Rice University Reviews
Check out reviews left by other students, or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship!
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Bianca from Angel Fire, NM
07/18/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
36 out of 39 people found this review useful. 1 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who are smart, who know when to buckle down and study, and who enjoy having fun are perfect for Rice. Classes are hard, but the drug and alcohol policy is very loose. Also, each residential college throws a big party or two every year, so there are always opportunities to have fun.
Tips for prospective students Visit campus and learn about the residential college system. If possible try to visit campus for a couple of nights as a prospie (prospective student) to see if you like the atmosphere. However, remember that, if accepted, you may not end up in the college at which you were a prospie, and, Rice students do actually study, but they also like to throw parties when there are prospies.
Bang for the buck Rice is fairly expensive, but the cost is a bit less than many private universities. Also, scholarships are given out to incoming students who have demonstrated an aptitude for research, and have participated in lots of community service in high school.
Am enjoying being here The residential college system at Rice is the best nonacademic part of the university. It allows new students, including transfers, to get to know lots of people besides their roommates. Students are affiliated with the same residential college throughout their time at Rice, although they may transfer to a different residential college. It helps form a close-knit community of people living in the same building, which allows for greater social contact, homework help, and the like, all of which make Rice exceptionally enjoyable. Also, Rice provides students with a Metro pass which allows them to ride the MetroRail and MetroBus to explore Houston, a fun activity on long weekends.
Am learning a lot Most professors teach well, and expect students to attend lectures and read the assigned material, which leads to good retention of information. Unfortunately, the workload can be somewhat heavy at times, depending on classes taken.
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Alexander from San Diego, CA
01/25/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
16 out of 16 people found this review useful. 2 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who like a sense of community and belonging will definitely profit from the college system.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you remember to maintain balance in your life. Most people here are selected not only because of their amazing academic abilities but also because they have strong experiences outside of the classroom.
Bang for the buck Rice is definitely cheaper than just about every private school. It's also worth going here over larger public schools. The personal attention from everyone, including the university president who responds quickly to emails you send him make you feel much more like an important person. Make sure to visit, especially for Owl Days if you're admitted.
Am enjoying being here Rice deeply cares about your standard of living. The food is great, our new servery has fresh made crepes for lunch and dessert during the week. The dorms are beautiful, as a freshman I have a double with our own bathroom which is cleaned once a week. Everything here is set up to be responsive to the students, especially our awesome college system.
Am learning a lot The professors are great and they teach really well, aiming to make sure we learn lots but all the while ensuring that it's manageable and most importantly understandable. The TAs also hold many review sessions a week to help reinforce lessons from class and also aid with homework.
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Scott from Crown Point, IN
11/03/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
11 out of 11 people found this review useful. 3 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students At Rice we're all a bit nerdy but that is the only common trend. We have athletes, bookworms, people who party, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, and everything in between. You will fit in no matter who you are and your college family will treat you just like a real family member.
Tips for prospective students Get involved, colleges love students who show interest. Take a campus tour or do an overnight visit. You will be shown around by a current Rice student who can share their own personal experiences at Rice.
Bang for the buck The only downside is that Rice is pretty expensive compared to public alternatives. I received significant financial aid though and ended up paying about what I would for a standard public school.tionwide for 3 years in a row now and you are paying for The bottom line is that Rice is a top quality school with amazing campus life and you are going to have to be willing to pay for something like that.
Am enjoying being here Campus life at Rice is great. When you get here you are placed in a residential college (think houses in Harry Potter) which you will be a part of for you career as an undergrad. College assignments are random to promote diversity which means that you will be close to people from every major and background instead of just people in your major. The college system also creates a sense of camaraderie across campus without hurting the common Rice affiliation.
Am learning a lot Rice does a cool thing with general education. Instead of requiring certain courses in several areas, they require 12 hours in each of three distribution lists. This means that if you're a humanities major you don't have to take Chemistry or Economics if you're an engineer (unless for some reason it's included in your major requirements).
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Fernando from Houston, TX
06/14/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
7 out of 7 people found this review useful. 4 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Scholars who enjoy being academically challenged and like to be in a educational environment but also next to the city. Scholars who will greatly use all the resources Houston has to offer such as the renown Texas Medical Center and various research opportunities.
Bang for the buck Although Rice's tuition is very expensive compared to other great Texas state universities such as University of Texas and Texas A&M University, it is worth it.
