<p>I really want a college town/campus feel on the east coast and people keep suggesting RISD. If I could get in, how intense is it really? I have read that the foundation year is ridiculously hard? I don't want to be over stressed my entire college time!</p>
<p>Just as a high school student who visited, I spoke with a Senior at RISD, and he stated while yes, foundation year is pretty rigorous, the people pulling off all-nighters attempting to finish projects were the ones that procrastinated. If you can maintain a good work-ethic, which shouldn’t be a problem if art is your passion, it is definitely doable. But again, while doable, he also said freshman basically have no social lives.</p>
<p>In terms of the campus, I personally fell in love, even though it really is a preference. It’s a small, quiet, clean city. The people are nice, and it supposedly has great food culture (good cafeteria food too). If you’re looking for something as lively as NYC or LA, Providence is definitely not it. </p>
<p>Hope I helped, I recommend visiting to help get an idea of what RISD is all about :)</p>
<p>Hey there, I am a RISD grad… I graduated a while ago, but I don’t think freshman foundation has changed much since then. EchenSketch is correct in what she/he reports from the senior - the people who are pulling all-nighters are the procrastinators. If you are a diligent worker and keep track of your assignments you have no need for that. I had A’s in my freshman foundation classes and never pulled an all-nighter. Having said that, I did all my work on time and never skipped a class. I stayed on top of assignments and had respect for the fact that my parents were spending a lot on tuition to send me there. As for social life, you can have one if you are outgoing. RISD is not a party school and people take their art seriously, but there is no reason you can’t have a social life also. I wish I had been less shy and connected with more people because there are a lot of cool people at RISD. Also consider taking advantage of the classes at Brown- I did and it was a great benefit. Providence is a good city - small enough to be walkable but a lot going on downtown as well as College Hill. </p>