Visit Report by Kpearson502 (Member since March 19 2008 with 0 posts) Visit Date - March 2008
Visit to Rice University in March 2008 by Kpearson502 (Student, HS Class of 2008)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - I interviewed in Phoenix with an alumni, which was really informative and fun, not scary at all. I think I asked her more questions than she asked me! Information Session:
Yes - The PowerPoint presentation almost sealed the deal for me. It showed the history of Rice and just gave me a great impression of the students, academics, and city of Houston. Campus Tour:
Yes - The tour was rained out at the end, but our guide made it enjoyable. It ran for about an hour, but we only visited a dorm, the student union, and looked in one some classes. I wish it was longer!
Rice University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 4 - Very Good -
Everyone was polite/friendly/cool, though some students seemed wrapped up in their studies/thoughts.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
The faculty were all very friendly to visitors and the student tour guides. They seemed to have great relationships with the students.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Get ready to take tons of photos! Rice looks amazing even though construction abounds. Oak trees surround the campus, and inside campus you see azaleas, hedges, squirrels, and everything is lush.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 4 - Very Good -
Most of the buildings are beautiful. Some look like they were built in the 70s, like Sid, and don't have the same appeal as Lovett Hall, but overall everything is clean, pretty.
Dormitories: 4 - Very Good -
The rooms I saw in Sid Richardson looked pretty standard, but rest of the building is unique. Just go and find out for yourself. Also, one dorm has a trampoline, another a great fountain.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Gosh, every few minutes it seemed a Rice Police or campus security vehicle pulled around the corner. Plus, they have poles with blue lights all over campus which you can go to and contact police.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
Rice is an amazing place to be. The students have a great time there, especially during Willy Week, when I visited.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Rice Village has practically everything. I recommend Cafe Brioche, El Meson, Brown Eyes Blue. Also, there are shopping and entertainment districts north of campus. Check out the museum district!
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
Houston really is cooler than you'd think. It is a beautiful, clean, fun, friendly, sophisticated, and active city. The people are down to earth. Just be warned - things are spread out.
Campus Visit Notes for Rice University:
Visit Description:
Houston/Rice are awesome. Rice has a great relationship with the city - is involved with the medical center, community organizations, and Rice students must have a great time exploring Houston.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
We stayed at the Rodeway Inn on Morningside. It's great for a short trip - you're going to be away most of the time anyway. Cable. Breakfast. Shuttle to Rice. Nice people.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
El Meson, Goode Company Barbecue, Viang Thai, Cafe Brioche, Cafe Brasil, Irma's Southwest Grill, Cafe Montrose, Yia Yia's.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Public transportation can be hard to navigate if you've never been to Houston. Most people either bike or have cars. Luckily, Houston is flat and as a Rice student you wouldn't have to bike
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Everyone was polite/friendly/cool, though some students seemed wrapped up in their studies/thoughts.
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The faculty were all very friendly to visitors and the student tour guides. They seemed to have great relationships with the students.