Representing Rice on a national stage is always amazing, but heading to the SASE National Conference in Seattle felt extra special because it marked a huge milestone five years in the making! As Internal Vice President of Rice SASE, I (Gayla G., Sid Richardson ‘29) had a front-row seat as our chapter connected classroom theory with real-world engineering in real time. Here’s a look inside our experience and the community we are building on campus.

If you’d told high school me that a single campus visit would overrule my neatly coded college spreadsheet, I (Lucy C., Lovett ‘29) never would’ve believed you! But looking back on Owl Days 2025 at Rice, that warm afternoon wasn’t just another stop on the tour — it was the moment I found my home.

As a Rice University student studying abroad in Madrid, I (Izzy L., Chao ‘29) spent six weeks navigating Spanish immigration law at my internship while exploring the country’s rich history of convivencia. This experience cultivated a deep sense of empathy within me while also providing a sharper critical lens to bring back to campus.

When I (Tamara L., Martel ‘29) was first considering studying abroad, the thought of moving across the globe felt exciting AND intimidating. The Rice in Paris program turned out to be a perfect three-week compromise, providing the support I needed to navigate a new culture while building lasting connections. Here’s how stepping out of my comfort zone changed my perspective on international learning.

When I (Lexi O., Baker ‘28) was applying to college, I assumed getting involved in medical research was something that would take years to accomplish. But after my first year at Rice, that goal took shape sooner than expected. Here’s how I ended up working in an Alzheimer’s research lab in the Med Center.

When I (Veronica Z., Will Rice ‘29) arrived at Rice as a Political Science and History student on a pre-law track, I expected a traditional path: student organizations, research and campus debates. However, taking a sociology course unexpectedly led me across the Texas Panhandle to investigate a potential wrongful conviction — and ultimately co-produce a documentary.

So you’ve finally started thinking about college beyond the distant future. Whether you’re attending college fairs or visiting campuses, this is your chance to interact directly with an admission rep, and you need to make the most of it. To help you maximize these conversations, our office put together a guide featuring our favorite questions from prospective students, plus tips for crafting your own.

As a Social Policy Analysis and Global Affairs major, I (Sammi F., Chao ‘27) never expected to spend a summer designing maternal health devices in Kenya. Through the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, I traveled to Nairobi to help prototype low-cost devices targeting postpartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia. Here’s how stepping outside my academic comfort zone ended up teaching me one of the most valuable lessons of my college career.

Just across from the Rice campus lies the ultimate student hotspot. Join Shreya, Duncan '29, and Vishwas, Will Rice '29, as they tour Rice Village and share their favorite eateries and go-to orders. From quick snacks to sit-down spots, find out where Rice students really love to eat!

It isn’t just a bike race; it’s a full week of traditions, energy, and community that brings every residential college together. Before coming to Rice, Karlianna, Duncan ‘28, thought Rice’s annual bike race amongst residential colleges is just one of many quirky events that happen that week. She quickly realized that it’s the heartbeat of the spring semester — a time when your college truly becomes your home team.

Moving away from Houston before high school sparked a love for exploring new places in Leyana, McMurtry ‘29. Now back in H-Town, she’s spent her freshman year rediscovering the city. From concert venues to local parks, here’s a look at her favorite spots so far!

In this insightful guide, Mel Lawrence, an admission counselor at Rice University and a first-generation college graduate, breaks down the often overwhelming reality of higher education tuition. Drawing on both personal experience and professional expertise, Mel offers practical strategies for navigating financial aid, calculating costs, and confidently advocating for yourself.