Mahliya's Update from Rice University
"Although the school is rigorous, there is the sense that we’re all in this together."
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Mahliya fills us in on her first two years at Rice, her challenging double major, the fun (and expense) of living on campus, and how she plans to start repaying her student loans.
How did sophomore year compare to your first year at Rice?
I became a lot more comfortable socially than I was during my freshman year. I participated in more events and extracurriculars. I invested in an electric scooter and it made attending events and getting around campus much easier.
What was your living situation?
I lived on campus in a four-person, two-bedroom suite, with a personal common space and bathroom. I loved my living arrangements because our common room couch was always somewhere I could be if my roommate went to bed before me. Also, I was down the hall from where our college’s parties are held, which was convenient and made me more likely to attend. The one downside of living on campus is how expensive it is. There is also a mandatory food plan which always has hundreds of swipes left over, but these swipes expire every semester.
How are your studies going?
My studies went well. I’d say I had a good work-party balance while still getting enough sleep. I decided to double major in Cognitive Science and Applied Math. I didn’t have any significant academic challenges, but if I had to name something, it would be my Computational Modeling of Cognitive Processes class. It just had a lot of coding projects, but the professor was helpful and I got through it.
What has been your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite class so far is Probability and Statistics. I really liked the organization of the class and how well the teacher conveyed the concepts while encouraging engagement from his students.
How accessible were your professors this year?
I’ve had an overall positive experience with faculty. My professors were very accessible, especially because I work in the Department of Psychology part-time as part of the administrative staff and so some of my professors’ offices are just down the hall. It’s made attending office hours and talking to professors one-on-one easier.
How easy/difficult has it been to balance academics with other aspects of your life at college?
It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely doable. The key is to split your work and rest time well, and to work efficiently without distractions (in other words, don’t do homework while trying to talk to friends). It’s also important to let yourself enjoy the time you do take off without constantly worrying about what you may still have to get done. Doing yoga at the Rice Rec definitely helped with balancing things in my life!
What extracurriculars were you involved in this year?
I participated in Play in a Day, where I co-wrote a play that actors performed less than 24 hours after we started writing it. Because I did this with friends, it was fun and I would do it again. I also was part of a team that rewrote Hello Hamlet, a play based on Hamlet that students at Rice revise and perform every four years to include some Rice-specific humor and other comedic changes. This definitely heightened my experience of college because I felt part of something bigger than me.
What are your plans for this summer and junior year?
I’m working as a math tutor at a local community college part-time this summer, and in July I’m going to Istanbul, Turkey for a youth language camp. Junior year, I plan to study as an exchange student at Bogazici University in Istanbul, as they have a study abroad program with Rice.
Are you happy with your choice of college at this point in the school year?
Yes, I am very happy with my choice. I love Rice and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Rice has a unique student body with passionate and driven students who become like your second family. The academic environment is very supportive, with lots of peer tutoring and advising opportunities, so although the school is rigorous there is the sense that we’re all in this together.
What money challenges have you faced in college so far?
My family and I had to pay a couple of thousand dollars more this year so that I could live on campus. My parents pitched in, but I am also working and taking out loans. Next year I plan to live at home and commute to classes to save money. My biggest worry is not being able to pay back my student loans.
Do you have a credit card? What do you pay for with your credit card?
Yes, I pay for groceries and other family-related purchases with my credit card because it is the card that my dad pays off. For personal purchases I use my own debit card, which I fund with money I make from working.
What are your tips for saving money in college?
Bring your own coffee machine, take snacks with you everywhere, and limit eating out. I use some student discounts in Rice Village, where students get 15 percent off. I try my best to not spend all my money on coffee and books.
Do you have any short-term financial goals?
I want to start paying off student debt while still in college and also save money to study in Istanbul. With a new money saving plan, I hope to reach my financial goals.
How did CollegeData help you on your road to college?
CollegeData provided me with information about colleges that I hadn’t considered, such as personal anecdotes from students from various universities. I also used the College Chances calculator, although I would advise other students not to define or limit themselves by the results.