Will enjoy being here The campus is beautiful. It is surrounded by trees around and not visible from the outside, the city. It has lots of trees and luscious, green grass to sit and enjoy nature.
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Chioma from Gardena, CA
12/31/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
5 out of 9 people found this review useful. 5 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students This school is great for people who like to have fun but are smart and looking for an academic challenge.
Tips for prospective students You should be prepared to work hard and have a lot of fun. You shoudl also be ready to meat students from many different places. Although you might be out of your comfort zone the Residencial College System will help you feel more at home.
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Annonymous
07/28/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.
5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 6 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students diligent, intellectual, sociable and fun!
Tips for prospective students Keep your grades up senior year if you are planning to attend this university! It may seem fun to get more involved in end-of-the-year celebrations, but don't forget that universities can deny you acceptace if they don't like your performance in the final stretch.
Bang for the buck I received a very generous amount of educational grants from his institution and am grateful for their other programs like work-study so that I can hopefully graduate debt-free for the most part.
Will enjoy being here I've been really pumped to attend Orientation week , and they have already sent so many letters/ informational packets that I already feel the sense of community from my residential college.
Will learn a lot Even though I haven't officially started attending courses here, most reviews on Rice's academic opportunities suggest that I will receive a quality education.
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Janet from Carmel, NY
05/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 7 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety On campus, Rice is a pretty safe place. There are very few reports of crimes relative to other college campuses and Houston as a whole. That being said, crimes do occur and you should be wary when venturing off campus into the city of Houston. RUPD (Rice University Police Department) does a very good job at keeping students safe and under control during campus-wide events.
Clubs and Activities Rice has plenty to get involved with, but sometimes it's a bit difficult since many, many people often apply to get involved in something with limited spaces. Unlike in high school, everyone at Rice is distinguished and extremely competitive, which is what makes obtaining a spot so challenging. Don't get discouraged if you don't get accepted to a job/retreat/activity/whatever you're applying for, because they'll be plenty of opportunities to try again for something else.
Great for these types of students Students who are willing to work hard and play hard would fit in perfectly at Rice. Prepare to be open-minded, because there are so many different kinds of people from all different backgrounds.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Beer Bike and Bake 13 are the most unusual traditions at Rice and they involve shaving cream, nudity, water balloons, bikes, drinking, and happiness.
Bang for the buck Rice is pretty expensive, but financial aid makes it possible for many students to afford attending. You get a lot of individual attention and I constantly find myself thinking about how happy I am that I decided to attend.
What to do for fun Rice has events almost on the daily, but the most fun are college public parties. Each college hosts a party for the other colleges and they always have a theme (80's, Don't Mess with Texas, etc.). It's a lot of fun.
Food and Dining The servery food is usually pretty good and there's plenty of options for people of all different dietary needs. It seems to get repetitive, but I definitely miss having the servery around when I go home. The servery is closed every Saturday night to give you a chance to explore Houston restaurants..which can get kind of expensive. Usually there's events on campus that offer free food if you go, so definitely take advantage of the one's hosted on Saturday.
Dorm Life Rice is infamous for their college system of dividing freshman randomly into residential colleges that you spend all four years living in. There are positive and negative sides to this - yes, you gain a really tight-knit community of people, but students often use their college as a safety cushion and don't bother getting to know other students at other colleges. So if your a freshman, don't be afraid to explore!
Academic Rigor Get ready to work hard. I'm a health science and psychology double major (arguably some of the easiest majors offered at Rice) and although I don't find myself completely overwhelmed with work, it is important to manage your time wisely and study effectively to do well here. My friends who are engineers or pre-med have it the hardest, and are usually the one's overwhelmed with work to do.
Tips for prospective students Of course it's important to keep your grades up, but Rice puts a particular emphasis on finding genuine, fun loving people who recognize that life is more than just what you put on your resume. If you can, schedule an interview - honestly, I believe it's what got me in. That way, you can showcase who you are in a casual atmosphere and the admissions office can get a sense of who you are as a person.
In three sentences Rice is outstanding in all areas of college life, from academics, to partying, right down to the weather. I was a little hesitant to leave New York for Texas and pay a little bit more than my other college options, but honestly Rice was worth the other sacrifices. There's always something to be done at Rice, and I have never found myself bored.
