Even with all of her careful planning, Alohi, Duncan ‘29, still found herself unprepared for the homesickness she felt upon starting college. The residential college system at Rice changed everything, transforming a new campus into a home and strangers into family.

From being welcomed as a nervous freshman to cheering on the next class as an O-Week Coordinator, Carlos, McMurtry, ‘27, shares his journey and reflects on how one unforgettable week can shape your entire college experience.

It can sometimes be a challenge for undergraduate students to find a balance between their rigorous academic schedules, social lives and extracurricular activities. Abhishek, a senior studying Neuroscience and Statistics, shares some strategies that have helped him juggle it all at Rice.

Deciding to transfer schools is a big step. Maybe you're at a college that doesn't feel right or perhaps you're looking for a new academic challenge. Learn more about why Chaianan, Hanszen ‘27, decided to transfer to Rice, and discover the resources that helped him successfully transition to life on campus.

Each year, the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice (HACER) brings Latine culture to life through ¡Ritmo! — a showcase of music, dance, poetry and art. 

Whether you’ve played water polo before or have never touched a water polo ball in your life, the Rice Women’s Club Water Polo team is a space where everyone is welcome and celebrated. Known for its supportive and uplifting spirit, this team values building strong friendships just as much as succeeding in the pool.

Bela is an international student from Abu Dhabi studying Political Science. To feel more connected to her Desi heritage, Bela decided to join the Rice South Asian Society during her freshman year. Here, she shares how cultural groups at Rice can really help students thrive!

Valeria is a junior at Rice University studying Psychology. Adjusting to life at Rice was initially challenging, but joining HACER (The Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice), helped Valeria find a home away from home!

Lívia is a junior at Rice studying Astrophysics. As an international student from Brazil, Lívia has worked hard to balance her academic workload with her personal life. Here, she shares some Rice resources that were helpful to her as she learned to navigate life in a new environment.

Lena is a sophomore at Will Rice College studying Operations Research. Last year, she participated in Rice University’s annual relay race, Rice Bike Race, for the first time. Not only did this experience help her discover a new love for cycling, it also encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone.

Princess is a sophomore at Brown College studying Health Sciences. Learn more about how Princess stays active on campus by taking advantage of the many resources that Rice has to offer.

Tinde, Brown '26, is a junior at Rice who is actively involved in several cultural clubs on campus. Here, Tinde shares how participating in cultural clubs is not only fun but also helps you cultivate leadership and people skills that are useful both in and out of the classroom!