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.
Caitlin '26
Arlington, Texas
Residential College: Wiess
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I loved the small size, the campus is beautiful, the residential college system is so fun and inclusive, and people here seemed happy and friendly (and are!). I enjoy being connected and busy and love getting hype, so cheering for Team Family Wiess and always having a fun event to attend makes college life that much more interesting.Interests: ATHLETICS, RELIGION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Caitlynn '27
Perryton, Texas
Residential College: McMurtry
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because stepping foot on campus made me feel a sense of belonging that I had never felt before. Knowing that I would be entering a school with incredible resources and an overwhelming sense of community allowed me a sense of peace as I moved 10 hours from my family. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.Interests: CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Carmine '27
Dededo, Guam
Residential College: McMurtry
What is your favorite Rice experience?
There’s so many to choose from, but I would have to say my residential college’s tradition of McScottish Week. Throughout the week the entire college comes together to celebrate McMurtry’s Scottish heritage with a variety of activities from kilt making, archery games, steinholding and, my favorite tradition, Scottish dancing. I remember the brief glimpse I received during my O-Week, but the thrill of dancing with my friends was something that I will fondly look back on. While it was a bit tricky learning the dance moves, my entire group was filled with giggles and smiles so I didn’t worry too much about messing up a step or two. After a week full of classes, this was an amazing way to destress and reconnect with my friends, whilst also learning more about my residential college!Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Chidalu '27
Boston, Massachusetts
Residential College: Martel
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice University for its great community and strong support for students. The diverse affinity groups and Student Success Initiative help me feel supported and motivated to step out of my comfort zone.Interests: CULTURE, RELIGION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Chloé K '26
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Residential College: Duncan
Why did you choose Rice?
I knew I wanted to go to RICE my Freshman year of high school. I’m not quite sure what exactly caused me to feel this school would be my home for the next four years, but my older family friend was touring colleges at the time and mentioned RICE to me at dinner. After he told me about the school, I just felt that was where I was supposed to be.Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC
Chloe P '26
Tucson, Arizona
Residential College: Martel
What is your favorite Rice experience?
Walking through the sallyport for matriculation sticks out as a formative part of my Rice experience. I am a big fan of our campus so not only being physically and metaphorically welcomed in through the sallyport, but being surrounded by your college and people who will shape your next 4 years was super meaningful for me.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, MUSIC, RELIGION
Claire '26
Dallas, Texas
Residential College: Martel
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
Is it easy to get involved in research as a freshman? I love getting asked this question because as someone who was able to land an undergraduate research position during my 2nd week of school, it really allows me to highlight how much the professors care as well as how important research is at Rice. I think that this is one of the unique aspects of Rice. No matter your age or major, undergraduate research is an option for everyone.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Emma '26
Boston, Massachusetts
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I love talking about residential college committees because they often get overlooked but are a great way to finance and organize whatever you want to do with your friends at your college. Shoutout Hanszen cheese committee and Lovett sushi committee.Interests: ATHLETICS, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Evan '26
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Residential College: Wiess
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I really like being asked about fun classes I've had! I love to bring up some of the interesting courses I have taken, like a medieval music class or a class about extreme weather. Additionally, I like to bring up fun experiences I've had within classes for my major, like when we dipped Cheetos in liquid nitrogen during my freshman physics class!Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Gwyneth '26
Houston, Texas
Residential College: Will Rice
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because for as long as I can remember I went to schools with a larger student body. As an introvert, it sometimes made it difficult for me to ask for help and get a teacher’s undivided attention. Therefore, when choosing a college, I knew I wanted to go to a smaller University where I can work one-on-one with professors. With Rice also being a research institution, that is nothing but encouraged here. I have enjoyed working hand-in-hand with scholarly and high achieving professors, even as a freshman.Interests: CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Isabella B. '26
Scottsdale, Arizona
Residential College: Lovett
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I wanted a place that had great academics, but also I place I could develop deep connections. Rice had the small school vibe I was interested in and has also provided me with so many resources to succeed post college.Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Isabella G. '27
San Antonio, Texas
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite Rice experience?