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Nkemjika from Pearland, TX
07/20/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 8 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety Rice University has its own security/police force, who are always within 3-5 minutes of where you are. At nights, Rice locks all entrances but 1, making it harder for intruders to enter. They also have emergency poles all around campus so that no matter where you are, if you are in trouble, you have access to emergency response. Rice has very few criminal threats and attacks and they do a good job of dealing with them quickly. Rice is honestly one of the safest universities you could attend.
Greek Life Although Rice does not have a Greek life, we have something better. The residential colleges are like fraternities/sororities that you do not have to rush or go through an awful hazing to get in. Additionally instead of all girls or all boys, you live in mixed company. However, just like sororities and fraternities, residential colleges instill a lot of group pride in their members, have their own team cheers and chants, have their own gear (t-shirts, pants, sweatpants, sunglasses, etc.).
Clubs and Activities Rice has numerous clubs that students can join. And the greatest part of all is that everything is student run! If you want to join a club, its easy and fun and a great way to make friends. On top of that, if there is a club that you like but Rice does not have it, its so easy to start a club of your own!
Great for these types of students Rice is great for any kind of student that is willing to work, as the academic rigor is high and those who are looking for a challenge, will find one here. It is good for athletes who want a good education, because the programs support them when they are on the road and in class. Rice is good for students who want to make a difference, whether it is a big one or a small one, because it has the resources and it has those with the experience to guide you in the right direction.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Every year, Rice University's residential colleges compete against each other in a relay race known as Beer Bike. Before you consider another college, beer bike does not have to involve actual beer. In this relay race each college produces chuggers, the people who chug water, and bikers people who actually bike around the track. This relay is a fun way to bond with the other members of your residential college as well as promoting a little healthy competition between the colleges.
Bang for the buck Rice does come at a hefty sum, but most of our public transportation is free, the campus always looks beautiful, the professors that are hired are there because they know what they are doing and plan to be knowledgeable resources, and Rice covers a lot of the costs of fun activities such as picnics, admission to sporting events, and shows off campus.
What to do for fun Rice is in the heart of sweet old Houston. Luckily for Rice students, we are within walking distance from the zoo. We are also given Metro cards so we have access to public transportation like the light rail and the bus for free. Rice students generally have free or reduced admission to a lot of the attractions in Downtown Houston such as the zoo and the museums. Rice also sometimes offers tickets to students to events such as the opera and the ballet for free or reduced prices. Rice definitely has a lot of things to see and do without breaking the budget of the broke college kid
Food and Dining Because each dorm has its own eatery, the cook does not have to serve a huge amount of people to serve, they are able to be creative and serve delicious food! Our dining halls do respect religious traditions such as serving fish for Catholics during lent and offering foods from different regions of the world. The only downside is that no dining halls are open on Saturday nights in the university's efforts to force the students to go beyond the hedges and eat around Houston and experience the attractions Houston has to offer.
Dorm Life The dorm life at Rice is unique and exciting. The summer before your matriculation into Rice, they sort all of the new students into 11 dorms randomly. That means each dorm is full of a mixture of athletes, engineers, pre-medicine students, pre-law students....basically if there is a major offered on campus, there should be someone with that major. The advantage of this residential college system is that you are exposed to people who have different interests than you and there are always resources. You compete in intramural sports against other residential colleges, and ultimately, because these will be your dorms for the next four years, you find life long friends within your dorm!
Academic Rigor Rice is ranked number 17 in the nation for universities, so naturally it will be academically rigorous. It is nearly impossible to succeed at this university without studying the course materials everyday. So if you are not an individual who is not ready and willing to cut out a huge portion of your time towards books, then this school may not be for you.
Tips for prospective students When entering Rice University, don't feel like you have to compare yourself to other students. A school of that caliber does, of course, have a lot of students that have accomplished many prestigious achievements, but that doesn't mean that you will not succeed. Enter with an open mind and know who your resources, don't get overwhelmed, you don't have to cram everything into one semester! Remember you have four years here! Relax, and pace yourself!
In three sentences Rice University's motto is unconventional wisdom, and the university promotes just that. Rice is a small private school that allows for people to have an opportunity to make a change, and for you to build relationships not only with other students, but with the faculty and staff as well. If you are looking for a place to express yourself and be challenged academically, then you have chosen the right place!
