Working on a major global event is a common goal for anyone interested in the sports industry, but at Rice, these opportunities can often start earlier than expected. I’m Jacob L., Hanszen '27, and over the past year, I worked with the Houston Host City Committee to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s a look at my experience and the lessons I learned while helping to lay the groundwork for the tournament.

For many Rice students, education extends deep into the heart of Houston. Derek, Hanszen ‘29, reflects on how Civic Immersion week shaped his Rice journey before classes even began, ultimately transforming him from a first-year participant into a student Site Leader.

Swapping barbed wire fences for the busy streets of Houston wasn't just a change of scenery for Abby, McMurtry ‘28 — it was a complete reinvention. If you're standing on the edge of a massive life change, her advice is simple: do it scared.

Moving from Hawai’i to Houston, Tamara, Martel ‘29, expected a world of difference. What she didn’t expect, however, was the wealth of opportunities to make a difference through local volunteering and the Alternative Spring Break Program — all thanks to the community she found beyond the hedges.

When Ian, McMurtry ‘26, first arrived at Rice, he knew he was interested in policy and law school, yet he wasn’t quite sure what that pathway would look like in practice. What he didn’t expect was how Rice would allow him to bridge these two fields in so many ways — both inside the hedges and beyond.

Exploring Houston's restaurant scene doesn’t have to be complicated. Using her student METRO card and the RideMETRO app, Emily, Sid Rich ‘28, has navigated the city’s best food halls, farmer’s markets and eateries! See how she turned a transit perk into a gateway for discovering the city.

Trading small-town Mississippi vibes for the energy of the nation’s fourth-largest city, Abigail, Sid Richardson '26, spent her four years at Rice diving into Houston’s endless opportunities. See how she used her free student METRO Pass to explore beyond the hedges!

Once a self-described "stiff and awkward" dancer, Nikita, Baker '27, used the freedom of the Rice experience to trade her gym routine for the rhythms of Indian dance, Latin dance and step. See how exploring new campus traditions transformed Niki from a hesitant beginner into a confident performer!

Lara is a senior at Duncan College studying Psychology. Discover how a spontaneous visit to the Houston Zoo after Orientation Week during freshman year grew into a cherished annual tradition for her!

The Menil Collection — free for Rice students to explore year-round — is a favorite spot for Mark, a student at Rice Architecture, to visit. Discover Mark’s top recommendations for exploring this tranquil space in the city.

Joshua is a senior at Rice studying Sociology and Political Science. As a native Houstonian, Joshua came to Rice with a lot of prior knowledge about Space City. However, that didn't prevent him from stepping out of the "Rice Bubble" and creating new memories in the city where he was raised!

Tegan is a senior at Rice studying Health Sciences. As a Houston native, she knows just how much the city has to offer. Here, she shares what makes Houston so full of energy, culture and opportunity.