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 tour 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.
Josh '25
San Francisco, California
Residential College:
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
My favorite question to be asked on tours is anything related to studying abroad at Rice. Studying abroad is a unique experience that I was fortunate enough to be able to do during the summer after my freshman year. It is a great opportunity I would recommend to any student, which is why I enjoy talking about it on tours.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Karen '24
Plantersville, Texas
Residential College: McMurtry
Why did you choose Rice?
Rice was my top school for many reasons but most importantly due to academics, financial aid, and the supportive community. As a student I can now confirm that Rice is challenging but not in a cutthroat way; I find that it is more geared towards collaboration. Additionally, the Rice Investment really allowed a first-generation low-income student like me to consider applying. Overall, I have felt so supported here at Rice through my peers, professors, and various offices that support students.Interests: CULTURE, RELIGION, RESEARCH, SOCIAL JUSTICE
Krish '26
Denver, Colorado
Residential College:
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
Kushal '25
Houston, Texas
Residential College:
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite Rice experience is when I drove up to my college dorm during Move-in day at O-week. The excitement and buzz all around me was indescribable. All the advisors yelling my name and my own advisors leading me to my room was a moment I will never forget. Little did I know that I was about to enter what would become the place I cherish so much.Interests: ATHLETICS, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH
Lara '25
Houston, Texas
Residential College:
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour and why?
My favorite question to be asked on tour is: “What is your favorite part of being at Rice?” I love this question because my answer changes every tour. One day my favorite part may be a super interesting class I’m taking, the next it’s the Karaoke we did in the commons, or laughing with my friends while walking to the Zoo. There are so many different aspects of the Rice experience that I enjoy and being able to share all of these moments with prospective students is so much fun.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Layal '26
Saar, Bahrain
Residential College:
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
Lily '25
Henderson, Nevada
Residential College: Hanszen
Why did you choose Rice?
There are many reasons why I chose Rice! While it may sound cliche, my tour of Rice and the people that I interacted with on my tour were one of the major factors that made me fall in love with Rice. Everyone that I interacted with was so nice and hospitable, they really made me understand the sense of collaboration and community that Rice lauds itself on. Additionally, as an FGLI (First-Generation Low Income) student, Rice's financial aid awards made it so I could still attend a top-tier university without worrying about how I was going to have to pay for such an education. There is a variety of other resources that Rice offers for students such as myself, meaning that I have been able to experience the university in the same way that anyone else has the opportunity to do so. Although there are many other factors that made me choose Rice, these are definitely the top two!Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE
Lívia '26
Brasilia, Brazil
Residential College:
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
Luke A. '25
Knippa, Texas
Residential College: Duncan
What is your favorite Rice experience?
I have had so many amazing experiences here at Rice! If I had to choose it would be the first time I participated in my favorite Duncan college tradition which is Thirsty Thursday. Thirsty Thursday is a tradition where every other Thursday we go up to one of the suites and get a milkshake! It is so much fun interacting with all of my friends and meeting new people through an amazing frozen treat. I had even more fun working at the event for the first time. You see you can volunteer to be a server and blend the milkshakes for everyone. It was so much fun talking and interacting with everyone in line while discussing classes or our favorite ice cream flavors (cookies and cream is the best hands down). This experience really embraced the sense of community there is at each residential college hence why the residential college system is my favorite part about Rice.Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RESEARCH
Madison '24
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Residential College: Jones
What is your favorite Rice experience?
RESP! As an incoming first generation and low income student in the school of engineering, I participated in the Rice Emerging Scholars Program. RESP helps prepare FLI students for the academic rigor of Rice. It made my transition to Rice so much easier, both socially and academically, and some of my closest friends are my fellow RESPies.Interests: COMMUNITY SERVICE, ENVIRONMENTAL, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Marissa '24
Lake Bluff, Illinois
Residential College: Baker
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite experience at Rice was my college’s annual freshman camping trip (we went as sophomores due to COVID). This trip was my first time going camping, but it was a lot of fun because almost everyone from Baker class of ‘24 went and we stayed up all night roasting marshmallows, eating snacks, playing games, and enjoying each other's company. The next day we went to a tree farm to cut down a 20 foot tall tree to put up in our commons for Christmas which ended with some pretty funny memories and a tree collapsing in the middle of our commons!Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Mark '25
Savage, Minnesota
Residential College: McMurtry
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour?
I love giving restaurant recommendations! One of my favorite restaurants is CoCo crepes, within walking distance from campus. Rice Village has many other great lunch and dinner options, including Tiger Noodle House and Velvet Taco. If you are looking for something even closer to campus, Brochstein Pavilion is a great place to relax and enjoy a tasty sandwich.Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, RELIGION, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Maya '26
Houston, Texas
Residential College:
What is your favorite Rice experience?
O-week!Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Michael '26
Sugar Land, Texas
Residential College:
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
Milton '26
Sacramento, California
Residential College:
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
Morike '24
Yorktown, Virginia
Residential College: McMurtry
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice for several reasons. I liked the small-sized research university which allows for smaller classes and more resources for students. I like the social communities formed by the residential colleges and the student-run nature of many things. I like the proximity of a diverse city (Houston). The weather is warm for most of the year, and I can spend extensive time outside. I also appreciate the non-toxic academic culture amongst students. Finally, Rice has many resources specific to my major and minor, as well as being a pre-med.Interests: CULTURE, RESEARCH, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Parker '24
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour?
I love it when students ask more questions about extracurricular activities here at Rice. I love talking about my experiences with theatre at Rice and all of the amazing ways to get involved in your residential college.Interests: ARTS, MUSIC, STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Priya '26
Dayton, Ohio
Residential College:
Why did you choose Rice?
I chose Rice because of the amazing Pre-Med opportunities and for the close knit student body.Interests: ATHLETICS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, RESEARCH
Radhani '26
Katy, Texas
Residential College:
What is your favorite Rice experience?
My favorite rice experience is not necessarily just one moment but the many late nights I’ve spent with friends cooking or doing Karaoke. I have found that I have the most fun on these random unplanned nights where we just get to relax and take a break from schoolwork.Interests: ARTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, CULTURE, MUSIC
Rebecca Z. '24
Westchester, New York
Residential College: Sid Richardson
What is your favorite question to be asked on tour?
Restaurant recommendations!Interests: ARTS, ATHLETICS, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Rima '26
Accra, Ghana
Residential College:
Why did you choose Rice?
It has a small tight-knit community and a lot of options for STEM majors.Interests: ARTS, CULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL
Body
Inside the Hedges
Visit Our BlogHelpful Links
Body
CALL
713-348-7423
EMAIL
admission@rice.edu
HOURS
M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
Body