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Jessica from North Richland Hills, TX
06/03/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 8 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate. 9 of 32
Categories Comments Bang for the buck I really hope so. A lot of money is going into this school.
Will enjoy being here It seems like a very familial environment within the colleges, which I think I'll really enjoy
Will learn a lot When I visited the campus and stayed with some current students for Vision2011, I found that people were using vocabulary I didn't know. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE. I love my friends, but if they're using words I don't know, it's obscure drug slang or something they learned off of urban dictionary.
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Johnathan from South Houston, TX
12/05/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 10 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Very diverse.
Tips for prospective students N/A, prospective student here.
Bang for the buck Definitely, especially if you're parents' income is below 80k, this is a great school that goes the extra mile to ensure its students fully engage in their undergraduate experience, instead of worrying about graduating with loans and on methods for paying school off. Even if you fall above that 80k mark, you can still receive a package that won't place many impediments.
Will enjoy being here This is by far the most iconic and beautiful campus I have visited. I can actually envision myself here as a potential student, unlike with other schools. I like how the squirrels dominate the campus yet feel comfortable with so many people there. I even fed one of them!
Will learn a lot I can't say what the undergraduate program is like since I'm not matriculated at Rice, but I did engage in a summer program for high school students that not only opened my eyes to matters I would've been skeptical about, but it also helped me see what this school does for its students in terms of teaching. If they hosted a program for high school students over the summer, just imagine what the undergraduate experience must be like!!
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TJ from Fairview, TX
05/06/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
2 out of 4 people found this review useful. 11 of 32
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Hardworking, fun-loving, dedicated.
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Britta from Anna, TX
07/25/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
2 out of 5 people found this review useful. 12 of 32
Categories Comments Will enjoy being here Absolutely beautiful!
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Huan Ting from Sugar Land, TX
04/21/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 13 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety Rice has RUPD circling the university and its surrounding neighborhoods 24/7. Additionally, Rice has its own EMS to help any students in need.
Clubs and Activities We have over hundreds of clubs and activities. There are service organizations, school help, sports, cultural, and even major related clubs.
Great for these types of students Rice is great for students interested in the medical profession because there are multiple on campus research labs and the Texas Medical Center is only a 10 minute walk away.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Rice has a tradition called Beer Bike every year. We start off the early morning with a HUGE balloon fight, and each residential college cheers for their own team during a bike relay race.
What to do for fun There are many events every week, depending on what extracurricular clubs you are in. There are also public parties and private parties that are usually themed, so people wear costumes. The Houston museums are free for Rice students, so you can visit those any time you like. Herman Park and the Zoo are both relaxing places for picnics. Drink Houston and Roxy are two beautiful night clubs for those of age.
Food and Dining There are 5 different dinning halls. The North, South, East, West, and Baker servery. Different places have different foods, and the chefs provide a great variety of delicacies. If you become tired of dorm food, there is always Chinese take-out near by, and we have the HOOT, a late night snack store, that sells hot foods at night.
Dorm Life The residential college system brings close knit relationships between all the students in each dorm. The newer dorms are cleaner and in better conditions, but the older dorms have more established traditions. Each residential college contains its own uniqueness and greatness.
Academic Rigor The academia at Rice is very rigorous. There are always easy classes that act as grade boosters, but most of the big classes that are part of major requirements can be tough. However, no worries, the classes that are tough are usually curved, so just do your best and strive to be better than average.
Tips for prospective students Come to Rice if you are looking for a school with decent class sizes where you can easily get to know classmates and professors. There are many fun activities to do, including extracurricular clubs, public parties, school dances, etc. Rice is voted the happiest campus in the U.S.
In three sentences Rice University has a very diverse and close knit student body. The courses are vigorous and challenging, but nothing is unattainable with hard work. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the residential college system is very unique.
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Paul
07/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 4 people found this review useful. 14 of 32
Categories Comments In three sentences Great School. Great Campus. Great People.
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John
07/11/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 15 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety The RUPD provides 24 hr service to protect the campus and are very accommodating of student needs.
Greek Life Greek life is nonexistent; the residential system takes its place.
Clubs and Activities There are numerous clubs and activities to get involved in from the Rice Marching Owl Band (MOB) to the award winning newspaper. The intramural scene at Rice is huge and more students participate in intramurals than watch sports at Rice.
