Welcome to Rice

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Welcome

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Welcome to William Marsh Rice University (better known as Rice University), home of the Owls! Founded in 1912, this private research university is internationally reputed for its undergraduate and graduate science programming, research, and extremely low student-to-faculty ratio. In addition to achieving top academic rankings, both nationally and internationally, the University has recently ranked for best value and #1 in the nation for "Happiest Students." Join me now and explore just a few of the highlights of this 295-acre campus in Houston, Texas.

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For most visitors, Lovett Hall, named in honor of the University's first president, Edgar Odell Lovett, serves as a gateway to campus. Among other administrative offices, the Hall contains Rice's Welcome Center and Office of Admissions. In accordance with University tradition, enrolled freshmen enter through Lovett Hall's sallyport their first day. Just East of Lovett Hall is Founder's Court, where Commencement Ceremonies and other outdoor celebrations are held throughout the year.

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Here we are at Rice's Academic Quad, where you can truly appreciate the physical beauty of this campus. The lush, meticulously-landscaped Main Quad is anchored by Fondren Library and Lovett Hall, and provides central outdoor gathering space for the entire University community.

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Anderson Hall, located on the Main Quad, is home to Rice's School of Architecture (RSA). This standout structure contains studios, offices, fabrication shops and an Advanced Visualization Laboratory. Lecture series take place in Anderson Hall's Farish Gallery. The RSA also maintains a satellite location in Paris.

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Fondren Library houses a collection of more than 2,570,000 print volumes and 72,000 journals, with an ever-expanding digital collection. The Library also offers computer workstations in the first-floor Information Commons, along with new books and media. Study rooms are available on the upper floors, and you can achieve total focus in the Quiet Study Zone on the second floor. The third floor houses a large fine arts library as well as a lounge. A fourth floor lounge features vending machines to satisfy a mid-study session craving.

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The Raymond and Susan Brochstein Pavilion provides an airy environment on the Central Quad to study, relax or meet up with friends and classmates. Because of its location, it's a perfect landing place after a trip to Fondren Library. You can grab a table outside or enjoy a coffee and modern café-style seating in the air-conditioned interior.

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Roughly one third of undergrads and 40% of graduate students here at Rice are working towards an Engineering degree. Much of their instruction and research takes place here at George R. Brown Hall, home to the College of Engineering. Inside, students work closely with some of the foremost instructors in fields ranging from Bioengineering to Computer Science to Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, which is widely considered to be among the best materials science programs in the world.

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Brockman Hall for Physics is a newly-constructed facility that successfully merged several distinct Physics programs into one central location. The Hall features a range of tailor-made research and teaching labs as well as energy efficient features, including a green roof, natural- light emitting passages, and glass-enclosed breakout and seminar rooms. The building has a memorable entrance with columns that display 18 icons of classic astronomy and physics theories.

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This is the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center, where the Rice community comes to take advantage of club sports, fitness and relaxed gaming. The Center features classrooms, weight and cardio facilities, and several types of indoor and outdoor courts. Also inside are the Personal Training and Fitness Assessment Center, multipurpose rooms for group fitness classes, and recreation and competition pools. Undergrad students enjoy automatic membership to the Center as part of their tuition.

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After a tough workout at Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center, you can stop by the adjoining Rice Memorial Center for a sandwich, a beverage and comfortable indoor or outdoor seat. You can also stop by for a to-go coffee or to do some shopping for class, dorm and out-and-about necessities.

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The James Turrell Skyspace is one of the most innovative structures on campus, built with materials as contrasting as grass and composite steel. Hosting music performances and labs from the neighboring Shepherd School of Music, the Skyspace also features a 72-foot open roof and an LED projector.

Welcome to Rice

Welcome

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Lovett Hall

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Main Quad

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Anderson Hall

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Fondren Library

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Raymond and Susan Brochstein Pavilion

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George R Brown Hall

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Brockman Hall for Physics

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Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center

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Rice Memorial Center

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James Turrell Skyspace

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