<p>College ******* gives rice a D on transportation. How hard IS it to get off campus?</p>
<p>Well, it depends where you want to go. If you want to get downtown, the light rail stops right outside of campus and takes you directly there. If you want to go to the museums, you can walk or do it by light rail. If you want to get to shops and restaurants at Rice Village [Rice</a> Village](<a href=“http://www.ricevillageonline.com%5DRice”>http://www.ricevillageonline.com) you can walk or take the shuttle bus. (Note that this is a 19-block shopping area that’s located 2 blocks from the Rice campus with tons of great restaurants and shops.) If you want to go other places in Houston, you would need a car – but tons of students have cars so that’s not much of an impediment.</p>
<p>My kids took the lightrail to the central transportation terminal (only a few stops - I can’t remember what it’s called) and caught the direct bus to the airport. I think it’s $15, but well worth the cost. The lightrail and all regular buses are free with the public transport cards Rice gives the students. I think the D is misguided - I would give it a B!</p>
<p>I also think that the “D” is misguided. My son didn’t have a car until he moved off campus. I can’t remember when the light rail opened, but it definitely wasn’t there his freshman year and he had no problems. </p>
<p>I definitely think the residential college system makes a huge difference it getting around when you need to go by car – you make friends (that last) fast.</p>
<p>DD didnt have a car and lived off-campus (within walking distance). She took the Rice shuttle to get groceries. DS lives off-campus within walking distance and has access to a friend’s car.</p>
<p>Almost forgot. Rice has ZIPCAR!!! You sign up and pay your deposit, then it’s $7 per hour to rent the car (which includes the gas price, insurance, etc). You book it online. My son used it several times. 
[Zipcar</a> : Organizations : Rice University](<a href=“http://www.zipcar.com/rice/]Zipcar”>Rice University | Zipcar) That gives Rice an A- in MHO! There are two cute little cars parked near Lovett available for students, faculty, etc. who need them.</p>
<p>Thanks all posters - you’ve been very helpful and informative!</p>