<p>My son is a sophomore at rice. Last year's family weekend was washed out by Rita. This year is looking good, hurricane-wise :)</p>
<p>For those (students or parents) who's been there, what was your experience? What was not to be missed?</p>
<p>thanks,</p>
<p>There are two public parties over family weekend, but I don't really consider those "family" activities.</p>
<p>My parents came my freshman year (the year before last), and it was pretty nice. We went to some of the scheduled events, but mostly it was just good to have my parents around so that I could sort of show them around my new home. It is kind of nice if you help your kid do some stuff he might not do on his own. I remember when my parents came, they asked me what I wanted to do, and the first/only thing was for them to take me to Target! I wouldn't be surprised if your son asks for the same thing!</p>
<p>It's also nice to meet up with the roommate's parents, if they'll be there. </p>
<p>I remember 2 years ago they had a concert with the Rice Chorale and the Organ, which was really good. I also remember I took my family to a Spontaneous Combustion show, which was much raunchier than normal (and SO embarrassing to sit through with my parents!).</p>
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It's also nice to meet up with the roommate's parents, if they'll be there.
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<p>Jen, thanks. Yeah, we last saw them when my son moved in as freshman. We know they will be there since roommate's father is a Prof. at Rice :)</p>
<p>Is there a chance Rice could even come close to Texas (football game)? We are debating whether to go or not. We don't want to spend $52/person to see a blowout game...</p>
<p>Unless your son is on the football team, there are a lot better ways to spend your time (~5 hours) and money. </p>
<p>After all, you're going to Rice to see your son, the Rice campus, and Houston, not to watch a football game.</p>
<p>Do what jenskate's parent did - take him to Target and give him the $52/person to spend on what ever he wants.</p>
<p>We flew in for Families Weekend 2 years ago. It was a nice weekend - but I didn't think it was terribly different than going any other weekend. There was no football game - which we would have enjoyed even though we have a daughter, not a football player. There were several lectures and concerts, but our 12 year old son didn't care to attend any of those. We did enjoy the bar-b-que.</p>
<p>Overall, it was good to see our daughter once before Christmas break her first year, but I didn't think the planned events were that special. Maybe it's just us.</p>
<p>We went freshman year. We went to D's classes, including her voice studio class. We also went to an orchestra concert. We took her shopping and out to dinner. Otherwise, it is really not much different from any other weekend an she doesn't care if we come then or some other time when she has a performance.</p>
<p>While Rice always hopes to win against Texas, if you are expecting a close game (or a win), you might be in for a dissapointment. Also, realize that even if EVERYONE at Rice went to the football game, Rice fans will still be far outnumbered by UT fans. </p>
<p>If you love football, go. It will probably be fun. But there would be other things I'd rather do with my parents. Why don't you ask your son what he thinks?</p>
<p>Also, the game will be televised - I'd bet that your son's friends may well get together and watch it, or you could have a football party in his room (if he has a TV) or at your hotel. It's an option if you really want to see the game, and really don't want to spend $52/pp.</p>
<p>This may be too late to influence anyone's plans for the day, but the one thing I wouldn't miss is Dennis Huston's talk at 3:00 this afternoon. He's a national-award-winning teacher, an outstanding speaker.</p>
<p>Also went 2 yrs ago, when s. was a freshman. Also enjoyed the Spontaneous Combustion show, but we didn't get into the organ concert-- too crowded. I enjoyed the coffewe with the president- got to ask Leebron several questions about this thought and visions. The most enjoyable part was taking my s. and his friends out to dinner Fri and Sat night.
For those of you there now, my s. will be speaking about off-campus living. I am wondering if anyone went to this. Feedback anyone?</p>