RISD Rocks

Introduction
RISD changed my life. Every year, I evolved as an artist and learned more about who I am creatively and what I want out of my life personally, professionally, socially. It's an amazing school if you are open minded and want to truly discover yourself.

That said, if you feel comfortable wth what you already know and want to go to college for fun and partying as opposed to work and self-exploration, steer clear of RISD. The workload is pretty heavy and teachers expect quite a bit from you, which shouldn't surprise you given how rigorous the admissions process is and the high level of creative talent represented here.

This is not to say we don't have parties: we do, but the kids are just as busy working, studying, and making and analyzing art as they are drinking and socializing. You'll find yourself bored and isolated if you're looking to slack full-time, if only because you won't have much company.

Campus Life and Social Life
I am not the most social person, but I have found many social opportunities at my disposal whenever I've wanted them. For instance, there are parties every weekend and music concerts throughout the week both on College Hill (the neighborhood where both RISD and Brown are located) and in Downtown Providence (a 5-minute walk from campus). If by some fluke you can't find a preexisting rager, just buy a keg or a few 30-packs of Pabst and start one up, it's that easy. Want 30 people to come over? Invite 10. Want 150? Put up a few flyers. There's no shortage of smart, quirky kids in the area seeking a good time.

RISD has a lot of campus traditions/theme parties, too. My favorites are the Paintball Club (paintball every saturday) and the more scandalous "Sex Club" (which consists of porn-watching parties and trips to local sex shops rationalized by intellectual discussions on the subject...)

What we lack completely is a sports scene. The most athleticism you'll see is the occasional frisbee being tossed or small, motivated group of kids banding together to go rock-climbing. If you're willing to start a group, though, you'll find that the administration will give you some money to play with... Advertisement
Academics
I specialize in Film / Animation / Video and we just got some new teachers in our department who are absolutely AMAZING.

That said, some of the older teachers have trouble keeping current with the ever-changing, modern program...which is why, ironically, I recommend seeking out Grad Student teachers here, particularly when it comes to computer-intensive courses where knowledge and facility with modern technology is central to the coursework.

One cool element of RISD academics is that our teachers more often than not have international reputations in their particular field. Many of our teachers are very well-known within the art world and can help you immensely in your effort to turn your studies into a career.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that just because a teacher is a great artist doesn't mean he can teach, and conversely, some teachers who aren't so great in the studio can articulate themselves much better in the classroom.

One strange quirk: TAs can include classmates in the same grade as the students in the class, a trend I don't agree with because it complicates the idea of mentorship.

Workload is heavy but manageable to varying degrees depending on your major. Overall, I've found that fresman year is brutally hard. I'm talking about 36 hours of class time a week plus daily homework and teachers who set a very high standard for what they expect from you.

Student Body
The typical student is very socially liberal and open to new experiences. To generalize, he/she probably dresses "alternative" as opposed to following trends (though I guess indie-rock is a trend in and of itself). There are many international students, primarily from Asia but also from European countries and Africa. That said, I find there aren't enough Black and Hispanic students for this to be as diverse an environment as it should be.

It is pretty much impossible not to make friends here. I came with the expectation of being totally antisocial and working all the time (maybe years of high school surrounded by idiots ruined my optimism...) but have met amazing people who inspire me to go outside my comfort zone, discuss, learn about myself and others, and generally enjoy college as much as I possibly can.

In Closing...
I don't know anyone who has been extremely unhappy with RISD. There's a niche for everyone...except those who aren't devoted to their art or for one reason or another just can't decide on a major, even after switching 7 times. I personally am a painter but have broadened my horizons to an interdisciplinary program that enables me to study painting through the Film / Animation / Video dept. That experience has taught me the valuable lesson that sometimes, it's better to do what you really love through a major that provides you the freedom to study many disciplines to complement your specific interest...this will make you approach to your chosen medium all the more diverse and unique and your work as an artist all the more impressive!