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Ubiquitous and Top of the Line

There are a ton of public computers on campus: in Fondren Library, in most academic buildings, and there are computer labs in each of the colleges. Printing is cheap and easy. The campus is totally wireless too, which is super useful in the colleges so you don't need to use ethernet.

Beautiful Buildings, Functional Interiors

The old Spanish style architecture on campus shouldn't lead one to believe that they are dilapidated inside. Quite the contrary: Rice maintains all its buildings so that the interiors are clean and new inside. Over the past five years, Rice has invested in its facilities substantially. Construction on campus was massive, but now it's over. There is a new fitness center, two new colleges, two new additions to colleges, a new food pavilion, and two new serveries. Everybody on campus seems pleased with how beautiful the campus has developed over the past few years.

Good, but Not Rice's Focus

Athletic events on campus aren't typically well attended. There are some games that are, however, just like the big Harvard/Yale game, Rice has a football game against UT every year that draws a huge crowd. Rice is also one of the top schools for baseball in the nation. In 2003, Rice beat Stanford to win the College World Series title. Reckling Park is also beautiful. Besides Division I sports, Rice offers a lot of club teams such as rugby (state champions this year), water polo, and crew. The spirit for those teams is high.

People from All Over

Rice has a reputation for attracting a lot of students from Texas, however in my experience this is not so true. There are students from all over -- just like at any top school. Also consider that Texas itself is large and diverse and bigger than the size of the Northeast.

Administration & Police Very Lax

As a Rice student, you have the privilege of a very easy going police department (RUPD). The administration trusts students to act respectfully and take care of themselves.