User Profile
amp3
Rice University '11
Majoring in Political Science and Government
Member since 6/18/2011
A
Polisci @ Rice
The best thing about the political science department is the opportunities. From day one, students are given individual attention and there is a strong focus on discussion. My largest class was 40 students, but that was only for intro courses. It was way more common to have classes with only 10-15 students. Also, your professors are there to help you! They can set you up with research opportunities and help you plan your future. The only thing that was lacking was help in getting internships. Don't go to career services, go to your professors!
Jun 18, 2011
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Residential Colleges
Rice is very unique because of the residential college system. Similar to Hogwarts in Harry Potter, you are "sorted" into your college (or house) where you will remain all four years at Rice. Your college becomes your family and you each college is associated with different faculty members that are there to help you succeed. In very rare cases you can transfer houses, but most students have so much loyalty and pride those instances are uncommon.
Another great thing is that everyone WANTS to live on campus. You have a mix of students in all different grades, majors, countries, whatever in every college with little interference. There aren't RA's telling you when to be quiet or turn out your light. You are an adult and are treated like one.
The dorms/colleges themselves are pretty awesome. Everyone has bigger rooms than most other colleges and there are a lot of suite style rooms. In most colleges you get a single at least your senior year and sometimes when you're a junior too. Each college is set up differently so it's hard to compare.
Jun 18, 2011
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Good Apartments, University Doesn't Help
This is changing, but when I moved off campus for my junior year we weren't given any sort of help from the university. Since most students aren't from Houston, it can be a little challenging going to look at apartments. Luckily there are tons of places close by, so you can take the Metro rail, walk, bike, or drive. Also, apartments aren't that expensive. A lot of people end up saving money when they live off campus because you don't have to purchase a meal plan (which is required for living on campus).
Jun 18, 2011
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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.
Jun 18, 2011
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Administration Is Understanding
You are an adult. You are treated as an adult. End of story.
There is a wet campus policy on campus, meaning that if you are over 21 you can legally have alcohol on campus. Any kind of alcohol. If you are under 21, it is illegal, but rarely are there infractions. There are public and private parties. If your door is closed you can pretty much have alcohol even if you're underage. No one is going to bust if you if you're just relaxing and drinking with your friends. The campus is getting stricter this past year, but that is due to a rise in EMS calls (basically drink responsibly). BTW, Rice has their own EMS which is run by students. You won't get in trouble if you call them, they are really there to help you out.
Jun 18, 2011
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