Great for these types of students Intelligent, Curious, Kind
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Beer Bike race is a tradition on campus that happens once a year where each college and the graduate student association forms a team and races on bikes after chugging beer. Willy Week precedes the race and is full of celebration and students pull pranks on each others' colleges.
Bang for the buck Rice is consistently ranked one of the highest Best Value private colleges, meaning a Rice degree is well worth the money.
What to do for fun There is always something going on at Rice or in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S. (after NYC, LA, and Chicago). Each residential college hosts two parties a year and there are museums, malls, concerts, and zoos nearby.
Food and Dining There are many serveries at Rice and you can eat at any of them regardless of which residential college you are in. The food is college food and quality varies depending on the day and the servery.
Dorm Life The residential college system is probably one of the best systems in place for dorm life. Students are placed into one of eleven colleges to kickstart their social networking with their classmates and upperclassmen. The system helps students start life and Rice and provides them with a broad support network that is lacking at most other colleges.
Academic Rigor Most classes are very challenging, but the professors are there to help and unlike a lot of other colleges, collaboration among students at Rice is especially helpful.
In three sentences Rice has exceptional opportunities for students, especially for those interested in science and engineering. The residential college system, the surrounding city of Houston, and the value of a Rice degree make this university worth every dime.
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Houston Student
06/13/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 16 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety There have been a few robberies in the parking lot areas which you're going to get in a city as large as Houston, but other than that, the campus is really safe and if you don't feel comfortable walking around at night there is a night escort.
Greek Life There is no Greek life, the closest thing is the residential college system and I much prefer it.
Great for these types of students Upstanding students with a thirst for knowledge and a laid back attitude. Rice is very accepting so be sure to have an open mind and accepting attitude.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Rice is a school full of traditions. There�s Baker�s 13, Beer Bike, and of course the traditions and pranks that each college carries out. They�re all extremely fun and have a great turn out so you won�t be alone in carrying them out or celebrating.
Bang for the buck Rice is a private university so the price is steep. But I've never once regretted my decision and feel that the price is nothing compared to the education I'm getting.
What to do for fun Houston is a huge city where you can do just about anything. You should have no problem finding something fun to do outside the hedges. As for on campus, there are a multitude of activities and clubs that will keep you satisfied. You can participate in intramural sports, go down to the recreation center/pool, or hang out with friends around campus.
Food and Dining If you choose to live on campus, you are required to get a meal plan where you are allowed three meals a day Monday through Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturdays, and brunch and dinner on Sundays. The food is pretty good at all serveries and you can tell there is thought put menu. There are more than enough options if you're a vegetarian or even a vegan. And if there is something you're unsatisfied with, the chefs are more than happy to listen to your suggestions.
Dorm Life Because of the Residential College system, students should have no problem making friends at the beginning of the year and keeping friends. They won't have any problems feeling lonely or alienated where they live. As for the conditions, well, they differ with each college. Some are more new and some have been here since the fifties. But that isn't to say the older ones are in bad conditions, their facilities just aren't as new and polished. I myself live in an older college and I was more than happy with my room and with the restroom. Rice University is more than an undergraduate education, it's an unforgettable experience. Here you'll find friends and family in an academic environment that will push you to think outside the box.
Academic Rigor The classes are hard yet satisfying. The classes cause you think differently from what you�re used to but in the end, you learn a great deal. The coursework can be a little overwhelming at times but professors are more than willing to help with any problems and there are peer academic advisors at the colleges who are also willing to help out.
Tips for prospective students Personally, I feel that Rice is a school that is more concerned with what you can bring to the campus than how high your GPA is or what score you made on the SATs. A well rounded student who was willing to take chances is more appealing than a person who was so focused on grades that they took the safe road.
In three sentences Rice is more than an undergraduate education, it�s an unforgettable experience. Here you�ll meet friends and family in an academic setting that will challenge and push you to become a resourceful and well-rounded student. This Houston based university may be small, but its prestigious reputation is one to be reckoned with.
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Anonymous
01/18/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 12 people found this review useful. 17 of 32
Categories Comments Bang for the buck yes an excellent education my dream is attending this campus upon my 2012 graduation
Will learn a lot hope to attend this campus
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Terrance from Houston, TX
11/28/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 18 of 32
Categories Comments Will learn a lot I'm currently in high school and some of my teachers say this is a wonderful school to attend.
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Anastasia from Pearland, TX
02/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
19 of 32
Categories Comments Food and Dining great.
