First, talk with your roommates and see if they have any preferences. Communication will be key in finding an acceptable place to live. Feel free to give me a call as I might know something that would be helpful. Also, I'm willing to make some calls or trips around Houston on your behalf if necessary. This isn't a bad idea, but the information in this packet, your own research and an apartment locator should be enough to prevent your having to visit.
Many transfers just dont have the time or the money to come to Houston before O-week.
The problem with this option is that you'll spend time during O-week running around town and missing important events. Those who arrive for O-week without housing arrangements will have a noticeably harder time feeling connected to their college and to Rice as a whole because of the activities they miss. Since it would help to be settled before O-week, think about arriving a day or two beforehand to set up your place. You will have a room on campus at your college for O-week, so you may decide to just move into your apartment the weekend before classes begin. This will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with your college and the University.