Rice University
Reviews

Humidity

The humidity is as bad as it gets, but that really only lasts for about a month at the beginning of the year. The rest of the year, you can wear shorts while your friends at New England colleges are shoveling their way to classes!

Lots of Internship Opportunities

I'm a freshman, so I haven't had a ton of time to get into my major, but I'm impressed by the amount of internships available.

Amazing

I wouldn't trade my experience at Rice for any other college experience. The community here is incredible. Everyone is really caring, and supports each other. This is fostered by the residential college system, which is one of my favorite things about Rice.

Incredible. Just Incredible.

People are judged here based solely on what they do. It's awesome.

Great Classes, Great Profs

Every semester here, I have had at least one professor who has been absolutely brilliant, as well as several who I consider to have changed my life. That makes for a more-than-fair trade-off for the handful of very mediocre classes and professors I have had.

It's Awesome

I've never been so happy! The classes are challenging, but the students are not competitive and are more than willing to help you out if you need it. Weekends are the best! Our motto here at Rice is "work hard, party hard!"

Rice Village Rules

Rice Village has lots of places to shop and eat all within walking distance of campus. Also, students get a card that gives discounts to several of these places. Students definitely have to check out The Chocolate Bar!

So Much to Do

Houston has so much to do! The Rice campus is located near several city hotspots such as Rice Village, the Medical Center, and the Museum District. Because of its location downtown, there are lots of free or discounted opportunities for Rice students.

Food Is Amazing

The food tastes great, and each dining hall has its strong points. There's tons of variety. Meals are all-you-can-eat, which is wonderful (but also wonderful for the Freshman 15).

Tetra points are useful for the other locations on-campus and cut down on the amount of cash you need.

Late-night food is great off-campus, so most students do that. There's not a whole lot of choices on campus, but the Hoot is great.

Excellence in Education

Rice University offers a wide variety of excellent and challenging courses to pursue. With attentive and enthusiastic professors, a moderate workload, and a wide variety of options in undergraduate research, students are assured that they are receiving one of the best educations available.

This Is Texas!

Weather is warm in the summer, cool in the fall, winter, and spring. We rarely get snow, but even the threat of snow can cancel classes. The weather is great great during the school year, but always carry an umbrella in your bag, just in case.

Most of the Dorms Are Nice

The newest dorms on campus are the nicest. And they are distributed differently in different residential colleges. At Baker, freshmen have equal chances as upperclassmen at getting great rooms. And Baker is at the heart of the campus.

Computational and Applied Mathematics

The professors are great and very approachable. The department also has lots of money to offer students for summer internships.

Amazing

The engineering and chemistry departments are simply amazing. Biology/medical connection with the TMC also provide a plethora of professors to talk to and do research with. Classes aren't easy, and there is plenty of work to do, but it's all very rewarding.

Top Notch Academics With Wonderful Profs

One of the main reasons I chose Rice was because it has such a good reputation for its professors being helpful and eager to teach. I have yet to be disappointed! The academics are Rice are some of the best in the nation, but that does not always mean that the teaching environment is the best. Rice, however, has gotten the best of both. Professors are eager to answer questions and help you with anything you don't understand. The advising system is great too. There are professors from your field of study assigned to you that you can make appointments with and PAAs (peer academic advisors) that are available anytime for you at your college (which is the community you live in). There are many great class options, and many people are eager to experiences areas of study outside their majors. Overall, the atmosphere for learning and expanding your understanding is superb!

Treated Like Kings

The H&D here is amazing… there are many serveries on campus that serve different styles of food and are all within 10 minute walking distance although usually people eat at their own residential college. The chefs offer cooking and baking classes free of charge and every so often will surprise us with a no-cost chocolate banquet or full-scale thanksgiving dinner!

It's a Quirky Family!

The eco-evo department at Rice is very close-knit and interactive. After my first year, I knew nearly every student, professor, and even a fair few of the graduarte students! Professors know the name of each student and jump at the chance to help them get research positions, recommendations, and other academic/career opportunities. Of all the biological science departments, Eco-Evo is by far the most accepting and laid back. Make no mistake, its still just as rigorous.

Travel and Transportation

The on-campus transportation is very efficient and expedient. For the metro system in Houston, buses sometimes run a bit late but are more or less predictable and trustworthy.

Intra-Murals Trump Varsity

Most students are really into intramural or college sports. There are a lot of Division 1 varsity teams on campus, but the games aren't widely attended. Students are much more competitive with each other on campus then any other "rival" school.

Houston's Hot and Sunny

Going to school in Houston is terrific. It does get hot and humid in the summertime, but the rest of the year is gorgeous. Winters are especially beautiful.

So Lucky to Go Here

Every time I think of all the other universities I could have gone to, I am so satisfied that I chose Rice. I've learned so much and grown so much in such a supportive community. I've met some of the smartest people I've ever known who are also some of the kindest. If you're lucky enough to get admitted, don't pass Rice up.

Unique and Accepting Students and Fantastic Location

Unlike at most other universities, Rice students are very accepting and respectful of each other. They won't pressure you to drink or do things that you don't want to, but you can still do things like go to parties and have a great time. The absence of Greek life and the strength and community aspect of the residential college system means that students can find their close groups of friends to have fun with, but everyone knows each other well and is friendly and open. The Greek life system isn't missed here at all; the residential college system definitely defines student life at Rice and should not be overlooked since it isn't common at most other universities.

Also, being in Houston is fantastic. At Rice it doesn't feel like you're in a city since the campus is enclosed and well-kept, but you can just walk across the street, take the Metro, or drive downtown and find countless opportunities--restaurants, parks, museums, zoos, outdoor concerts, etc. Houston is beautiful and you'll never run out of things to do there!

Dining in Rice Village

The nearby (walking distance) Rice Village is brimming with great restaurants. Rice provides a shuttle from campus to the village on Saturday nights for dinner if you don't feel like walking. You can find almost every type of food: Italian, Mexican, Thai, American, you name it. Some of my favorite village restaurants are Black Walnut Cafe and Le Madeline.

Very Diverse

The Rice student body spans a huge variety of races and religions, and it seems to me that they all mingle very well. At parties and in class people of different ethnicities and beliefs blend together cohesively.

Computer Use

Most students have their own computers, it's just really convenient. There are a lot of computers available, but it seems like pretty much everyone uses a personal laptop. There is wireless internet everywhere, but it can sometimes be very slow.