Health and Wellness

Health

We take wellness seriously. If you are not feeling well, we encourage you to visit Student Health Services for preventative and outpatient clinical care. They serve all Rice students, regardless of insurance. Student Health is located on-campus and is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of undergraduate and graduate students, with an emphasis on prevention. Appointments are included in student fees. Additional charges for labs, vaccines, etc. may be paid via cash or credit card, and the office can help students file appropriate insurance claims.

Wellbeing and Counseling

If you would like to talk to someone about your wellbeing or mental health concerns, the Wellbeing and Counseling Center is always available to meet with students. You can call (713) 348-3311 and this line is open 24/7 and staffed by licensed professionals. This office gives advice and practical support to help students resolve personal challenges, such as conflicts with friends, difficulty making decisions, struggling with your identity, and academic concerns or problems that are serious in nature.

If you have an academic or personal issue that is sensitive in nature, you are welcome to reach out to the Student Support Specialist, Pia Byrd. Pia is a staff member in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and provides a safe and confidential environment for a graduate student to discuss concerns or grievances outside formal channels. See her office hours here, or email her to set up a meeting.

Safety

If there is an emergency or you need help or feel unsafe, you should contact RUPD which offers emergency and safety support by calling (713) 348-6000. Additionally, The SAFE Office: Interpersonal Misconduct Prevention and Support offers care management and navigation to students who are reporting an incident of interpersonal violence. Staff at this office are available to listen and talk with you and help you understand your options for reporting and support both on and off campus.

Recreation

Looking to stay active and healthy while on campus? A membership to the Rice Recreation Center might be just what you need! With weight and cardio rooms, basketball courts, an aquatic center, racquetball and squash courts, and free classes, there is something for everyone! There is also an Outdoor Adventure Center that arranges regional and national trips and rents equipment such as tents, kayaks, surfboards and camping essentials.