Welcome to the Housing and Dining Department at Rice University – where living and learning come together to create a vibrant community! We support 11 residential colleges and 5 dining halls by providing hospitality services to each college. From comfortable living spaces to dedicated facilities, our residential communities offer a range of amenities that contribute to a vibrant and supportive environment to foster personal and academic growth.
Residential Spaces
Each college provides refreshed and comfortable residential spaces tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. We collaborate with the Disability Resource Center to guarantee that students seeking accommodations have access to accessible units. Well-designed rooms outfitted with college style furnishings that can be customized to suit the space students aim to create and common areas that serve as hubs for collaboration, relaxation, and personal growth.
Dining Services
Indulge in diverse dining experiences within your residential college at the dining servery. Our dining facilities offer delicious, nutritious, and diverse cuisines fostering a sense of community during shared mealtimes. Experience the joy of connecting with fellow residents over a variety of culinary delights. Visit https://dining.rice.edu/residential-dining
Common Areas
Social and study spaces, private dining rooms, dining commons, innovation and technology hubs, recreational areas, and micro-transportation and programming storage within the residential colleges are designed to facilitate community engagement. Whether you're working on group projects, engaging in intellectual discussions, or unwinding with friends, our common areas cater to your various needs.
Magister Houses
Explore the unique features of Magister Houses, where distinguished tenured faculty members reside within each college. These houses provide a close connection between students and faculty, fostering mentorship, intellectual conversations, and a supportive academic environment.
RA Apartments
Resident Advisor (RA) apartments offer a dedicated space for RAs to live within the residential college, serving as a resource and support for fellow residents. Each college has two - three 2 bedroom apartments that contribute to the sense of community and provide a valuable connection between residents and the college leadership.
Community Events
Participate in a wide array of community events organized within the residential colleges. From academic discussions and cultural celebrations to social gatherings, these events provide opportunities for connection, personal development, and lasting memories.
Academic Support
Benefit from the presence of Faculty Fellows and enjoy mentorship and academic support directly within your residential college. Build relationships with faculty members who are invested in your success.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultural events and recreational activities within the residential colleges. Whether it's participating in intramural sports leagues or attending cultural performances and culinary pop up events, there's always something exciting happening to enhance your overall college experience.
The Housing and Dining department collaborates with Facilities and Capital Planning to strategically outline a capital improvement plan. We designate a portion of the budget to collaborate with each college on smaller projects to enhance common areas and improve the overall ambiance of the colleges. We allocate funds to endorse sustainability initiatives for each college.
Explore the amenities and programming further that define the Residential Colleges; Will Rice College, Baker College, Hanszen College, Brown College, Jones College, Lovett College, Sid Richardson College, Wiess College, Martel College, Duncan College, and McMurtry College at Rice University and join us in creating a community that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong connections. The Dean of Undergraduates Office facilitates room assignments, college personnel, and associates programs. For more information, please visit https://dou.rice.edu/departments/residential-colleges/residential-colleges-overview