Undergrad Students 

We advise new incoming undergrad students NOT to make a new computer purchase in your first year and to wait until you have declared a major at RISD. Some departments and programs at RISD have specific computer recommendations/requirements. If you have a laptop, we encourage you to bring it. RISD's minimum requirements are listed here. RISD also has a computer lab on campus conveniently located in the Quad. 

Laptop Program Policy

Transfer & Graduates

We encourage students to visit our Laptop Program Policy KB article to view the various departmental and program requirements before making a computer purchase or to verify your current computer specifications are sufficient.

Laptop Program Policy

BRDD - Brown Dual Degree

A common question is whether you need a laptop for Year One of BRDD and if so, what specs and software to consider. In your first year, you will primarily be in RISD Experimental and Foundation Studios, however will likely have the need to write papers or do research for liberal arts and Brown coursework. If you have a laptop, we encourage you to bring it. 

View RISD minimum requirements & Brown minimum requirements.

Generally, we advise NOT to make a new computer purchase in your first year and to wait until you have declared your major at RISD. Some departments at RISD have specific computer recommendations/requirements.You can visit our Laptop Program Policy KB article and see departmental requirements.

Laptop Program Policy

Both RISD and Brown have computer labs available on campus (one is conveniently in the RISD First-Year Quad ) if you choose not to bring a personal computer.