Rice is full of amazing students who come from a diverse set of backgrounds and interests, and we are so excited for you to meet some of them! Our owl guides are passionate about sharing their Rice experience and eager to show you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Rice Owl.
Aarish '27
Tarrant County, Texas
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
Why did you come to Rice? This is because I can share my own experiences!Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RELIGION, RESEARCH
Abby '26
Lebanon, Ohio
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experience has been having the chance to advise the new students and welcome them to the university. I loved preparing for the students to come, moving them in, and supporting them throughout O-Week and beyond. I have loved the chance to make new students feel welcomed and loved!Interests: MUSIC, RELIGION, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Abhishek '27
The Woodlands, Texas
Residential College: Brown
What is your favorite Rice experience?
One unique experience I had as an undergraduate was planning and running Dhamaka, SAS’s and Rice’s largest cultural event. Throughout the fall semester leading up to Dhamaka, I worked alongside the rest of the board and gained experiences that not only taught me, but quickly integrated me into the ins and outs of leadership at Rice. As well, I was able to connect with the South Asian community and meet many people I have not met otherwise. On the final culmination of a semester’s work, watching the hundreds of people fill up the Grand Hall, groups perform, and dancing my own choreography made me proud of who I was at Rice and the community I could share it with. Having all my friends come, both South Asian and not, allowed me to showcase my culture and what makes me who I am today.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Abigail '26
Clinton, Mississippi
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I love being asked what my favorite part of Rice is because I love talking about the traditions and community of the residential college system.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, MUSIC, RELIGION
Alessa '26
Houston, Texas
Residential College: Baker
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose to come to Rice for multiple reasons. First, I love the emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion that makes everyone feel welcome no matter their identities, which is carried out by not only the faculty but also the students. Second, the campus is beautiful and one can find a new study spot every day. Third, there are some very cool classes that you can take just for fun, like one that just consists of working in Rice's garden. Last, there's a myriad of student-run businesses like Chaus, Ktru, Hoot, East-West, etc. that are continuously expanding and supporting the student-life on campus.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Alex Li '26
Memphis, Tennessee
Residential College: Brown
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice first and foremost because of its number one ranked Sport Management program. I’ve always had a passion for working in sports, so Rice made the most sense. Additionally, Rice’s people, location, and diversity also stood out to me.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Alex Little '26
Dallas, Texas
Residential College: Will Rice
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I really like getting asked about Rice's social scene when I give tours. I think Rice offers a pretty vast array of opportunities when it comes to social activities, which means every student -- whether they prefer small gatherings or large events -- can find their place and explore their interests. I feel that the diversity in regards to social offerings is one of Rice's greatest assets, and I could talk about the friends I've made here for hours!Interests: ARTS, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH
Andy '27
Shenyang, China
Residential College: Lovett
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice as my ED option most notably because of its culture of care. When I reached out to Rice alumni for their experience at Rice, they all replied enthusiastically. They gave me a sense that whatever problems I would meet at Rice, I'd always have someone to help me work things out. After coming to Rice, I genuinely feel the culture of care, and I'll pass this care to every prospective Rice owl interested in Rice.Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, CULTURE, MUSIC
Anirudh '26
Austin, Texas
Residential College: Wiess
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
"What are ways you have gotten involved on campus?"
I like this question because I have gotten involved in many different ways at Rice. In addition to being involved in student government (I was the freshmen rep at Wiess and am now head treasurer), and holding an on-campus job (in the OIT), I am also a member of numerous clubs (Rice South Asian Society and Rice Business Society). I think there are ample opportunities at Rice to get involved in something that interests the student."Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Anthony '26
New Orleans, Louisiana
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite Rice experience?
It definitely has to be O-Week (or Orientation Week). For me (and all of my friends), O-Week was more than just all of the informative events, fun social get-togethers, or a helpful transition into college. O-Week provided me with a group of friends that is always there for me and a group of people that I can trust and confide in– exemplifying Rice’s culture of care.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Aoife '27
Tampa, Florida
Residential College: Wiess
What is your favorite Rice experience?
