A Tradition of Student Governance.
The Residential Colleges
Unlike many universities, Rice doesn’t have sororities or fraternities, nor is there an honors college or an athletic dorm. Instead, Rice University randomly sort our new students into one of these 11 colleges. Because each student is randomly assigned and stays in the same college throughout their undergraduate years, the diversity of our student body creates a rich tapestry of traditions, culture, and, most importantly, community.
A faculty magister assigned to each college lives in an adjacent house and helps cultivate a variety of cultural and intellectual interests among the students, as well as supporting an effective system of self-government. Other faculty or members of the community serve as associates to individual colleges.
Our residential college experience conveys the rich flavor of academic life at Rice and allows students to combine their usual studies with an array of social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, innovative college-designed courses, and an active role in student government.
Baker College
As one of the four original residential colleges on campus, Baker is filled with traditions, like Houston's longest running Shakespeare festival, "bakerShake," that gets passed on to all new Bakerites. And at Baker, Christmas comes not once, but twice a year.
Will Rice College
With the mystical phoenix as its mascot, Will Ricers pride themselves on their competitive nature. Whether you’re challenging them in the game room or in intramural sports, Will Ricers will never turn you down! On Classy Thursdays, they even compete for best-dressed.
Hanszen College
Hanszen is known as the “Family College,” a reflection of the close and caring relationships among its members. But Hanszenites also like to have fun during events like their own Mardi Gras, study breaks, or trips to Galveston.
Wiess College
One of the original residential colleges, Wiess has some well-established traditions. Go Pumpkin Caroling at Halloween, sign up for Tabletop Theatre, celebrate Wiess Day, or hang out with your fellow Wiessmen at a Team Fun Friday Wiess.
Jones College
Jonesians bring fun to their college by celebrating the birthday of their namesake, Mary Gibbs Jones, with an annual birthday bash. And every floor competes in the Floor Olympics to show off their athleticism and wits.
Brown College
At Brown, the "Brownies" bond during the Brown Skate and hang out together during Fridays in the Quad. And during the holidays, each floor goes all out for the decorating contest.
Lovett College
Named after Rice's first president, Edgar Odell Lovett, this college's architecture lead many to compare it to a toaster. Within those sturdy walls, Lovetteers carry on traditions like hosting the fancy Casino Party and socializing on the 2nd Floor Sundeck.
Sid Richardson College
Though they are the smallest of all the residential colleges on campus, Sidizens take pride in their tower. Every Friday, you can find them spending time together in their Country Club (a grassy area near a volleyball court). It's the same day you'll hear Radio Free Sid - a weekly playlist blasted from the 12th floor.
Martel College
One of Martelians' favorite ways to honor their history is through Greek Week, a way to celebrate Martel and the Greek heritage of their founding father, Speros P. Martel. But they also celebrate Oktoberfest with a grill out in their Quad, and take advantage of Texas weather to host their spring Beach Party.
McMurtry College
As members of one of the newest colleges on campus, Murts are establishing new traditions each year. But they enjoy sipping tea or hot chocolate from Burt's Teahouse (in the fifth floor kitchen) while hanging out on the sundeck taking in gorgeous views of Houston. And they celebrate their namesake's heritage with an annual McScottish Night.
Duncan College
Whether it’s making milkshakes for Thirsty Thursday or playing ping pong during Monday Night Lights, Duncaroos are all about fostering community. And they love dunking each other in the DuncTank on their birthdays.