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
Where artistic vision meets rigorous craft, RISD stands as one of the nation's most respected design institutions. Students arrive from across the globe to immerse themselves in a community where creativity is both celebrated and challenged at the highest level. The curriculum seamlessly blends fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, and architecture with liberal arts coursework, cultivating designers who think critically and create meaningfully.
Providence's thriving arts district pulses with galleries, independent studios, and cultural events that extend the classroom beyond campus walls. The city's rich creative community welcomes RISD students as collaborators and innovators, offering internship opportunities and professional connections that enrich their education.
The compact College Hill neighborhood surrounding RISD buzzes with student energy, hosting cafes, vintage shops, and cultural venues within walking distance. Many students choose to live off-campus in nearby apartments and shared houses, finding the neighborhood genuinely walkable and tightly knit. Living steps from campus keeps you connected to the design community while offering the independence and affordability that comes with off-campus living—a significant advantage given RISD's investment level.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Private
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Midsize City
- Retention Rate
- 95%
- ACT Median
- 31
- Accreditor
- New England Commission on Higher Education
- Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
Housing in Providence near this prestigious design school is moderately expensive, though somewhat more affordable than comparable institutions in major northeastern cities. On-campus residence options and shared off-campus rentals can help manage costs for students.
- ✓Consider living on campus during freshman and sophomore years, as residential life provides community benefits and often costs less than renting independently off-campus in surrounding neighborhoods.
- ✓Explore shared housing arrangements with other students in nearby residential areas like College Hill or Federal Hill, where typical rents for shared apartments range from $600-$900 per person monthly—roughly 20-30% cheaper than solo rentals.
- ✓Look into housing options slightly further from campus (within a 15-20 minute commute) along RIPTA bus routes, which can offer additional savings while maintaining convenient access to the school.
- ✓Apply early for on-campus housing if available, as residential spaces fill quickly at selective institutions and may offer better rates than securing off-campus housing later in the academic year.
Living Near Rhode Island School of Design
Neighborhood Guide for RISD Students
Providence offers vibrant neighborhoods within walking distance and a short bus ride from campus. The College Hill area, directly adjacent to RISD, features tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a dense student population. Nearby Elmhurst and Mount Hope provide quieter residential options with slightly lower rent, typically 15-20% cheaper than College Hill, though still convenient to campus.
Thayer Street remains Providence's cultural heart, packed with independent cafes, vintage shops, and galleries that reflect the city's creative spirit. The downtown arts district along Westminster Street offers additional dining and entertainment venues. Federal Hill, just south of campus, delivers authentic Italian restaurants and neighborhood charm.
Public transit via RIPTA buses connects most student neighborhoods efficiently, though many prefer biking or walking given Providence's compact layout. Avoid driving if possible—parking is limited and expensive.
The student community here thrives on artistic collaboration and creative expression. Local coffee shops and artist collectives serve as unofficial gathering spaces. Providence's smaller scale compared to other college cities fosters a genuine sense of belonging while maintaining the cultural sophistication that attracts creative students.
Other Housing Near Rhode Island School of Design
The Residences Providence
The Residences Providence is a furnished apartment community in Providence, RI offering units equipped with full kitchens, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and air conditioning. Residents have access to amenities including a fitness center, community lounge, controlled access entry, doorman concierge services, and elevator access.
Westminster Lofts
Westminster Lofts is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering fully furnished units with high ceilings and hardwood floors. The community features controlled access and gated entry, along with amenities including air conditioning, heating, ceiling fans, a full kitchen with dishwasher and garbage disposal, cable TV, high-speed internet, business center, and elevator access.
Center Place
Center Place is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering fully furnished units with full kitchens, in-unit washer dryers, and air conditioning. Residents have access to amenities including a fitness center, pool, community lounge, courtyard, doorman concierge, high-speed internet, package lockers, elevator access, balcony patios, and garbage disposals.
Nightingale Apartments
Nightingale Apartments is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering amenities including air conditioning, a full kitchen, balcony patio, and garage parking. Residents have access to a fitness center, game room, community lounge, clubhouse, bike storage, controlled access entry, and a convenience store on-site.