O-Week has been my favorite Rice experience. I have never so quickly been inculcated into a culture, and felt like I had a home. Additionally, it was one of the best weeks of my life, which included many experiences including playing broom-ball late at night in the Galleria or capping off the week with a water fight.Interests: ATHLETICS, CULTURE, RELIGION, RESEARCH
Aria '27
Knightdale, North Carolina
Residential College: Wiess
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because it seamlessly blended academic excellence with a vibrant social atmosphere. The allure of receiving a rigorous education was matched only by the promise of engaging in a community that constantly challenged and inspired me. As I set foot on campus for the first time, I was captivated by the palpable energy and the diverse array of individuals who I knew would shape my experience over the next four years. In choosing Rice, I felt drawn to a place where every interaction, every conversation, felt like an opportunity for growth and connection.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Arryana '26
Beaumont, Texas
Residential College: Jones
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
My favorite question to be asked is why I decided to attend Rice. I love talking about how welcoming our community is, and how I really felt like I belonged here as soon as I moved in for O-Week!Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, MUSIC, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Ava '26
Nashville, Tennessee
Residential College: Hanszen
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I love being asked about how Rice's size has affected my experience. Because Rice has multiple layers of nested communities, you can make it as big or as small of a community as you want. Rice gives you small families like your O-week group and clubs, but also larger communities to be a part of like your residential college and North/South college culture. Rice gives you all the tools to build the university experience you're looking for, all you have to do is seize it.Interests: ARTS, RESEARCH
Ayden '27
Newark, Texas
Residential College: Jones
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite rice experience is the culture we have at Jones college. Almost every weekend we have poker nights in the lobbies where we stay up late at night, talk, eat food, and play some poker. This is truly the best way to make friends and have fun with them.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Azari '26
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Residential College: Martel
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
One of the questions I absolutely adore being asked revolves around the Residential College systems because, honestly, it's one of the most unique and coolest things about being a Rice student. It's like a treasure trove of diverse perspectives and experiences that you won't stumble upon anywhere else. And, of course, it gives me the perfect excuse to proudly proclaim that Martel is hands down the crème de la crème of colleges... like, seriously, the best one EVER! (Okay, maybe I'm a bit biased, but who can resist that Martel rizz?)Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Beck '26
Chicago, Illinois
Residential College: Duncan
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
When people ask "How well do they match roommates up?" I tell them about the extensive roommate matching process leading up to move-in day and how me and my roommate were a perfect match — and he introduced me to the art of ice cream making.Interests: ARTS, ENVIRONMENTAL, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Bela '26
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Residential College: Duncan
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I could tell that there was an incredible family dynamic throughout the campus! Rice truly cultivates a strong and diverse community, especially through the residential college system, which was a huge draw for me. The campus culture in general is very supportive and uplifting, which was something that really stood out to me. I loved how each college has its own unique culture and traditions and allows you to connect with other students from different backgrounds, interests, and experiences.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Bess '27
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Residential College: Lovett
What is your favorite Rice experience?
One of my favorite Rice experiences was celebrating my birthday during O-Week. From the moment I sat down for breakfast, I was greeted with countless happy birthday wishes from students and advisors I had only talked to once or twice. They knew my name and face after I had only been on campus for a few days! My O-Week family later surprised me with a gift (a jar of peanut butter - my favorite food), cupcakes, and a card with heartfelt messages from each family member. In typical O-Week fashion, the rest of my day was filled with more water guns, shaving cream, and unicorns than I ever would have expected, and I would not have wanted it any other way! It was the perfect introduction to Rice’s culture.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION
Bri '27
Saddle River, New Jersey
Residential College: McMurtry
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of the flexible curriculum, small class sizes, and endless opportunities. The distribution system allows me to only take courses I find really interesting and genuinely enjoy. There are so many interesting classes available it truly caters to everyone’s interest. On the social side, the residential college system allows you to enter a family on your first day of college. You do almost everything with your residential college and find your peers quickly becoming your best friends.Interests: ATHLETICS, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH
Brian '27
Maywood, New Jersey
Residential College: McMurtry
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
My favorite question to be asked is "What is your favorite thing about your residential college" because I could talk about McMurtry forever. It's amazing how easy it is to identify with your residential college simply because you were placed into it and the sense community that results from that. I love feeling like I have a home base on campus that is bigger than my dorm room.Interests: ATHLETICS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
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