While you may want to wait until the temperature cools down before actually visiting campus, this month we’re talking about Rice University in Houston, Texas. The leading research university tends to be known for its STEM programs. However, there are plenty of amazing opportunities for students with other interests, as majors range from Cello Performance to Sports Management. Social life for Rice students tends to be campus-focused, but they still take advantage of everything Houston has to offer!
Eat:
Rice Coffeehouse (6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005): Located inside the Memorial Center on campus, this is the perfect spot to sip a cup of coffee and observe the student body. It’s also completely student-run, making it a great future extracurricular for a prospective business school student. The coffeehouse is actually one of three student-run establishments on Rice’s campus.
Guad Texas Chef Mex (2925 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77098): You can’t visit Texas without getting Tex-Mex. While you’ll find all the basics here, you can also try uncommon dishes such as chorizo hash browns.
Local Foods (2424 Dunstan Rd, Houston, TX 77005): Craving a killer sandwich? Look no further than Local Foods. Using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, it’s obvious why they were featured on Eater’s “11 Essential Sandwich Shops in Houston.”
Stay:
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District (6580 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030): Not only is this hotel essentially across the street from Rice, but it’s also by the METRORail red line, making it very easy to visit downtown Houston.
Hotel ZaZa Museum District (5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005): This boutique hotel offers beautiful rooms and views. It’s also conveniently located less than a mile from Rice University, the Houston Zoo, and close to many museums.
The Sam Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton (1117 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002): The historic hotel in downtown Houston may be a good choice if you’re going to see other colleges in the area. It’s also only half a mile from the Minute Maid Stadium.
Play:
Space Center Houston (1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston, Texas): Since NASA oftentimes works with Rice in various capacities, it only makes sense to check out the Space Center while you’re in town.
The Health Museum (1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004): Houston’s Museum District boasts 19 museums and arguably, the most unique is the Health Museum. This interactive museum provides opportunities to ride a bike with a skeleton and see a 4D movie.
Houston Zoo (6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030): Did you know that the Houston Zoo is the 2nd most visited zoo in the country? With activities such as a Texas Wetlands Exhibit and Silent Discos, it’s definitely not a surprise!