Rice University will kick off its annual orientation, lovingly dubbed O-Week, Aug. 17 in a series of programs that familiarize incoming students with their new schools, residential colleges and classmates as it welcomes the Class of 2029.
One of the most selective in Rice’s history, this year’s incoming class is composed of 1,336 new Owls — including 63 transfer students — and represents an acceptance rate of 8% for the undergraduate class. Overall, Rice received 36,791 freshman applications.
The newest and largest incoming parliament of Owls includes students from 49 U.S. states, three U.S. territories and Washington D.C. Another 14% are international students, hailing from 58 countries.
“Move-in and matriculation mark the start of something extraordinary — new beginnings, endless possibilities and a future full of promise,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “We’re thrilled our new students will be here soon and are excited to begin a transformative journey with them that will shape their futures and ours.”
O-Week requires abundant lead time and a cadre of university employees and student volunteers to smoothly orchestrate the logistics.
“This season is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the incredible work that’s gone into preparing for this moment,” said Ahjah Green, assistant director of First Year Programs. “Over the past eight months, First Year Programs, our student leadership team and campus partners have collaborated with care and intention to build a welcoming, inclusive experience for incoming students.”
Enancements to this year’s O-Week include:
- Updated healthy relationship talks with expanded subtopics: nonromantic/romantic relationships, imposter syndrome, mental health and power dynamics.
- The launch of a sensitivities form to identify accommodations early and guide inclusive event planning.
- A revamped North vs. South College Game at Rice Rally to increase audience engagement.
The incoming class will arrive on campus Aug. 17 for move-in day, kicking off an action-packed week of events to acclimate new students to campus life. Move-in day will begin at 7 a.m. when upperclassmen greet the new arrivals and help them move into their residential college rooms.
With their college experience officially underway, the new students will gather that night for matriculation at 7 p.m. at Tudor Fieldhouse, where members of Rice’s leadership will welcome them to their next four years on campus. The freshmen will then make the ceremonial march through the Sallyport, and tradition holds that students should not pass through the Sallyport again until they graduate.
Throughout the week, Rice’s newest students will participate in academic planning sessions, register for fall semester courses, learn all about the many traditions at their residential colleges, enjoy the President’s Welcome Party, cheer on the university’s athletic teams at the Rice Rally and much more.
O-Week will conclude Aug. 23 with Rice’s annual Welcome Back Day Festival as returning students repopulate campus to meet their new classmates and begin the 2025-26 academic year.
Students are encouraged to document their O-Week experience online by including #RiceOWeek2025 on their social media posts.
To learn more about O-Week and see the full schedule, click here.
*Enrollment statistics shared in this story are as of Aug. 11 and may shift slightly.
