There are residential colleges on campus but a lot of students live off campus too. Rent, board, and other expenses probably cost around $15000 annually.

With a strong and rigorous STEM program, good reputation, positive outcomes of alumni, and good reviews from current students, rated one of the happiest colleges in the US.

Houston is a big city, so there is something for everyone. It's very intimidating at first but after a thorough search, you can find good cheap accommodation (It's hard to live alone with probably high costs in good neighborhoods but very affordable with a roommate or two). Commuting by bus and metro is also not bad.

The department had a good number of faculty members in my area of ??research allowing me to chat with them in the hallways and the general vibe of the university felt very welcoming as they have a large number of international students.

Rice offered me full financial aid that covered all expenses and tuition. Also, the residential college system is what really makes for a welcoming, family-like social scene.

SO many opportunities to explore wide range of interests, many research facilities, great study spaces, great library, everywhere on campus is close and accessible, dorms are nice.

different residential colleges have different accommodations. The one that I live in has very nice facilities, a server and laundry room in the same building as well as study spaces. I share my room and bathroom with one roommate and it is very clean. There is also a kitchen space and commons.