoming transfer students follow move-in times and days according to their own room assignments, which may or may not fall within the first-year housing areas. This specific date should be confirmed directly with RISD's Residence Life office closer to move-in, given genuine uncertainty in the sources available at the time of research.
September 2 - September 3, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
East Hall
Suite-style · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Homer Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Nickerson Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open Rhode Island School of Design's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - September 2, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$18,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Rhode Island School of Design.
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