IMAGE: Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, a student at Rice University, shot dead in a dorm room on her first day of college and then committed suicide

The photo shows the 21-year-old Rice University student who was gunned down in a murder-suicide on the first day of the semester.

Andrea Rodriguez Avila was a young political science and law student from Maryland who had just transferred to Rice University from the Community College of Baltimore County that spring.

Her friends and colleagues said she had a promising future as an assistant parliamentarian for the Rice Student Association, an academic adviser in her dorm and a member of the university's honor council, FOX News reported.

According to Click 2 Houston, Avila was also active in many organizations at Baltimore Community College, including a college-wide student program council, the Multicultural Student Association, the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and the First Year Experience mentoring program.

But Avila's life ended tragically when she was found dead in her dormitory by Rice University police at 4:30 p.m. CT on Monday after her family members requested a wellness check and police noticed she had missed classes that day.

Police believe she died in a murder-suicide by an unidentified 22-year-old Florida man with whom she had been in a relationship.

He was found dead next to Avila, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Fox26, a note written by the shooter was also found in which he stated that the relationship between the two had been problematic.

Based on the note, investigators believe the man shot Avila before shooting himself.

Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said: “In general, there was a lot of talk about their relationship and obviously their relationship was problematic at the time.”

The release of his identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Police believe she was killed in a murder-suicide committed by an unidentified 22-year-old Florida man with whom she had a relationship

A police forensic vehicle is parked after the apparent suicide on Monday

Meanwhile, Avila's death has shocked the school community.

“The whole department is really, really shocked by this,” Pamela DeLa Cruz, a graduate student in the same department, told ABC 13.

“There are graduate students who say they felt terrible when they heard their name, which they taught last year.”

The Community College of Baltimore County also released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a valued member of the CCBC Class of 2023.”

“Andrea was a passionate leader, an exceptional scholar, and a mentor to many. Her infectious smile and unwavering determination inspired all who knew her.

“The CCBC community extends its deepest condolences to Andrea’s family during this difficult time.”

Rice University in Texas was locked down for nearly two hours while students attended their first day of classes after the tragic discovery

Avila's family arrived in Houston Tuesday morning and asked for privacy in their grief.

'[Avila’s family] receives support from the university’s leadership team during this extremely difficult time,” Rice University officials said.

“They have asked for privacy while they mourn their loss, but are deeply grateful for the many thoughts and prayers of the community.”

At Rice University in Texas, a curfew was imposed for nearly two hours while students attended their first day of classes since the tragic discovery.

The school remained closed Tuesday as Rice University police, with assistance from Houston police, continue to investigate the murder-suicide.