The 903
The 903 is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering fully furnished units with full kitchens featuring dishwashers. Residents have access to amenities including a fitness center, clubhouse, business center, gated community with controlled access and doorman concierge services. Additional features include air conditioning, balcony patios with BBQ grill access, fireplaces, and crown molding throughout.
95 Lofts
95 Lofts is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering amenities including a fitness center, climate control, and recreational spaces. The community features a range of conveniences such as bike storage, business center, clubhouse, and controlled access with concierge services.
G Reserve
G Reserve is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering furnished units with full kitchens including range ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. The community features air conditioning and heating, hardwood floors, laundry facilities, a fitness center, controlled access, and on-site management.
Case-Mead Lofts
Case-Mead Lofts is a furnished apartment community in Providence, RI offering units with full kitchens, in-unit washer dryer, and granite countertops. Residents have access to amenities including air conditioning, heating, high-speed internet, cable TV, and controlled access entry. Each unit features a balcony patio, dishwasher, garbage disposal, freezer, and ice maker.
Chestnut Commons
Chestnut Commons is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering furnished units with full kitchens, dishwashers, and air conditioning. Residents have access to amenities including a fitness center, game room, community lounge, bike storage, controlled access entry, convenience store, cable TV, elevator service, and EV charging.
Regency Plaza Apartments
Regency Plaza Apartments is an apartment community in Providence, RI, offering amenities including a fitness center, business center, and community lounge. The property features bike storage, guest parking, a guest suite, and a doorman concierge, with units that include hardwood floors or carpet, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and breakfast bars.
Huntington Exchange Providence
Huntington Exchange Providence is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering a range of amenities including a fitness center, clubhouse, and game room. Units feature full kitchens with dishwashers and garbage disposals, air conditioning, ceiling fans, carpet flooring, and balcony patios. Additional community amenities include a business center, cable TV access, BBQ grill, and elevator access.
Grant Mill Apartments
Grant Mill Apartments is a furnished apartment community in Providence, RI, offering residents amenities including air conditioning, a full kitchen with dishwasher and garbage disposal, and granite countertops. The community features a fitness center, game room, community lounge, bike storage, cable TV, elevator access, EV charging, and a courtyard.
Charles Landing
Charles Landing is a pet-friendly apartment community in Providence, RI offering fully furnished units with full kitchens, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. Amenities include air conditioning, high-speed internet, laundry facilities, a fitness center, and an elevator.
Congdon Hill House
Congdon Hill House is a student housing property located in Providence, RI, featuring hardwood floors, a balcony patio, and controlled access. Amenities include a pool, fireplace, dishwasher, range oven, microwave, and refrigerator.
Strive Lofts
Strive Lofts is an apartment community in Providence, RI offering units with hardwood floors, granite countertops, and full kitchens equipped with dishwashers. Residents have access to amenities including a fitness center, in-unit washer dryer, air conditioning, heating, high-speed internet, and controlled access entry, along with balcony patios and ceiling fans.
Snowden Hall
Snowden Hall is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residential building serves the student rental market in the area.
Park Row West
Park Row West is an apartment community located in Providence, RI. This residential property offers apartment-style housing in an urban setting.
Providence G
Providence G is an apartment community located in Providence, RI.
Metcalf Hall
Metcalf Hall is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residence hall provides accommodation for students in the area.
Emery-Woolley Dormitory
Emery-Woolley Dormitory is a student housing property located in Providence, RI.
Miller Hall
Miller Hall is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residential building serves as housing for students in the area.
McNulty Residence Hall
McNulty Residence Hall is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residence hall provides on-campus housing for students.
Halstead Providence
Halstead Providence is an apartment community located in Providence, RI.
Beneficent House
Beneficent House is an apartment community located in Providence, RI available for student rentals.
Xavier Residence Hall
Xavier Residence Hall is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residence hall provides on-campus housing for students.
Imperial Hall
Imperial Hall is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residential community is designed to accommodate students seeking housing in the area.
River House
River House is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residential community is designed to accommodate students seeking rental housing in the area.
Rhode Island International Academy
Student housing located in Providence, RI. This property is operated by Rhode Island International Academy and is available for student rental.
RI Student Rentals
RI Student Rentals is a student housing property located in Providence, RI. This residential community caters to students seeking rental accommodations in the Providence area.
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