Getting Ready for Your First Weeks at KCAI: A Guide for New Students and Parents

• Posted on 3 August 2025
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Welcome to KCAI! Whether you’re a new student preparing for your first week or a parent helping your artist get ready, we know this is an exciting (and maybe a little overwhelming) time. To help you feel prepared and confident, we’ve put together a quick guide on what KCAI art students need for their first couple of weeks at school. Let’s make sure your first few days are smooth, stress-free, and filled with creativity!

1. The Essentials: Art Supplies and Tools

As an art student, having the right supplies is key to hitting the ground running. The KCAI Underground Art Store is the go-to spot for additional materials you might need, but the good news is that your essential supplies are already covered!

The Foundation Kit, which is fully covered by your studio fees, includes all the tools and materials needed to set up your studio, such as:

Sketchbook and drawing pads

A variety of pencils, and charcoal

Cutting tools, rulers, and a cutting mat

All the adhesives, like tape and glue

Basic painting supplies (like brushes and paints)

You’ll collect your Foundation Kit during Orientation on Friday, August 22, so there’s no need to worry about picking up supplies beforehand. We’ve got you covered, and you’ll be ready to dive right into your first project.

Beyond the Foundation Kit: Budgeting for Additional Supplies

While the Foundation Kit is a great starting point, each student’s creative journey is unique, and additional supplies will be required along the way. We recommend that foundation students budget around $1000 per semester for these extra materials. There is no set list for these supplies because there is no set path for where your creativity will take you. This is your time to try things out, make mistakes, and see what works best for you—whether that means experimenting with new media, exploring different techniques, or following wherever your inspiration leads.

2. Textbooks

If there are specific texts required for your liberal arts courses, you can find them by going to kcai.ecampus.com. Textbooks are listed by course code. You can purchase new or used. If an e-book version is available, it will also be listed, and you will have immediate access. You can rent your textbooks or check the marketplace for deals from individual verified sellers. You may also be able to borrow these same books from our campus library, The Jannes Library, for free. This approach can help keep costs down while ensuring you have what you need for your studies.

Unlike many traditional programs, the majority of art courses at KCAI do not rely heavily on standard textbooks. Instead, students often work with a variety of open-source resources, visual references, and instructor-provided materials. Any required readings will be shared by your professors, and printed course readers may be purchased from The Underground. It’s best to wait until your first classes to get a sense of which books or materials might be needed.

3. Personal Items for Your Workspace

Your first week is all about settling into your new creative environment. Here are a few personal items that can make your studio or workspace feel like home:

Comfortable Clothing: Art can be messy! Make sure to bring clothes you don’t mind getting paint or charcoal on. Many students also enjoy an apron or smock for extra protection. And occasionally, you might appreciate a dust mask.

Reusable Water Bottle and Snacks: Staying hydrated and keeping your energy up is important, especially during long studio sessions. Pack a water bottle and some quick snacks to have on hand.

Locker Supplies: Foundation students are supplied with lockers that already have locks on them, so there’s no need to bring your own. You might want to use organizational containers to keep your supplies tidy and easy to access.

3. Technology and Organization

Staying organized will help you manage your projects, classes, and deadlines:

Laptop or Tablet: Most students use a laptop or tablet for research, digital projects, and taking notes, so having access to a reliable device is important from the start. However, we recommend holding off on investing in a high-end, specialized laptop until after your first year. Technology needs can vary significantly by department, and once you’ve selected your major, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of the software and performance requirements you’ll need to support your work. Starting with a basic or existing device is perfectly fine—what matters most is staying connected and organized as you transition into college life. Check out some of our previous posts about task management and project file organization.

Adobe Creative Cloud Access: All KCAI students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This is a valuable resource for digital projects, and it’s available to you from day one.

Notebooks and Planners: Even in a digital age, many students find that a physical notebook or planner helps them stay on top of assignments and deadlines. Find what works best for you—whether it’s a classic planner, a bullet journal, or a simple to-do list.

5. Campus and Kansas City Navigation Tips

Don’t blow off Orientation for new students on Friday and Saturday, August 22nd and 23rd! Getting familiar with campus and the city is a big part of feeling at home at KCAI and the Orientation will help with that. During your first week, take some time to:

Explore the Campus: Find your classrooms, studios, and other key locations like the library, cafeteria, and the KCAI Underground Art Store.

Locate Resources: Know where to find student services, such as the counseling office, academic advisors, and the mailroom (which is important for receiving packages).

Pro Tip: Make an appointment with our counseling and wellness office today! Your future self will thank you. This way, when you need support, you’ll be contacting someone you already know, rather than starting from scratch in a difficult moment.

Enjoy Kansas City with a few of your new friends: The Nelson-Atkins and Kemper Museums are right next door, and admission is free. Visit Union Station. Take in a movie at the IMAX theater there. Take The Link over to Crown Center and have a burger at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant. Check out the galleries in the Crossroads Art District during First Friday. Head on down to the River Market and enjoy a donut from Donutology or ice cream from Bettie Rae’s. Take a small walk across from the River Market to the Town of Kansas Observation Deck, aka Lock Bridge, and get a look at the Big Muddy (Missouri River).

6. Connect and Get Involved

KCAI is not just about classes—it’s about building a community of artists. During your first week, you’ll have opportunities to connect with peers, instructors, and other staff. Here are some ways to get involved:

Orientation Events: Attend orientation activities and events to get to know your fellow students and learn more about the campus.

Join Clubs or Groups: If you’re interested in making new friends or connecting with students who share your interests, check out the various clubs and organizations on campus, or start your own! Keep an eye out for the annual Involvement Fair in September.

7. Parent Tips: How to Support Your KCAI Student

Parents, we know this transition can be just as big for you as it is for your student. Here are a few ways you can offer support:

Encourage Independence: Let your student take the lead on setting up their workspace, managing their schedule, and solving any challenges they face. Failures will occur and are expected. This will help them grow and gain confidence.

Stay Connected: Keep in touch and check in on how they’re doing—but remember to give them space to adjust to their new environment.

Try the pet trick! Message them a photo of the family pet. If they want to chat, they will chat. If not, at the very least you are sure to get a heart emoji as proof that they are still alive.

Support Their Creativity: Art school is demanding. They will be eating, sleeping and drink art all the time 30 hours a day and 8 days a week. Having someone who believes in them and their work makes a world of difference. Ask about their projects and celebrate their successes, both big and small.

Promote Self-Care: Sometimes, first-year students struggle to maintain healthy habits. Support your student to prioritize sleep, eating well, taking breaks, and making time for exercise or relaxation. Simple reminders and support can help them establish healthy routines that contribute to their overall well-being and success at KCAI.

We’re Here to Help!

The KCAI Underground Art Store is always here to help students get the supplies they need and answer any questions about materials, products, or setting up their studios. We’re excited to welcome you to the KCAI community and wish you all the best for your first week and beyond!

Ready to start your creative journey? Stop by the KCAI Underground Art Store if you need any additional supplies or advice—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Welcome to KCAI, and let the creativity begin!