Rice University Campus
Rice University Campus
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
507 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
143
Average
22
Poor
1
Terrible
0
scott r
Silver Spring, MD619 contributions
Jun 2020
Did not take a tour of any kind merely wandered around the campus several nights while staying in Houston (also adjacent to Hermann Park so you can make a decent loop of the whole thing and get in a couple miles walking exercise. Covid quiet, almost deserted, but you never feel unsafe (not that I would, but I'd imagine a woman walking alone would feel the same way). The oak alleys alone are something to see via lamplight and the architecture is pretty - vaguely Moorish, with mostly sympathetic modern additions. Peaceful, contemplative..... Parking in the Hermann lot is free and there;s street parking in adjacent areas (evening).
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TABristolUK
Bristol, UK62 contributions
Jan 2020
We parked up near the sports stadium and did a short walk of this amazingly structured and beautiful campus before catching an Owls game. There is an interesting light exhibit to see at dusk where you can sit and watch the sky under a changing colour light canopy. Impressive to see new buildings going up replicating the original style I'd imagine at some great expense but keeping a coherence to this very tranquil spot in the center of Houston
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael K
809 contributions
Apr 2021
Most of the buildings in this campus have a red brick facade, but architecturally they are all look unique and some are quite imposing looking, like the Lovette Hall. The eastern end of the campus where Lovette Hall is located is more interesting where huge oak trees lined the side streets. The western end is dominated by the stadium and the drab parking lot. If you are interested in architecture, it is worth taking a stroll through the campus.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chrisinkingwood2
Houston, TX5,678 contributions
May 2022
We went to a concert at the Shepherd School of Music. It is a beautiful venue and the acoustics are excellent. Be sure to visit James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. It is especially beautiful at sunset when the sky is a pretty color.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hans Grane
Oslo, Norway51 contributions
Sep 2022
Ran through the park outside everyday for a week. But the nicest part of my daily runs was by far running through the gates and campus at Rice. It is such beautiful campus with a lot of interesting architecture and great vibe.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hsphoser36
Washington DC, DC997 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We tried to visit their art museum, but it was closed without being properly marked until we got to the door, and there was no visitor parking that didn't require payment or a permit that we could find. We were unimpressed. Overall, decent campus, but not worth paying to park.
Written January 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kit S
Atlanta, GA132 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
I recently took a trip down memory lane, spending two days in Houston, Texas. Having attended Rice University from 1977 to 1982, I wanted to revisit the city and compare my memories with the current reality. I found that Houston is still a brash, busy city, faded and tattered in some ways but sparkling and fresh in others. To my relief, I found that Rice campus remains a special place, well worth an hour or two of your time if you're in Houston for a visit.
I realize I'm biased, but I think Rice has one of the most beautiful college campuses in the US. The original campus plan remains intact, but in recent decades many handsome buildings have been added under the direction of noted architects and planners such as Cesar Pelli. Buildings old and new are unified by the use of warm, pinkish brick facades and colonnaded arcades to protect against sun and rain (both of which can be pretty brutal in Houston). I do worry about all the lovely oak trees, which are now more than 100 years old - I hope there's a plan in place to replace them systematically as needed.
As you would expect for a campus in an inner-city area, security is tight on campus. I visited on a Sunday morning and found most of the buildings accessible only by swipe-cards; access may be more open during class hours. Guest parking is available at designated lots on-campus; expect to pay a few dollars to visit for an hour or two.
If you have time to do some exploring, do check out the neighborhoods to the west and north of campus - they're some of the Houston's nicest areas to live. Enjoy!
I realize I'm biased, but I think Rice has one of the most beautiful college campuses in the US. The original campus plan remains intact, but in recent decades many handsome buildings have been added under the direction of noted architects and planners such as Cesar Pelli. Buildings old and new are unified by the use of warm, pinkish brick facades and colonnaded arcades to protect against sun and rain (both of which can be pretty brutal in Houston). I do worry about all the lovely oak trees, which are now more than 100 years old - I hope there's a plan in place to replace them systematically as needed.
As you would expect for a campus in an inner-city area, security is tight on campus. I visited on a Sunday morning and found most of the buildings accessible only by swipe-cards; access may be more open during class hours. Guest parking is available at designated lots on-campus; expect to pay a few dollars to visit for an hour or two.
If you have time to do some exploring, do check out the neighborhoods to the west and north of campus - they're some of the Houston's nicest areas to live. Enjoy!
Written December 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glen_Arbor_Blues
Ada, MI775 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I walk through here quite often to get to MD Anderson. It is a beautiful campus. There are nice walking and running trails throughout the area.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jerry z
Weston, FL17 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
I have seen many college campuses and I would rate Rice University average. If your time is limited I would find another attraction.
Written January 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul S
Rancho Santa Fe, United States4 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Rice University's campus in Houston is directly adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center, and Rice Village, a cute, safe, collection of shops, restaurants, boutiques and stores where you can find just about anything. The campus itself if a beautiful array of old and new buildings, mostly brick, that are spread out over a fairly large area of Houston just south of the Museum District. A large air conditioned bus system gets you around the large campus on what they call "the inner loop". The athletic facilities are first rate and new. The dorms are set up on what they call the Residential College System, whereby each of the eleven colleges on campus has it's own residential dorm. The dorms are generally coed, spacious, and with very good security. In fact, the campus security is run by the Houston Police Dept. so your students will feel safe and so will you!
Written August 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can anybody get in just to visit? How much?
B5773KVdavidd
Houston, TX13 contributions
Usually you have to pay to park. Five dollars I believe. But the tennis matches are free to the public.
Rice University Campus (Houston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice University Campus
- We recommend booking Rice University Campus tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Rice University Campus tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Rice University Campus:
- (0.33 mi) Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
- (0.84 mi) Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
- (0.89 mi) The Westin Houston Medical Center
- (1.12 mi) InterContinental Houston, an IHG Hotel
- (1.50 mi) Blossom Hotel Houston
- Restaurants near Rice University Campus:
- (0.00 mi) Willy's Pub
- (0.00 mi) Rice Coffeehouse
- (0.36 mi) Monarch
- (0.88 mi) Terrace 54 Bar + Table
- (0.44 mi) Bodegas Taco Shop
- Attractions near Rice University Campus:
- (0.00 mi) Willy's Pub
- (0.00 mi) James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
- (0.27 mi) Cockrell Butterfly Center
- (0.29 mi) Houston Museum District
- (0.15 mi) Tudor Fieldhouse