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What are Rice University's residential college traditions?

I've heard that each residential college at Rice has its own unique traditions. I'm curious to know more! Could anyone who goes to Rice or knows about these traditions share some examples?

11 months ago

Certainly! Rice University's residential college system fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie among students. Each of the eleven colleges has its own unique identity, traditions, and events that students participate in and celebrate. Here are a few examples:

1. Baker 13: Originating from Baker College, but open to all Rice students, this tradition involves students running around campus wearing only shoes and shaving cream on certain dates, usually the 13th and 26th of each month. The run starts at Baker College and ends at Lovett College.

2. Beer Bike: One of Rice's most famous traditions, Beer Bike is an annual intramural relay race between the residential colleges, combining a bike race and chugging beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Each college fields bikers and chuggers, and there's a week-long buildup of events and parties known as Willy Week leading up to the main race day.

3. College Nights: These events are held by individual colleges and typically involve a themed dinner or event, followed by an evening of fun activities and entertainment. Each college's night varies by themes and traditions.

4. Nocturnal Nostalgia: McMurtry College hosts Nocturnal Nostalgia, an event where students dress up in clothing styles from different decades and dance the night away to music from that era.

5. Sid Richardson College: Sid Rich is known for its "Sidizens" and their love for elaborate pranks. They are famous for pranking other colleges, debuting a new prank each year.

6. President's BBQ: This annual event, held by Martel College, invites the President of Rice University and various faculty members for a large-scale barbecue party where students mingle with faculty and the university's president.

7. Wiess College Table: An ongoing tradition at Wiess College that involves students gathering to eat dinner together every night. This fosters a sense of unity and encourages conversation among college members.

These are just a few examples of the unique and interesting traditions that can be found at Rice University's residential colleges. Each college has its distinctive traditions, symbolizing the diverse and welcoming atmosphere that Rice is known for.

11 months ago

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