Submitted by Wejdanalaradi t3_y7zdzf in RhodeIsland
I’m planning to apply for study in Rhode Island school of design and I’m wondering if the the area is safe and if the living expenses is affordable. (Grocery , clothes , services) . NOTE: I’m not from or in the us.
Yes , I’m going through a scholarship.And I’m already accepted in New York ( utica &brooklyn) but I’m thinking if the Rhode Island is less expensive on living wise than new york.
[deleted]
Considerably less expensive than nyc (having lived in both locales). Assume you’ll be living on campus?
Utica will be less expensive than Rhode Island. Brooklyn, while it would be a great NYC experience is going to be far more expensive, since Utica is way upstate. But Utica is also pretty much in the snowiest region of NY, so take that into account.
The only real advantages to Rhode Island over both is the closeness of things. Cost wise It's not as cheap as it used to be up here. Sure it'll be cheaper than Brooklyn.
Affordable is relative. If you’re moving from, say, Iceland, groceries are cheap. If you, like me, came from the US Pacific Northwest, groceries are more expensive.
RISD is the best choice all around. Providence is safe, but use your wits in any densely populated area. Rents are high, but that's all relative to any location. Good luck.
This is true. Brooklyn is ridiculously expensive. Utica is cold, gray and snowy and crime is high there.
RI is the best choice. Especially school-wise.
Where are you coming from?
Yes! Come to Providence, you won’t regret it.
Fox Point and college hill are awesome, safe, and walkable! Great food!
Living in PVD, especially the Brown/RISD area is very safe, but you’ll pay for that of course. You’ll get plenty of culture, but not anywhere near as much as NYC, but we are a short train ride from nyc. Groceries are expensive mainly because where you might be shopping, but soon a Trader Joe’s will open close by, and there is an Aldi not too far from that area, but not walkable, you’ll save much more shopping there vs say the Whole Foods. There is Eastside Marketplace which is operated by Ahold (Dutch grocer), which is full service supermarket, but smaller and a bit more expensive than the discount stores. Food is more expensive here vs say Europe or Asia, but cheaper than Australia, New Zealand or England. The US dollar being strong now will also hurt if you convert your expenses to your home currency.
If you’re from a warm climate, get some serious winter clothing. Gloves, hats, and a warm jacket. The winters are bitterly cold.
I'll add that College Hill (where RSID is) is probably one of the safest area in the city. But agreed with everything above.
I worked and drive through there pretty often. The Brown/RISD area tends to be pretty safe, but common sense travel is always advised.
Winters are a bit harsh, so bundle up. I tend to still wear shorts and a T in the winter, but but your mileage may vary. I would say prepare for a lot of hills and perhaps snow boots for the winter hike. College Street and Waterman Street tend to be some of the steeper but more frequently travelled roads. Just watch out for cars since. Keep to the pavement and follow the lights.
Utica is a hole. Pratt MWP? Cheap but depressed area. Highly depressed. I know because I grew up in the region and did my first couple years of college in Utica.
I'd do Brooklyn or RI over Utica 10/10 times.
RISD is one of the best schools of its type in the US. Providence is definitely more affordable than NYC. I'm not sure about Utica, but I've been there and it's pretty isolated and run down. Providence is a great city and RISD is in the heart of the best part of it. Also, you'll be able to walk to the station and get to Boston and NYC on the train pretty affordably.
And some good boots for the ice and snow!
I was going to say great food as well. The whole city, precovid, was just great restaurants.
Omg so true!!! The best food! There are some really good new resturants still
This, especially if you are coming from most of Europe. New England in general has pretty high temperature swings between seasons comparatively.
Summers can be over 100F (High 30's C) some days and winters are around or just below freezing, but go into the single digits F (-15 C or so) sometimes. Good gloves, thick socks, and a few good layers and you will be fine.
Snow and ice are common most of the winter, but usually snow storms are only a couple of inches each (maybe 5-15 CM). We do sometimes get a big storm with a foot (about 30cm) or more at once, but not most years in Providence since it nearer the ocean.
Congratulations on being accepted to these schools, you must be very talented! Rhode Island has a great arts scene and RISD is an excellent school where you'll make important connections. Providence is cheaper and safer than New York, and waaay more exciting that Utica 😂 Best of luck to you!!
Yes. I’m accepted to Pratt. But I’ll study 2 years in Utica and 2 years in Brooklyn main campus
Thank you , great info and advice
I hadn’t apply to RISD but I had accepted to Pratt institute ( 2 y in Utica and 2 y in Brooklyn)and I still have chances to apply for other school before decided to go to Pratt duo to living wise expenses for New York.
Saudi arabia
Off campus
Best thing from Utica are the chicken riggies. Many good people too. Not a hot spot nor really safe otherwise.
Utica is the cheapest to live. But, the weather is depressing. Brooklyn is the most fun but is the most expensive of the three. RISD is in one of the best areas in Providence so it's safe, but expensive (though not as expensive as Brooklyn).
I have been to (many times) or lived in all three places you listed.
Well the real advantage may be that RISD is a superior school for studying art (depending on what specific program it is).
Especially since I guess that you're going to Pratt. It's more expensive than it used to be in the 90s, but then again, Myrtle Ave used to be known as Murder Ave.
New York City has now been named the most expensive city in the world.
Oh dear. Make sure you bring some cold weather gear, it's a mite cooler here. And I don't know how religious your are, but there are a couple of mosques in the area. One in Lincoln/North Smithfield and I believe another one in Cranston.
I always thought groceries here where considerable less expensive then European countries on average. Though that’s probably pretty dependent on country
I teach at RISD and live in the neighborhood. I’ve lived many places in the north east and I absolutely love living here. I’m very biased but RISD is a fantastic place to study!
Good luck in your studies. Rhode island as a whole is safe. It is not as safe as it was say a decade ago but safe all the same. Can't speak on affordability I live in Newport rhode island 50 minutes south. But college hill is very beautiful. Just be vigilant. There are many sub pockets of rhode island that are more dangerous than others. Be especially mindful of providence place mall don't go alone. It has gone up in crime year over year. Rhode island as a whole is a vibrant state. Tiny but potent. As others have said pack for all 4 seasons. Generally our winters aren't too harsh but every year is different. This year our fall is extra cold probably due to the droughts of the summer and also cold air from Canada.
Why would you lie like this
Less expensive than Brooklyn but still pricey
jdille100 t1_isx65we wrote
RISD is safe. I imagine y’all be getting housing through a scholarship, If you are worried about affordable housing. Because that school is crazy expensive. But yes housing in that area is about as high as it gets in the city.