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.
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
Elizabeth '29
Chicago, Illinois
Residential College: McMurtry
What is your favorite Rice experience?
"One of the best memories that captures the Rice experience was Halloween weekend. After going out with my friends, we huddled together around a pot of ramen and practiced our mock trial speeches at 2 in the morning. Then, after only two hours of sleep, I changed into my suit and headed to the UH competition. While it was certainly exhausting, it was also one of the happiest days of my life, showcasing how the work-hard-play-hard balance thrives at Rice. And fueled by caffeine, adrenaline, and pure joy, I spent that day feeling incredibly thankful for the people around me and the opportunity to do something I loved.
"Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Ella '29
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Residential College: Wiess
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because I love that we combine amazing academics with an incredibly vibrant, engaged community. I loved how residential college system builds such strong relationships and college spirit right from your first day of O-Week. Rice students are so passionate, engaged, and caring, and that was really clear when I visited for Owl Days. I felt so welcomed, and it was clear how much effort was put into making us feel at home!Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Ethan '29
Friendswood, Texas
Residential College: Duncan
How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
During weekly O-week family meals, everyone would share about their weeks and give both highlights and lowlights of the week. These conversations provided a weekly time to be able to connect with my O-week family or even just be in a non-judgemental space to go on a rant. To me, these O-week lunches help to show just how tight-knit and supportive the community at Rice is.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
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
Fiona '28
Merrick, New York
Residential College: Baker
What is your favorite Rice experience?
Getting to visit random academic buildings to find good study spots!Interests: CULTURE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Izzy '29
New York City, New York
Residential College: Chao
Why did you choose Rice?
I was recruited to Rice as a cross country and track and field athlete. Not only did I love the warm weather of Houston, the idea of competing for a D1 athletic team, and the academic prestige of the university, but what truly hit me during my campus visit was Rice’s sense of community. I believe the Rice student body is truly unique and quirky, no two students are the same. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has niche, fun interests, but we do share two things: a passion and love for learning, and a willingness and desire to help our peers. From Day 1 at Rice I was never afraid to be myself because I knew I would be accepted. Rice welcomes all their students, and they provide them the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.Interests: ATHLETICS, 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
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
Leah '29
Hinsdale, Illinois
Residential College: Sid Richardson
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice for the plethora of academic opportunities as well as the supportive and welcoming community. As a history major, I have found that Rice has an extremely strong humanities program with many programs and opportunities for students to take advantage of. The teaching is excellent, and professors are there to help students out. In addition, the community of students is so kind and caring; people smile at you even if you don’t know them at all. I knew that I would have an amazing academic and social experience by choosing Rice.Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Leyana '29
Liberty Hill, Texas
Residential College: McMurtry
How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I experienced Rice's Culture of Care through the daily interactions I have with students. Everyone is eager to help each other out, even if they don't know you that well. I was once bringing back 4 large Amazon packages to my dorm and was having trouble opening the door to Murt, and 2 other students came and helped me out without hesitation! They even helped me carry some of the packages all the way to my dorm without me asking, and I thought it was such a sweet and genuine gesture.Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, MUSIC, RESEARCH
Lina '29
Austin, Texas
Residential College: Baker
How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
When I got really sick and needed to go to the ER, people immediately stepped in to help, someone drove me, checked in on me, and my O-Week parents literally carried me up five flights of stairs afterward to get me back to my room and into bed. It was one of those moments where you realize people here genuinely care about you as a person, not just a student.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH, 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
Lucy '29
Lighthouse Point, Florida
Residential College: Lovett
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice after first visiting campus during Owl Days. I immediately sensed a shift in the energy on campus--everyone I met was overwhelmingly welcoming, passionate about learning, and eager to show me why Rice was so special. Additionally, I love the intellectual curiosity Rice encourages, allowing flexibility for someone like me, who has interests across fields of study, as I plan to major in mathematics and neuroscience while being pre-med.Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH
Maya '26
Houston, Texas
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite Rice experience?
O-week!Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Mckayla '29
Houston, Texas
Residential College: Will Rice
Why did you choose Rice?
I wanted to attend a smaller but still very academic school. I also knew that I wanted to go to school in the south (because of the weather). I felt like Rice checked all these general boxes and more. When I toured Rice, the guide made me feel so welcome and just liked they loved Rice. After attending Rice for a little more than a semester, I can confirm that I also love Rice.Interests: ATHLETICS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Milton '26
Sacramento, California
Residential College: Wiess
Why did you choose Rice?
When I visited Rice as a prospective student, I immediately felt a sense of community on the campus. Everyone seemed very genuine and always happy to help whether they were helping another student or just a random stranger. Even though Rice is far from my original home, I felt that I could establish a new home for myself on campus.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Molly '29
Albany, New York
Residential College: Wiess
How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
I’ve experienced Rice’s Culture of Care in small but meaningful ways—like professors checking in during busy weeks, classmates sharing notes without being asked, and my core team genuinely looking out for my wellbeing. Rice makes it clear that you’re never expected to handle everything on your own, and that sense of support has shaped how comfortable I feel taking academic and personal risks here.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, RESEARCH
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Patrick '28
Grapevine, Texas
Residential College: Brown
How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
The Culture of Care is such a huge part of my experience here at Rice. I never got the competitive vibe I was dreading coming to an academically rigorous institution, people are always willing to help you out, which makes for a great college experience. Also, the residential college experience facilitates this really well through dedicated RAs and Magisters who are also great resources to enhance the student experience.Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, MUSIC, RELIGION
Patrick '28
Grapevine, Texas
Residential College: Brown
How have you experienced Rice's Culture of Care?
The Culture of Care is such a huge part of my experience here at Rice. I never got the competitive vibe I was dreading coming to an academically rigorous institution, people are always willing to help you out, which makes for a great college experience. Also, the residential college experience facilitates this really well through dedicated RAs and Magisters who are also great resources to enhance the student experience.Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, MUSIC, RELIGION
Princess '27
Atlanta, Georgia
Residential College: Brown
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of the extensive resources available to students, and the welcoming atmosphere which allows students to be more collaborative than competitive.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
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