What is Rice University like in terms of size and campus environment?

I'm trying to figure out if Rice University is a good fit for me in terms of size. How big is the student body, and what's the campus environment like? Is it more of an intimate setting or does it feel large and bustling?

Rice University is a small to medium-sized institution by American standards, with a total undergraduate enrollment of roughly 4500 students. The smaller size contributes to a supportive, close-knit community atmosphere.

The student-faculty ratio at Rice is around 6:1, which is exceptional and allows for individualized attention from professors. Indeed, many students at Rice report that they can develop relationships with faculty members due to smaller class sizes.

As for the campus environment, Rice University is known for its picturesque campus characterized by majestic oak trees, beautiful architectural designs, and a series of interconnected pathways. Despite being located near the heart of Houston, the third largest city in the nation, the campus has a tranquil, intimate feel owing to its design and the extensive green space.

A unique feature of Rice's campus life is its residential college system. When students enroll, they are randomly assigned to one of 11 residential colleges, where they live, dine, and engage in various social events. This system fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among students.

So, really, it's kind of the best of both worlds – you get the intimate community feeling due to the small student body and residential college system, but you're also in a major urban area with all the cultural, academic, and professional opportunities that offers.