Dorm Life the residential college system reminds me of the houses at hogwarts. it's awesome.
Academic Rigor mostly difficult classes.
In three sentences great support system. lax alcohol policy. great professors.
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Meredith from Franklin, TN
05/21/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
0 out of 2 people found this review useful. 20 of 32
Categories Comments In three sentences I'm just a Freshman, but this school already excites me! I just hope that I do well enough to get in! I am so ready!!
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Happy Brownie
06/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
21 of 32
Categories Comments Food and Dining Each residential college has its own dining area and some share a common servery. The food quality varies from servery to servery, but it all depends on your taste. Overall, I would say that the food is not too shabby, but there is definitely room for improvement.
Dorm Life Dorm life varies depending on which residential college you are placed into. Most of the dorms are relatively nice and spacious.
Academic Rigor The average academic load at Rice is pretty formidable. But this really depends on your major and how many hours you are taking. Overall, students spend a good amount of time studying and completing homework.
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Alicia from Mckinney, TX
07/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
22 of 32
Categories Comments Greek Life Nonexistent.
What to do for fun The colleges are always offering separate events and parties almost every weekend. It's also in the middle of Houston, with any number of clubs around for those of age.
Food and Dining The food is definitely better than average - you can actually recognize it as food!
Dorm Life Depending on which dorm you get into, it can be fantastic...or hellish.
Academic Rigor It's a tough school, but well worth it.
Tips for prospective students Don't be afraid to ask for help.
In three sentences Rice is fun, quirky, and perfect for the aspiring nerd. It's a small and tight-knit community with a focus on working hard and playing hard. Just don't expect any football wins!
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Sarah
08/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
23 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety Rice is in the middle of a huge city. There have been several muggings on campus in the last year, but as long as you're smart and don't go wandering around the football stadium alone at night you'll be fine.
Greek Life None.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Willy Week (a week of school spirit madness followed by a huge water balloon fight and bike race)
Bang for the buck Rice isn't great about giving financial aid.
What to do for fun Rice Village has shopping and lots of restaurants. There are parties at different residential colleges pretty much every week. Downtown Houston is fairly close, as well as the Houston Zoo and Aquarium.
Food and Dining The serveries have fairly good food, but Cinnamon Roll Night is by far the highlight of every week.
Dorm Life The residential college system means that you can be as involved as you would like to be; and you always have advisors and older students looking out for you.
Academic Rigor Classes are challenging but rewarding, and there is a lot of homework.
Tips for prospective students Try to stay overnight in a residential college so you can decide if that system is right for you.
In three sentences Rice is an excellent choice if you want to major in something involving science or math. Students are very involved in the community, and the residential college system is great. It's a small school, with an everyone knows everyone atmosphere.
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Jordan from Sherman, TX
11/14/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
24 of 32
Categories Comments In three sentences I loved my visit to Rice! The staff and students were all welcoming and helpful, the class I sat in on was GREAT and the university had that feel of it's own community within Houston. Also, Rice is in the middle of everything in Houston, surrounded by world-class businesses and corporations, and as an added bonus students at Rice get free metro access (bus and train).
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Kyle from Eugene, OR
11/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
25 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety There are a few minor thefts or fights but relatively safe. In a very nice residential community near the Medical Center in Houston. RUPD is constantly on patrol and Rice EMS responds quickly.
Greek Life No greek life at Rice, but residential colleges are essentially Co-ed Frat/Sororities that every student is a part of.
Great for these types of students Students who are very devoted to their academics, but are also unique and enjoy having fun. Everyone fits in at Rice.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Too many to list. Residential college system, Willy week, O-Week,Willy's Pub and Baker 13 would be the most obvious ones.
Bang for the buck Tuition is pretty high, but Rice gives GREAT financial aid.
What to do for fun Seems like there is always an event somewhere on campus. If not, you're in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the US. A large park and a zoo are right across the street and free for Rice students. Rice is in the Museum district so there is no shortage of museums. Cultural nights are encouraged and discounted tickets are sold in the student center for Operas and other events. Plenty of concert venues nearby as well.
Food and Dining 4 Serveries on campus. Some are much better than others but you can choose to eat at whichever one you want. Quality of food is above average, occasionally the hot food sucks, but there is always pizza and a great salad bar.
