Living at Rice Village Apartments (RVA) for my second year as a Residential Assistant has been an enriching experience. Reflecting on my time here, I can confidently say that choosing Rice Graduate Student Housing was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. RVA has provided a comfortable living space and a vibrant community that has enriched my graduate school experience. I wholeheartedly encourage incoming graduate students to consider RVA for their first-year housing!
What are RVA/RVT/RGA?
RVA and RGA (Rice Graduate Apartments) are two of Rice University’s major off-campus student housing options for graduate students. Additionally, there is RVT (Rice Village Townhomes), a cluster of modern townhomes near RVA. As a previous applicant, I understand prospective students' uncertainty about choosing between RVA and RGA. While there are subtle differences in location and amenities, both offer excellent living conditions tailored to graduate students’ needs. Regarding the differences, RVA/RVT is closer to the Shepherd School of Music, Jones Business School, the School of Social Sciences, Rice Stadium, and the gym, while RGA is closer to the Schools of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Also, RVA is close to Rice Village, while RGA is adjacent to the Museum District. Additionally, RGA is the only apartment with four bed two bath (4B2B) units; if you have a family, RVA is the only apartment offering family housing.
What does RVA look like?
RVA offers a diverse range of room types, including 1B1B, 2B1B, 2B2B, and Efficiency. The rooms are of moderate size, with bedrooms typically around 150 square feet. The interior design is modern and clean. The rooms are well-furnished with desks, chairs, closets, beds, and nightstands, as well as kitchen appliances like fridges, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and induction cookers, all of which are relatively new. High-speed WIFI is available throughout the building, ensuring seamless connectivity to Rice University’s network. On the first floor are communal facilities such as laundry machines and televisions. The building also has a common area with entertainment facilities such as a ping pong table, a pool table, and various board games, providing opportunities for relaxation and socialization. Outside, ample parking space and grill tables are available.
Why do I enjoy living at RVA?
First and foremost, RVA’s management and services are exceptional. With 24-hour access control and vigilant security measures, residents always feel safe and secure. The management and maintenance teams and friendly student Residential Assistants like me are always ready to address any issues or concerns. As an RA, I’ve had the privilege of assisting residents with various matters, from daily administrative problems, such as being locked out, to personal challenges, such as adjusting to culture shock.
Secondly, RVA boasts a superb location with convenient transportation options. RVA is close to the campus, with a walk to the campus center taking just over 20 minutes and to the Rice Stadium in less than 10 minutes. The complimentary Rice shuttle service to campus operates every weekday from 7:30 am to 10:45 pm, running approximately every twenty minutes. For added safety, a Night Escort service is provided from Sunday to Thursday during the school year. Additionally, graduate students can hop on the shuttle every Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm for a grocery trip to the local supermarket, HEB, which offers a wide range of food and daily essentials.
Additionally, a shuttle to Bellaire Chinatown on the last Saturday of each month provides access to the large Asian supermarket HMart. Public transportation around RVA is also very convenient, with bus stops for routes 41, 84, and 27 nearby, providing direct access to downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, Reliant Stadium, and supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s, Central Market, and Whole Foods. Notably, RVA is near Rice Village, a renowned shopping district in Houston. Here, residents can enjoy a diverse selection of international restaurants, cozy cafes, and famous brand stores such as Lululemon and Sephora.
Furthermore, RVA’s affordability relative to nearby commercial apartments makes it a practical choice for graduate students on a budget. The prices vary for each unit type, ranging from $840 to $1,425 per month. The 2B1B unit type is the most economical, with prices ranging from $840 to $950 per bed, while the 1B1B units are the most expensive, with most units priced at $1,265 and one priced at $1,425. Although other rental options may initially appear cheaper for the same room type, when factoring in the convenience of transportation and additional services provided by Rice, the overall cost of housing at RVA often proves to be more budget-friendly. Moreover, unlike renting commercial apartments, which typically require purchasing furniture separately, RVA provides fully furnished apartments, offering a distinct advantage that is particularly beneficial for international students.
Lastly, the sense of community at RVA is unparalleled! Mostly comprised of first-year graduate students from around the world, RVA provides numerous opportunities to foster connections among residents. The management organizes various activities throughout the year, including a yearly Meet & Greet Party at the beginning of each semester, Thanksgiving Dinner, End-of-Academic-Year Barbecue, and more. These events are always a lot of fun, offering residents the chance to meet and forge friendships. Additionally, RVA hosts parties occasionally to celebrate international festivals, allowing residents to immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Just weeks ago, I had the honor of hosting a Lunar New Year Dumplings Party, which was a blast!
Conclusion
My experience at RVA has been nothing short of exceptional. For prospective graduate students seeking a supportive community, convenient amenities, and affordable housing, RVA is the perfect choice. To learn more about Graduate Student Housing and the application information, please visit https://housing.rice.edu/graduate-housing. The 2024-2025 academic year application will begin on March 1, 2024. I invite you to explore further details on Rice Graduate Student Housing and consider making RVA your home away from home.
I’m looking forward to welcoming you to RVA this August!
About the author:
Bohan Zhang is a current Ph.D. student in History. He graduated from Tsinghua University in 2020 with a BA degree in History. Read more.
Further Reading:
Embracing Growth: My journey in the 2023-2024 Women in Leadership cohort
Unleashing Productivity: Essential Technology and Tools for Grad Students
Preparing for and Giving a Presentation at My First BIG Conference (BMES)