How our Residential Colleges work

Unlike most other universities, Rice does not have any sororities, fraternities, honors or athlete dorms on campus. Instead, newly admitted students are randomly assigned to one of 11 residential colleges, which they will remain in throughout their undergraduate years. The incredible diversity of the Rice student body helps build community within each college, allowing a rich tapestry of traditions and culture to be formed.

Every residential college at Rice has a faculty magister assigned to it. The magister lives in a house adjacent to the college and helps students in managing an effective system of self-government. Magisters also cultivate a variety of cultural and intellectual interests in their students. Other faculty members or of the Rice community serve as associates for individual residential colleges.

The unique residential college experience enhances academic life at Rice and allows students to combine their usual studies with an array of social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series and innovative college-designed courses while also playing an active role in student government.