If Rice had to give a speech for winning its #1 rank for quality of life, it would definitely give a shoutout to its boy, the residential college system. What makes Rice’s college system so unique and special is that the colleges aren’t divided by majors, years, or specific interests, but rather, they are inhabited by a diverse mix of students coming from different backgrounds, studies, hobbies, and ages. All new students will be randomly placed in one of the eleven colleges on Rice campus, and each college has its own distinguishing features and characteristics, making every college unique in its own way. Each college has its own crest, personality, and set of traditions (see Sid Traditions article for more info). In addition, every college runs its own student government, which represents its college in campus-wide meetings and decisions. Each college has its own budget that is used for college-specific events ranging from study breaks to renovating facilities to throwing public parties. The residential college system also provides Masters (tenured professors), Resident Associates (RA’s), and Associates (affiliates of the college both at Rice and in the community), who are here to guide each student through their time at Rice. And if that’s not enough, there are O-Week advisors, RHAs (Rice Health Advisors,) PAAs (Peer Academic Advisors), and just other people you will be in your college who are more than willing to advise and support you! You will soon find out that your residential college is not just a place where you live and know a few people. It will become your home and your family. If you are still having a difficult time imagining the concept of a residential college, just think two words: HARRY POTTER. Ah…it’s all clear now, huh?
Even as a new student, there are several ways you can get involved in your college. You can play on a college sports team (like Powderpuff, volleyball, table tennis, soccer, and basketball). The college that wins the most college sports games will be awarded the President’s Cup at the end of the year. You can run to be an NSR (New Student Representative) that represents your class in your college government. You can play a role in your college’s play or musical. You can participate in a college committee, such as Green committee, Low-Brow and High-Brow committees, Academics committee and more committees you will learn about later. Also, don’t be afraid to venture out of your college and be active in a number of campus-wide organizations—it’s fun to meet other people from different colleges!
When O-Week begins, there’s going to be a lot of individual college pride…after all, Sid is the best college on campus! But people from the other colleges don’t bite. They might seem inferior at first, but let’s take the high road and share our greatness with the other colleges.
The residential colleges provide amazing, close-knit communities for students and are a great conversation starter. Once you start meeting people, they’ll ask you, “Where are you from?” And the typical Rice answer isn’t your hometown or state origin; it’s your residential college. Even after your graduate, your residential college is something you will be talking about and remembering forever!
-Christian Woo (Sid ’13)