Savannah College Of Art And Design: Advice For Incoming Freshmen

Beginning a new chapter at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is an exciting experience for any freshman. With campuses in Savannah and Atlanta, SCAD fosters an environment where creativity thrives but it’s the students who take initiative that gain the most from their time here.

SCADhome, the university’s hub for residence life and housing, helps students enhance their university experience by promoting a residential environment that supports their educational, artistic, and personal development. All new first-time, full-time, first-year students enrolling in on-ground courses must live in university housing through the first quarter. Requests for exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the student’s first quarter of enrollment.

Students have access to on-campus housing options. In Atlanta, residence halls like FORTY and FORTY FOUR offer suite- and apartment-style accommodations that encourage community while providing comfort and privacy. FORTY FIVE, a standout facility in Midtown, combines residential living with academic and wellness spaces. In Savannah, first-year students are often in The Hive — a cluster of residence halls including Apiary, Bumble, Flower, and Everest — with proximity to classroom buildings and dining.

For upperclassmen, graduate students, or transfers, Ann Street, Montgomery House, and Boundary Village offer apartment-style living with modern amenities. With unique spaces like River Hall offering scenic views of the Savannah River and the suite-style Victory Village residences, SCAD ensures that every student finds housing that supports their journey as an artist or designer.

Student safety is a top priority, supported by a security strategy led by the Department of University Safety. The university works with local, state, and federal agencies to maintain a secure environment on all campuses. In the event of an emergency, students are advised to stay calm, move to a safe location, and follow instructions from campus safety and emergency personnel. SCAD offers helpful tools like the LiveSafe app, which turns smartphones into personal safety devices, and the BeeSafe program, which educates students on risk prevention, online safety, and personal security.

Additional measures include SCAD SafeRide, a free transportation service to ensure students get home safely, and marked pedestrian corridors monitored by security staff and patrols. With these layered protections in place, SCAD provides a safe and supportive environment for students to focus on their academic and creative pursuits.

The SCAD Card is an essential tool for every student, serving as the official university ID available digitally on smartphones and Apple Watches for convenient access. The Mobile SCAD Card allows students to enter SCAD buildings, residence halls, and creative labs, monitor their meal plans, and use the Bee Line bus service in Atlanta and Savannah. For those unable to use the mobile version, a physical card is also available. Beyond providing access, the SCAD Card grants students free admission to special events such as lectures and film screenings, making it a vital key to fully engaging in campus life.

As a SCAD student, one quickly realises that the university truly prioritises mental, physical, and social wellness through its Bee Well program. Whether it’s counseling, group sessions, or wellness workshops, Bee Well provides a safe, confidential space where students can manage stress, and build healthy habits that support both creativity and overall well-being.

SCAD also fosters a strong sense of community by offering events and clubs that connect students socially, helping them find their “SCAD family.” With access to licensed counsellors, 24/7 mental health support, and resources like the LiveHealth Online app, students feel supported in every step of their wellness journey, making it easier to balance the demands of academic life with personal growth.

One of SCAD’s greatest strengths is its facilities. Freshmen are encouraged to explore the university’s fully equipped studios, digital labs, and industry-standard technology. The SCAD Museum of Art and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film feature work by world-renowned designers and artists. SCAD also provides students with four state-of-the-art fitness centers across Savannah and Atlanta, with advanced equipment, group fitness classes, yoga studios and spin rooms. Through SCADfit, they can easily reserve spots in classes and participate in intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton. SCAD also offers hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Finally, new students should remember that support is always available. SCAD provides a range of services — from academic advising and career coaching to counseling and wellness programs — all designed to help students navigate their journey. Faculty and staff are approachable and deeply invested in student success. By seeking out these resources and building meaningful connections, freshmen can create a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth during their time at SCAD.