Dorm Life Residential College System. That's all you need to know. Older colleges don't have great facilities, but they're not bad and the new colleges are outstanding. http://www.flavorwire.com/328565/the-most-beautiful-college-dorms-in-the-world#7
Academic Rigor Courses are VERY rigorous, but manageable. All of the students are very devoted to their academics, so it is easy to find a study group. Professors are excellent and very helpful, almost all provide office hours if you need additional help. Most classes also have academic support through review sessions by grad student or fellow undergrads who have already taken the classes.
Tips for prospective students Take challenging courses (AP, IB, Honors) in High School and show that you are a well rounded student through volunteer work, internships, and research. Write a good essay that shows you are unique person and would bring diversity to Rice.
In three sentences Rice is one of the most academically challenging Universities in the country. Courses are challenging, but the professors are exceptional and Rice students are among the top candidates for internships, grad schools, and jobs. The residential college system is unique and defines the vibrant and inclusive social environment at Rice.
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Gabriel from Houston, TX
12/17/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
26 of 32
Categories Comments Food and Dining Foods delicious!! A totally awsome cafeteria!
Academic Rigor Ive been told by alot of students its difficult but worth it.
Tips for prospective students Work your but off to get there. Ap high school classes prepare you.
In three sentences A gorgeous architectural school. The students are great, and the food is awsome!!
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Sana from Cerritos, CA
12/18/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
27 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety You can always call for an escort if you feel unsafe, and after 10pm, RUPD closes all the gates except for the one that goes next to RUPD's building.
Greek Life We have something better: Residential Colleges! It's like a sorority/fraternity, except it's co-ed and there's no hazing. There's still that same sense of pride and community (and T-shirts, jackets, and even Snuggies with your college's name!) that a sorority/fraternity would provide.
Clubs and Activities There is definitely lots of clubs to join. It's very easy to join a club. At the beginning of the year, there's an Activities Fair where every club on campus has a booth and you can sign up to join their email list. And even if you miss it, you can still join clubs; you get a list of clubs on campus during orientation week, and you can look up the email addresses of presidents of clubs you want to join on the Rice website and email them. They'll be happy to add you!
Great for these types of students Rice is great for quirky students who like to work and play hard and are also very laidback. I don't think there's any typical Rice student; the only thing we seem to have in common is our weirdness!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Every Residential College has its own traditions (even the newer ones, one of which I am currently in), but I'm not aware of the traditions in residential colleges that are not my own, so I won't discuss them here. Some university-wide traditions we have are Baker 13 (on the 13th and 31st of every month, a bunch of students run stark naked save for some shaving cream on their private parts and smear shaving cream on windows of every college. It's...a very odd tradition. Think that scene in Mulan right after she says, I never want to see a naked man again.), etc.
Bang for the buck Yes, Rice is expensive, but it's definitely cheaper than colleges of its same caliber.
What to do for fun Often, colleges have fun activities planned. Every college has one or two big public parties that you can go to. I suggest checking at least one of them out. I'm not much of the partying type, though, so usually I'll do something quieter with my friends, like watching British television every Saturday. Also, it's Houston, so there is always something exciting to do if that's your thing.
Food and Dining It's not just good college food, it's good food, just in general. Housing and Dining even has a suggestion box on their site if you want to suggest something. The chefs are approachable, too, if you need anything. Unfortunately, the serveries are closed on Saturday nights to encourage us to explore dining options outside of the Rice, but there are events that have free food on Saturday nights, so take advantage of those! Somehow, I usually manage to get dinner on Saturdays (most likely because I'm in Rice's Marching Owl Band, and we have section dinners after every football game), so it all works out.
Dorm Life The Residential College System really contributes to dorm life. I think the coolest part of being in a Residential College is that you can sit down at just about any table at a meal in your college's common room and talk to anyone in your class (and even other classes). Being in a Residential College allows you to bond so much. After Orientation Week, we really do feel like a family. There's also homework help available from the Academic Fellows of the college, and you can learn about careers and valuable skills such as resume-making from the college's Associates, adults who are affiliated with the colleges. (They also give awesome Thanksgiving dinners for those of us who can't go home for the break!)
Academic Rigor It's hard work, of course. A university of this caliber has to be. The professors here make you work really hard, but it's worth it in the end.
Tips for prospective students Stay over as a prospie to get a feel for not just the campus, but also the Residential College system. This is a good way to see if you like the system or not.
