QUICK ANSWER
For a new RISD student, “on campus or off campus?” is not yet a choice. RISD says it requires students to live on campus for their first two years, unless they qualify for a waiver. The housing licence runs for the full year, and a dining allotment is built into every on-campus rate.
For 2026–27, a first-year shared room costs $9,071 per semester ($18,142 a year), dining included. A first-year single costs $10,326 per semester. The real on/off-campus decision comes in the third year.
This page sets out RISD’s published housing rules and 2026–27 rates by year, and what Korean families should plan for at each stage.
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Year by Year: Where RISD Students Live
| Year | Where | 2026–27 rate per semester (dining included) |
|---|---|---|
| First year | First-year residence halls; shared rooms or singles | Shared $9,071; single $10,326 |
| Second year | Hill Houses on College Hill, or 15 West downtown (sophomore priority) | Hill Houses $8,795–$10,249; 15 West $9,243–$10,939 |
| Third year and later | 15 West, Colonial or Dwight apartments, or off campus | Apartments $9,792–$11,095 |
From RISD Residence Life housing rates, 2026–27. All residence halls in a year group cost the same; the price depends on room type.
Because meals are bundled, the on-campus figure is close to a full living cost for the academic year. Over the two required years, a student in shared rooms would pay about $35,700–$36,600 for housing and dining at 2026–27 prices, before any increases.
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The Rules That Catch Families Out
- The licence is for the whole year. A student who signs it cannot move off campus after one semester.
- Meals can’t be removed. The dining allotment is fixed and “use it or lose it”. The first-year plan includes unlimited access to the main dining hall.
- Winter break is separate. A 9-month agreement covers the academic year including Wintersession but not winter break, which costs extra. A 12-month agreement includes winter and summer breaks.
- Roommates are chosen, not matched. First-years can pick roommates in the housing portal; RISD does not match by compatibility.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Winter break matters if a student will stay in Providence rather than fly home. Decide early whether the 9-month or 12-month agreement fits. For the second year, compare Hill Houses with 15 West. Hill Houses are historic homes on College Hill with shared kitchens and no air conditioning. 15 West is downtown, with heating and air conditioning.
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Housing in the Full RISD Budget
| Item (2026–27) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $66,460 |
| Student activity and academic/technology fees | $1,216 |
| Health insurance | $2,657 |
| First-year shared room with dining (two semesters) | $18,142 |
Tuition and fees from RISD Student Financial Services (proposed, subject to change); housing from Residence Life. Supplies, travel and personal costs are extra.
RISD merit aid is rare in our records: 4 awards across 68 Royal Blue admits (6%), with the average Not reported (n=4). Families should plan for close to the full cost. Our guide to RISD campus life covers daily life beyond housing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do RISD students have to live on campus?
Yes, for the first two years, unless they qualify for a residency requirement waiver.
How much is RISD housing for 2026–27?
A first-year shared room is $9,071 per semester and a single $10,326, with dining included. Sophomore and upperclass rates vary by building and room type.
Can I opt out of the RISD meal plan?
No. A dining allotment is built into all on-campus housing rates and cannot be removed.
Can students stay on campus over winter break?
Yes, with the 12-month agreement or by requesting winter break housing at an additional cost on the 9-month agreement.
When can RISD students live off campus?
From the third year, or earlier only with an approved waiver.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for RISD and other U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 68 at RISD. We help families plan the full cost of the first two years before they commit. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
Housing rules and 2026–27 rates from RISD Residence Life; tuition and fees from RISD Student Financial Services. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: RISD Campus Life · RISD by Department · RISD-Brown Dual Degree · SVA vs RISD for Design · Royal Blue Results