Student Housing Near Rhode Island School of Design
Find verified off-campus housing near Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI
About Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design stands as one of the most selective art and design institutions in the world, with an admission rate of just 14%. Located in the vibrant heart of Providence, RISD attracts the most talented creative minds globally, fostering innovation across disciplines from fine arts to industrial design. The institution's 2,090 graduate students benefit from faculty mentorship and state-of-the-art facilities that bridge artistic vision with professional practice. RISD's impact extends far beyond campus walls. The school has revitalized Providence's cultural landscape, anchoring the city's thriving arts district alongside world-class museums and galleries. Students thrive in a neighborhood brimming with creative energy, cutting-edge restaurants, and collaborative studios where emerging designers and artists intersect. With an 88% graduation rate, RISD students emerge as industry leaders prepared for meaningful careers. Living near campus means experiencing an intellectually stimulating community where artistic discourse flows as freely as coffee in local cafés. The walkable neighborhood offers affordable housing options, vintage shops, and cultural venues that celebrate the creative spirit RISD cultivates—making it an ideal setting for serious artists ready to shape the future of design.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Private
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Midsize City
- Retention Rate
- 93%
- ACT Median
- 31
- Accreditor
- New England Commission on Higher Education
- Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
With RISD's tuition at $59,760 and average net price of $46,253, housing costs represent a significant portion of total expenses in Providence's competitive market. Students should expect to pay $12,000-$18,000 annually for on-campus or nearby housing, making strategic housing choices crucial for managing overall education costs.
- ✓Live on-campus for first 1-2 years to lock in stable rates ($12,000-$15,000/year) rather than risking higher market rents ($1,300-$1,800/month) in Providence's competitive housing market
- ✓Partner with 2-3 roommates in a shared apartment off-campus to reduce individual rent burden by 30-40% compared to solo housing
- ✓Consider housing in surrounding neighborhoods (Olneyville, Federal Hill) 1-2 miles from campus where rents are 15-25% lower than areas immediately adjacent to RISD
- ✓Apply for RISD housing grants and scholarships specifically designated for living expenses, and explore work-study positions that may include housing benefits
Living Near Rhode Island School of Design
# Housing Guide for RISD Students in Providence RISD's College Hill campus sits in the heart of Providence's historic arts district, offering students an vibrant urban neighborhood filled with creative energy. The area seamlessly blends academia, culture, and residential charm. **Popular student neighborhoods** include the immediate College Hill area, where tree-lined streets feature restored Victorian homes converted into apartments. Wickenden Street offers eclectic shops and cafes, while nearby Fox Point provides affordable housing with a bohemian vibe. Federal Hill, just west of campus, attracts students seeking Italian restaurants and nightlife. **Getting around is easy**—most students walk to campus, and bike lanes connect major neighborhoods. RIPTA buses provide reliable public transit across Providence at student-friendly rates. **Entertainment abounds**: vintage shops, independent bookstores, galleries, and restaurants dot Thayer Street. The RISD Museum, Brown University, and Providence Performing Arts Center enrich cultural life. Countless cafes and restaurants cater to student budgets. **Safety and community** are strong here. College Hill feels secure with good lighting and foot traffic. The tight-knit creative community welcomes RISD students, fostering an inclusive neighborhood where art and design thrive year-round.
Other Housing Near Rhode Island School of Design
The Residences Providence
The Residences Providence is a 42-unit apartment community located at 1 W Exchange St in Providence, RI, just 0.3 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2007, the property features fully furnished apartments with full kitchens, in-unit amenities including dishwashers and garbage disposals, and community amenities such as a fitness center, community lounge, and 24-hour doorman concierge service.
Westminster Lofts
Westminster Lofts is a 296-unit apartment community located at 126 Union St in Providence, RI, just 0.3 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2005, the property features fully furnished units with full kitchens, hardwood floors, and high ceilings. Amenities include 24/7 maintenance, air conditioning, heating, elevator access, gated community security, and a business center.
Nightingale Apartments
Nightingale Apartments is a 143-unit apartment community located at 100 Mathewson St in Providence, RI, just 0.4 miles from Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2020, the property features air conditioning, full kitchens, balcony patios, and garage parking. Amenities include a fitness center, game room, community lounge, bike storage, clubhouse, courtyard, controlled access, cable TV, BBQ grill, elevator access, and an on-site convenience store.
Center Place
Center Place is a 225-unit apartment community located at 50 Park Row W in Providence, RI, just 0.2 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 1991, the property offers fully furnished apartments with in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens, and air conditioning. Amenities include a fitness center, pool, community lounge, high-speed internet, doorman concierge, and package lockers.
The 903
The 903 is a 231-unit apartment community located at 903 Providence Pl in Providence, RI, approximately 0.6 miles from Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2004, the property offers fully furnished units with amenities including a fitness center, 24/7 maintenance, controlled access, and a doorman concierge service.
G Reserve
G Reserve is a 61-unit apartment community located at 170 Westminster St in Providence, RI, just 0.3 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2017, the property features on-site management and 24/7 maintenance with amenities including air conditioning, heating, full kitchens with dishwashers, fitness center, laundry facilities, hardwood floors, and controlled access.
Regency Plaza Apartments
Regency Plaza Apartments is a 471-unit apartment community located at One Regency Plaza in Providence, Rhode Island, just 0.6 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 1976, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, fitness center, business center, bike storage, guest parking, and a doorman concierge service.
Case-Mead Lofts
Case-Mead Lofts is a 44-unit apartment community located at 76 Dorrance Street in Providence, RI, just 0.3 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2017, the fully furnished units feature in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens with granite countertops, air conditioning, high-speed internet, and controlled access. The building offers amenities including an elevator, balcony patios, and cable TV.
Huntington Exchange Providence
Huntington Exchange Providence is an 87-unit apartment community located at 101 Cedar St in Providence, RI, approximately 0.8 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 1980, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance and fitness facilities, along with units equipped with full kitchens, air conditioning, dishwashers, and balcony patios. Additional community features include a clubhouse, game room, business center, and BBQ grill.
Chestnut Commons
Chestnut Commons is an 8-unit apartment community located at 180 Friendship St in Providence, RI, approximately 0.6 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2020, the property features a full kitchen with dishwasher, air conditioning, fitness center, bike storage, EV charging, and 24/7 maintenance support.
Grant Mill Apartments
Grant Mill Apartments is a 85-unit apartment community located at 299 Carpenter St in Providence, RI, approximately 1.2 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Built in 2009, the property offers fully furnished units with full kitchens and amenities including 24/7 maintenance, fitness center, game room, community lounge, bike storage, and EV charging stations.
Strive Lofts
Strive Lofts is a 56-unit apartment community located at 556 Atwells Ave in Providence, RI, approximately 1.4 miles from the Rhode Island School of Design. Originally built in 1900, the community offers units equipped with in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens with granite countertops, and amenities including a fitness center, controlled access, and high-speed internet.
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