Rice University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, and the urban sprawl, heavy traffic, and air pollution can be very intimidating at first. However, there are amazing advantages to living in a large city. Many Rice students acknowledge that the social life on campus is enough to keep students busy without needing to look beyond the Rice hedges for entertainment. However, outside of the Rice bubble, there is a world of diverse cultural and social opportunities to explore. Be sure to make time to experience the plethora of restaurants, museums, theaters, clubs, bars, sports teams, concerts, and everything else that Houston has to offer. While there are definitely areas of town that should be avoided late at night or when you are alone, students say that you only need to use common sense and exercise caution to guarantee your safety.

Do not compare Houston to New York, L.A., or Chicago. However, Houston does have something to offer for everyone. Overall, it is a fairly happening place for a young person to live. Go off the beaten path of typical Rice hangouts, and discover your own. If nothing else, you can keep things interesting by dining at a different restaurant every time you go out, and you probably won’t run out of options before you graduate!

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Houston’s a city that grows on... Houston’s a city that grows on you. Rice can be an island in the middle of the city—there’s enough to do on campus that you never have to leave. But if you get out and look for stuff to do, there’s plenty to be found. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Just keep in mind that Houston is... Just keep in mind that Houston is a very large city and appropriate caution should be taken after dark. Don’t run alone on the outer loop at night, and don’t walk anywhere alone when it’s late out—even if you live two blocks from campus. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Honestly, I am not a big fan of... Honestly, I am not a big fan of Houston, mostly because it’s such a large city and I am more comfortable in more of a natural environment. But I certainly have to admit that it does offer a lot to do and see, with great museums and fantastic restaurants. And the good news is that if you don’t like big cities very much either, the atmosphere on the Rice campus is entirely different. Total seclusion from the urban jungle can be found ‘inside the hedges,’ if you so desire."? 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

If you’re interested in... If you’re interested in contemporary classical music, there are occasional concerts at the Axiom theatre (another great place for new theatre and rock shows). For more traditional fare, you can get decent student tickets to the Houston symphony and the Houston Grand Opera. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Houston is a great city if you... Houston is a great city if you know where to go, which can take a while to figure out. It has a small but thriving alternative community for those interested in modern and/or independent music, art, film, and politics. The Westheimer/Montrose district is a great place to find thrift stores and quirky cafes. The Menil Collection, the contemporary arts museum, and the Rothko Chapel are three stunning examples of smallish art venues. For film, try the Aurora Picture Show in the Heights. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Houston:
• Houston is the fourth largest city in America and spreads over three counties.
• With more than 40 nonprofit institutions, the Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world.
• The Heisman trophy is named for John William Heisman, the first full-time coach and athletic director at Rice University.
• Houston is at the same latitude as Cairo, Egypt.
• Houston was a national capital from 1837 to 1839 when the state was the Republic of Texas.

Famous People From Houston:
Debbie Allen
Lance Alworth
George H. W. Bush
Roger Clemens
Hilary Duff
Shannon Elizabeth
George Foreman
A.J. Foyt
Jennifer Garner
Dusty Hill
Ima Hogg
Howard Hughes
Beyoncé Knowles
Carl Lewis
Tara Lipinski
Barbara Mandrell
Eva Mendes
Joel Osteen
Dennis and Randy Quaid
Dan Rather
Mary Lou Retton
William Marsh Rice
Kenny Rogers
Nolan Ryan
Jaclyn Smith
Brent Spiner
Patrick Swayze
Renee Zellweger

Local Slang:
Gulf freeway – Highway I-45
H-Town – Refers to Houston itself
The Loop – Refers to 610 Highway, which makes a loop around a large portion of Houston, not to be confused with the Inner and Outer loops of Rice University
TC – Taco Cabana, a popular 24-hour Mexican fast food joint

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Meenakshi Awasthi
Hometown: Arlington, TX
Major: English/Biology

Meenakshi made her own dimple?by accident, of course! In Kindergarten, she fell off of the jungle gym and bruised her cheek pretty badly. Today it is a nice little dimple with a great history.

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