Welcome to the Rice Family!
Congratulations! Your student is beginning an exciting journey at Rice University — one filled with discovery, growth and meaningful experiences for your entire family.
We know this transition brings pride, excitement and questions, which is why we've gathered helpful tips and resources to support you and your student as you transition to life at Rice.
Let’s get started!
Click the links below to jump to resources for you and your Owl.
Staying Informed
As you prepare for move‑in, you and your student will receive important updates from campus offices, along with resources designed to answer common questions and support your transition. The tools below will help you stay connected and informed throughout the summer and beyond.
If you have additional questions, contact us at parents@rice.edu.
Expect key updates from Student Success Initiatives in June and July. (Be sure your student submits the Parent Contact Information Form in ESTHER.) Visit this page for information.
Look for your first quarterly parent newsletter in September. In the meantime, explore this page for Rice community stories, campus news and resources for families.
Join the Rice Parent Facebook Group for tips and opportunities to connect with the Rice parent community.
Watch this webinar series to engage with and gain insights from fellow parents and campus experts.
Knowing the Owl Lingo
Are you fluent in Owl? Your student will likely mention places like the RMC or events like O-Week — so here’s a quick guide to common Rice terms. Click on a term below to learn more.
Rice ID/Net ID
Login credentials for campus systems (e.g., “so123” for Sammy Owl)
Beer Bike
Annual residential college competition featuring biking, traditions and campus-wide celebrations.
ESTHER
Online system for registration, billing, grades, transcripts and student records
Canvas
Learning platform for coursework, assignments and course materials
College
Magister
Faculty leader who lives in and oversees each residential college
Resident
Associate
Faculty/staff who live in colleges and support student life and community
College
Coordinator
Staff member supporting daily residential college operations and student advising
Serveries
Residential dining halls across campus
RMC
Rice Memorial Center, a central hub for student activities and services
O-Week
Orientation week focused on community building, advising, and course registration
Assist your Owl in completing this outline of important tasks, deadlines and resources for incoming students before move-in and O-Week.
Review the key dates you and your student need to know, from O-Week and New Families Orientation to the first day of classes.
During the summer, attend a New Student Send-Off where you can meet incoming Owls and families in select cities, ask questions and build connections before the school year begins. See if there is one in your area!
Adjusting to Rice
The first year is a transition for both students and families. Below are resources to support your Owl in their first year and beyond.
Student Involvement
Encourage your student to explore campus life through:
- Student Organizations: Students can explore 300+ organizations through OwlNest or attend the annual Student Activities Fair.
- Campus Programming: The Student Center hosts monthly Owls After Dark events for undergraduate and graduate students, while the student-run Rice Program Council plans 40+ events each year.
- Residential College Activities: Each residential college hosts regular community events, intramural sports, arts groups and more.
Academic Support
Academic support is built into the Rice experience through:
- Advising Support: Students can receive guidance from magisters, faculty advisors, peer academic advisors and O-Week advisors.
- Student Success Initiatives: The Student Success Initiatives (SSI) office offers holistic advising, academic resources and support for first-generation and limited-income students.
- Additional Academic Resources: Students can also access support through the Center for Academic and Professional Communication, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry, and the Student Disability Resource Center.
Career Preparation
The Center for Career Development (CCD) helps students prepare for life after Rice through:
- Career Support: Encourage your student to explore CCD programs, resources and one-on-one advising with a career counselor.
- Career Exploration Tools: Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory, Focus 2 and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator help students explore interests and career paths.
- Resume Resources: Students can begin building a resume using tools and templates in the 12twenty Resource Library.
- Get Involved: Parents can support career exploration by hosting an Owl Edge Externship.
Student Health and Wellbeing
Rice offers a variety of resources to support students’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing throughout their college experience.
- Student Health Services: Students can access on-campus medical care and referrals through the Student Health Center.
- Mental Health Support: The Rice Counseling Center and Student Wellbeing Office offer counseling, advising and resources for a range of personal and mental health concerns.
- Recreation and Wellness: Students can stay active through fitness facilities, group classes and wellness programs at the Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center.
Exploring Houston and Student Benefits
Houston, the country’s fourth-largest and one of its most diverse cities, offers plenty for your Owl to discover during their time at Rice. Here are a few ways to get around and make the most of the city:
Getting to and around Houston
Airports:
- Hobby Airport (HOU): ~ 30 minutes from campus
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): ~ 1 hour from campus
Rice Transportation may offer airport shuttles during select breaks.
Transportation Options:
- Zipcar: Hourly or daily car rentals available on campus by reservation.
- Houston METRO: Rail and bus routes connect campus to downtown, both airports and more.
Where to eat, stay and shop
- Hotels: Rice offers special rates at nearby partner hotels. View the full list.
- Dining and Shopping: Rice Village offers restaurants, shops and local favorites near campus. Many Houston businesses also offer 10–20% student discounts with a valid ID. Explore discounts.
- Rice Gear: The Rice Campus Bookstore offers apparel, gifts and school supplies in-store and online. Students also receive 30% off one apparel item on the first Friday of each month.
Rice Student ID benefits
With a valid student ID, Rice students can enjoy perks across Houston:
- Houston Zoo: Discounted tickets with advance reservation; free admission with student ID.
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Free admission with student ID.
- Houston Museum of Natural Science: Free undergraduate membership with student ID.
Connecting with the Parent and Family Engagement Office
We support families throughout your student’s time at Rice.
We invite you to participate in signature programs like Families Weekend and New Student Send-Offs, along with other parent-friendly events across the Rice community. Check out our website for more information and opportunities for parents.
Have questions about Rice, supporting your student or getting involved? Contact us at parents@rice.edu — we’re happy to help.
David Humphrey
Assistant Director, Parents and Families Programming
713-348-4615
david.humphrey@rice.edu
Rice Parents & Families
6100 Main St. - MS520
Houston, Texas 77251-1892
Phone: 713-348-4057
Email: parents@rice.edu