In three sentences Rice is a fun but tough university, full of many different kinds of students with many different quirks and oddities. We're all a bit nerdy, but we're also very laidback. Rice creates a sense of community in its students.
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Alan from Tallahassee, FL
12/19/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
28 of 32
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Apply early.
In three sentences Great program. Nice people. What else?
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Summer from Houston, TX
01/02/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
29 of 32
Categories Comments In three sentences The campus is absolutely beautiful. If you visit there, you MUST check out the technology building - stunning. The surrounding area is also beautiful.
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Katherine from Cedar Hill, TX
02/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
30 of 32
Categories Comments What to do for fun If it's springtime, there is no excuse to be bored, for the baseball team at Rice is phenomenal. If it's not springtime, The Rice Program Council sponsors so many events to become involved in, and visiting the city never hurts. From concerts, to two-stepping, to just getting involved are ways to have fun!
Food and Dining In the serveries at Rice, each servery has at least one trained chef, while the bigger ones have trained chefs and specialty chefs. The food is very good, and if you don't like it, you can always go to the burger or sandwich bar. And don't worry if you have dietary restrictions, they label all of the foods in case of allergies, and they have a marvelous selection for vegetarians.
Dorm Life The residential college system is something of Harry Potter, but it's been there longer than Harry Potter. It really facilitates a family within the college, and promotes a sense of belonging. It helps having a new bunch of brothers and sisters to do life together with.
Academic Rigor The work is extremely hard as expected, but the good thing about Rice is you'er not doing it alone. Keep in mind, people have graduated, so it can be done. And there are numerous resources that can be used to help from friends, to upperclassmen, to office hours.
Tips for prospective students Do NOT be nervous when getting here! So many people welcome you into the campus, and if you are accepted, you should definitely attend Vision if you're a minority and/or Owl Days for everyone. Don't be afraid to ask your host any questions that you may have, we always love to answer!
In three sentences We literally earn the rating Happiest Students! Here at Rice, the people are nice, the professors want to help you, and there is not a more welcoming university out there. Upon arrival, you literally feel welcomed into the Rice family to where one day you look at the beautiful scenery around you and smile knowing you made the right decision.
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Tara from Houston, TX
05/15/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
31 of 32
Categories Comments Campus Safety Rice Police is always just 2 minutes away. There's a blue light system all across campus, but I've never felt unsafe walking at night. Rice also has it's own volunteer EMS that is just a phone call away.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities You can do anything on this campus! Whether you want to be involved in small-community activities with your residential college, engage in service opportunities with campus-wide clubs, or engage in research, you can do it. As a plus, intramural sports are huge.
Great for these types of students Work hard, play hard.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Rice is has a few quirky but fun tradition. Two nights a month students have to opportunity to run around campus in nothing but shaving cream as part of Baker 13. Once a year, students go to Beer Bike, the biggest event of the year. And, at some point, it's recommended you climb Willy's Statue.
Bang for the buck Rice financial aid guarantees 100% financial need. Of course, this is their perception of a student's need and isn't an exact science, so paying can still be tough. Room and Board seem overpriced compared to off-campus rent.
What to do for fun For fun, students go to Pub on Thursday nights, take the Lightrail downtown, or hang out in Rice Village. Usually, though, students stay on campus and hang out with friends.
Food and Dining Rice students complain about food on campus a lot, but in the end most students know it's better than a lot of other places. Campus dining offers a lot of options, and is generally well-prepared.
Dorm Life Everyone wants to live on campus at Rice. The dorm life here is amazing. You live in residential colleges, and often these colleges become your family. There's a big alcohol culture, but surprisingly little peer pressure to drink. Students generally study hard on weekdays and relax on weekends.
Academic Rigor Admittedly, some classes are extremely easy, and a student can easily fill a semester with classes that require little to no effort. However, so many students here major in fields such as engineering or economics, leading to extremely difficult classes. But, a student in any major field of study can find professors and classes that will challenge them.
In three sentences Rice is a prestigious university that draws students for it's academic excellence as well as unbeatable student life. Students here get involved in their residential colleges, as well as clubs, while balancing a rigorous academic schedule.
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Jannesha from Houston, TX
05/25/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
32 of 32
Categories Comments In three sentences Rice University is a very wonderful and beautiful campus. It is very quiet and peaceful.
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