Basic things all RISD students should know about housing:
(UPDATED FOR 2007-2008)
If you’re looking for on-campus housing, you’ll have to pay a deposit some time soon (Jan. 31st to be specific). If not, you’ll have to find an off-campus apartment. Winter is the best time to start searching for an apartment. Some landlords might not show you the apartment until later in the spring, and they may not know for a while whether current tenants are renewing the lease or not, but this is still a good time to begin your search. Of course, you could wait until August to find a spot, but don’t expect it to be nice, or nearby, or affordable.
ALL SOPHOMORES MUST LIVE ON CAMPUS. More details about this in the official Lottery Instructions. Most housing is available to everyone, except Dwight apartment building will be available to GRAD STUDENTS ONLY.
A Note About Squatting: 2007-2008 Sophomores can squat. Last year they could not, the year before that they could, and now they can again. It was just last year's sophomores who got screwed. For more information see the official Lottery Instructions
Getting into housing is a long process with several steps, and being informed is the best thing you can do for yourself and your chances of getting what you want. Being familiar with all the different types of housing can really help too.
Types of Housing
Three basic housing styles exist at RISD. There are Hill Houses (formerly known as Outer Houses) with mostly double and single rooms. There are Benefit Street Apartments (Colonial for Undergrads, Dwight for Grads) that offer various apartment types. Lastly there is 15 West, which offers downtown living in suites and various styles of apartments. All of these housing types are explained thoroughly in the Lottery Instructions.
On vs. Off Campus:
We’ve come up with some basic advantages of On vs. Off Campus living. If you have any suggestions or comments on our list, please email us.
On-Campus Advantages
Free 24-7 Ethernet Connection
All utilities included
In dorms (not apartments) someone cleans the bathroom and kitchen
Virtually all buildings have laundry
Fairly secure
Can be slightly cheaper, with good location for many people
Off-Campus Advantages
More freedom and flexibilty in general
Not required to participate in meal plan
Generally comes with an off-street parking place
If you want to go really far out, you can find a place cheap
Possibility of finding a landlord who will let you have pets
Allowed to have parties with more than 6 people!!! (This is the cut off in the dorms.)
All questions regarding housing should be addressed to the Office of Residence Life.
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