I think O-week is a great experience and integral to the Rice community, but it essentially indoctrinates students into the general Rice body, and, more specifically, your residential college. While that can be an incredibly positive and wholesome experience, being surrounded by mainly white and other non-Black faces for a week straight can also feel extremely isolating. 

For that reason, my advice to any and all prospective Black students is to find your community!! Take advantage of the variety of Black clubs on campus (because we have a lot)! Join the Black Student Association (BSA) for instance. Or, if you’re looking for a more specifically African organization, join the Rice African Student Association (RASA).

Essentially, what I want to stress to all Black students is to take full advantage of any and all opportunities to connect with your community so you can find your place at Rice. 

Sincerely,

Anonymous Class of 2024