Plan ahead

Upon receiving an acceptance, admitted students will receive information about and resources for completing the enrollment process. We also host several orientation events, both in person and online, that introduce incoming students to the campus and community.

Summer events and programs

The graduate experience starts before you arrive when you are invited to attend and participate in a variety of virtual summer events and information sessions for all incoming grad students. Programming provides general information about the RISD community and an overview of available resources, department-based meetings and several opportunities to mingle and connect with the rest of the incoming class. In-person events are offered in September to welcome you to campus.

In addition, the following departments run summer programs that incoming students may be required to attend:

  • Architecture | 3-year MArch
  • Interior Architecture | MDes (both programs) and MA
  • Landscape Architecture | 2- and 3-year MLA
  • Teaching + Learning in Art + Design | MAT

Support for international students

RISD also offers a series of events and information sessions of specific interest to incoming international students.

For newly enrolled international students, International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) offers support and services to assist with immigration compliance, cultural and language adjustment and navigating required procedures in the US. Click the link above for more information.