Visit Weekend

[Fiain]

Hi!

 

So... I was accepted to three schools that I'm currently considering. Northwestern, Rice, and University of Oregon.

 

Ive been to Northwestern before and worked there, and I loved it. I've likewise looked a bit into the climate and city of U of O and think Ill love it too.

 

However... Rice. Houston. I'm... not sure I want to live in the middle of a huge city where I'd need a car or need to beg rides. I also don't like the heat overmuch.

 

My advisor and counselors and mentors say I should go to the welcome weekend. Its paid for, I should visit - who knows, I might fall in love! And the professors are top notch and Im honored to have been accepted...

 

Im not sure if I should go to the welcome weekend or not. Can I ask for your thoughts?

[TakeruK]

If the trip is not a huge burden to you (e.g. no taking time off work, away from family etc.) and you are not 100% decided against Rice, then you should go. I learned a lot more about each city after visiting and some cities I had thought were great turned out less good and some I wasn't as excited about turned out even better. 

[AnxiousNerd]

I personally adore Houston and do think it would be worth the trip. A lot of people that go to Rice just stay within a few blocks of rice because 1. Rice campus is large, gorgeous, and has great stuff. The library is my favorite, and 2. it's within walking distance of a lot of things. It's near the "museum district" which means that there are many museums, food places, grocery stores, and churches very closeby. Lots of bike trails in the area too. For everything else, uber and lyft. It does get hot. No lies there. But everything is air conditioned, if that helps. I would say absolutely go visit. You have nothing to lose, and you get a free trip to Houston! Get some good food and good culture while you're there

[Fiain]

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

The weekend does directly occur when my midterms are. So, it would have a time cost involved. Not completely free, in that sense.

 

But I really appreciate your guy's thoughts.. Ill consider it, hah.

[TakeruK]

Can you ask for an alternative date to take your midterms? My professors were always very flexible for these things.

[DDolores]

I grew up in the Houston area and just got back from a visit yesterday. The heat and humidity are real, but the culture is amazing. There is always something to do, every single person you meet greets you like a friend, and the area around Rice in particular is gorgeous. Assuming you can study on the plane, how much study time are you losing? 24 hours for a permanent life change seems worth it to me.