One of my favorite memories is from a unique tradition to my residential college. Sid hosts "elevator chats" a few times a semester, where a few students sign up to sit in the elevators and do some kind of activity. For an hour, my friends and I rode the elevator in our pajamas handing out milk and cookies to anyone who came in the elevator. We had so much fun and got to chat with so many people!Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Jihra '27
Dallas, Texas
Residential College: Wiess
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I love being asked about how I feel supported as a student here at Rice. It seems so silly when I think the anxiety I felt to make this transition into college life and wondering how to succeed at such a prestigious institution. Since matriculation i've had access to some incredible resources and initiatives that not only made me feel valued and welcome but equipped for success. Similarly our culture of care here has made me feel comfortable in embracing my identity and empowered to thrive.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Krish '26
Denver, Colorado
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
"What is your favorite part about Houston?"
This is my favorite question to answer because I love to highlight the amazing diversity of Houston and how fun it is to interact with the diverse cultures and people from Houston. For example, Houston has some of the best Pakistani, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Brazilian, and almost every international cuisine in the entire United States in our city and it is so fun to go and try these different foods and restaurants. I always shoutout Hillcroft (Little India) and Chinatown as some of the best places to get food in Houston, plus they are super accessible to Rice students for free by the Houston METRO public transit system! "Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Layal '26
Saar, Bahrain
Residential College: Wiess
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because it encapsulates everything I've dreamt of in my college experience. The intimate and collaborative learning environment ensures close interactions with professors and peers, fostering meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom. The residential college system creates a tight-knit community, offering diverse perspectives and a supportive network. I knew that Houston's diverse culture and endless activities would enhance my college experience, providing a balance between academics and real-world exposure. The idea of internships, cultural events, and the chance to engage with industries relevant to my studies excited me. It's like getting the best of both worlds – a tight-knit campus and a bustling city right next door.Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Lívia '26
Brasilia, Brazil
Residential College: Lovett
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of its academic reputation, diverse student body and financial aid. I came in knowing that I would study Astrophysics and Rice is one of the best schools for that. Rice is also one of the only schools that has a long lasting connection with NASA and the space industry in general so that made me even more excited to apply here. I also wanted to meet other international students like me and Rice gave me that opportunity with a student body that has people from all the 50 states and 100+ countries. Finally, without the International Student Grant I wouldn't be able to afford the cost of an undergraduate degree in the US, so the financial aid I got was also vital for me to choose Rice.Interests: CULTURE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Luisa '26
El Paso, Texas
Residential College: Hanszen
Why did you choose Rice?
I thought the residential college system was quirky and would help build a community outside of home. Since I had been in my hometown all my life, I was worried about making new friends and building a support system, and I thought Rice did a really good job in having so many communities to get involved with on campus. Also, as someone who wasn’t sure about what I wanted to major in or pursue as a career, I thought the distribution system and ease of changing majors would allow me the flexibility to explore all the paths that interested me.Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, RELIGION
Maya '26
Houston, Texas
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite Rice experience?
O-week!Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Megan '25
Columbia, Maryland
Residential College: Brown
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experience is simply existing with the people at my residential college, Brown College! I've made some of my best friends there and everyone is wonderful. Whether it's hanging out in Vator (our 1st floor lobby), having dinner in Commons, or walking over to Hermann Park, I've genuinely enjoyed every second of my time with these people. It's so easy to get to know other Brownies and the culture we've created definitely makes it feel like home.Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Melissa '26
Pearland, Texas
Residential College: Hanszen
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
I love to be asked about the languages department here at Rice. Even as a non-major, there are so many opportunities available and I've loved taking their classes and attending events.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH
Michael '26
Sugar Land, Texas
Residential College: Duncan
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experience is participating in the Civic Immersion Program the summer before the start of my freshman year. Civic Immersion is a program sponsored by the Center for Civic Leadership that introduces incoming freshmen to various social issues specific to Houston communities and exposes students to community partners that they can get involved with during their time at Rice. Although I grew up around the Houston area, I was not familiar with many of the communities and social issues of the city. It was truly inspiring to engage “beyond the hedges” of Rice’s campus and familiarize myself with the vibrant communities and wonderful diversity that make up the fourth largest city in the country! Additionally, I met so many amazing people from all over the state/country who are now some of my closest friends.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
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