Getting involved with your residential college is incredibly rewarding and easier than you might think! Each residential college offers many opportunities for students to connect with others and contribute to their community. As a freshman at Wiess College, I had the opportunity to serve as one of two freshman representatives, and we created events specifically designed to help our class bond and form connections. One of the highlights of this role was organizing a Jeopardy night where all of the freshmen competed in teams for prizes. Not only was this event a fun and interactive way to bring everyone together, but it also helped me form friendships that have lasted throughout my college experience.
At the start of my sophomore year, I was elected as Apprentice Treasurer. Not only did this position allow me to delve into the financial side of college life, it also taught me how a college budget operates and let me contribute to decisions about funding various events. This year, I am Head Treasurer and I am responsible for managing the entire budget for Wiess College. My duties include overseeing allocations for events, tracking expenditures, and ensuring that funds are used effectively to enhance student life. Working closely with both students and Rice University’s administration has allowed me to give back to the community that means so much to me.
For those who want a less intensive role within their residential college, there are plenty of low-time commitment opportunities available. For example, during freshman year, I was also a Birthday Representative. Each month, we created a large banner to celebrate the birthdays of everyone in our college for that month. Although this position didn’t require much time, it allowed me to help foster a sense of community by celebrating my peers. These “Rep” positions at each residential college are perfect for students looking to get involved without a significant time commitment!
Beyond representative roles, each residential college also offers numerous recreational opportunities, including intramural (IM) sports. Participating in IM sports has been a highlight for me because it’s allowed me to try new things and build camaraderie with my college teammates. Even though I had never played Ultimate Frisbee before coming to Rice, I joined Wiess’ team and found the experience both fun and welcoming. IM sports are typically low commitment, with around three hours of practice/games each week, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule! Each residential college has teams for several sports, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of experience level. I’m already looking forward to joining our IM swim team next year!
Whether through leadership roles, social committees, or IM sports, there’s an abundance of ways to get involved with your residential college. And each of these opportunities has enriched my college experience and allowed me to connect me with people who have become close friends. Joining a residential college isn’t just about finding a place to live — it’s about creating a community.
-Anirudh Gupta, Wiess ‘26 (Published on 11/07/2024)
