Apartments Near Rhode Island School of Design
Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in Providence, RI — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Average 1BR Rent
$900/mo
Best Neighborhoods
Providence Heights · Downtown
Walk to Campus
5–20 min walk
Housing Near Rhode Island School of Design: What to Expect
Rhode Island School of Design enrolls 2,090 students, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Providence, RI. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.
Rent near campus ranges from $750/mo for a studio to $1,200/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $500–$750/person/mo.
The area is one of the more affordable student markets in the U.S., with strong value for renters willing to shop around.
Apartment Listings Near Rhode Island School of Design
Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for Providence, RI.
Grove Square
Best ValueGated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.
$652–$750/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
Collegiate Place
Most PopularAffordable and social — a favorite for first-year off-campus students with a rooftop common area.
$833–$950/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
Riverside Crossing
Modern open-plan lofts 2 blocks from the main quad. Pet-friendly, utilities included.
$1,022–$1,200/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Collegiate Lofts
Quiet residential complex with off-street parking, covered bike storage, and a community garden.
$1,201–$1,400/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
Riverside Commons
Quiet study-focused community with fiber internet and soundproofed bedrooms.
$834–$950/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
Park Lofts
New BuildingFull-service building with co-working spaces, a coffee lounge, and a private shuttle.
$951–$1,100/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
Scholar Commons
Spacious layouts with in-unit laundry and a resident study lounge — popular with upperclassmen.
$1,404–$1,600/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near Rhode Island School of Design
Providence Heights
The closest neighborhood to Rhode Island School of Design's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
Downtown
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
College Hill
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
The Loop
Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.
Cost of Living Near Rhode Island School of Design
Student Housing Tips
Start Early
The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.
Read the Lease
Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.
Choose Roommates Carefully
Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.