THE UNIVERSITY AND HOUSTON

The University of Houston reflects the diversity, challenge, and optimistic spirit that characterize the city of Houston. Part of the public system of higher education in Texas, the university offers a full range of bachelors, masters, doctoral and professional programs to over 46,000 students from across the United States and around the world. By serving students in 13 colleges and schools, the University of Houston is a nationally recognized comprehensive research and teaching institution. The university is the home of important scientific breakthroughs, cultural diversity, academic excellence and public service.

Faculty members work in over 40 university laboratories and institutions, including the world-renowned Texas Center for Superconductivity. These centers link groundbreaking university research in a creative partnership with government and private research and development in such vital areas as superconductivity, space commercialization, biomedical engineering, economics, and oil and gas exploration.

Houston, America's fourth-largest city, is the center of the energy industry, home of the world's largest medical center, a major international port, and a main destination for international students.

Living in Houston can be a valuable and exciting complement to your education. You will enjoy Houston's cultural and entertainment options. You can watch a ballet or dance to country music. You may watch major league baseball at nearby Minute Maid Park, view national touring exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, or hear your favorite musical group perform at the Toyota Center. Gulf Coast beaches are just an hour's drive away, and Houston's warm climate allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. By choosing the University of Houston for your education, you are selecting academic excellence and an opportunity to live in one of the nation's major cities, offering you a rich blend of new experiences and challenges.

There are a variety of options for living on campus in residence halls, loft-style apartments or traditional apartments. Information on housing options is available thorught UH's Student Housing and Residential Life office. The Houston metropolitan area also offers a wide variety of off-campus apartments from which to choose.

Medical Services

Medical care for UH students is available at the Student Health Center. The Health Center also offers medical counseling. As part of its teaching program, the College of Optometry provides general and specialty vision care for faculty, staff, students, and the public. Discounted fees are charged for a variety of services, including primary and pediatric care, vision rehabilitation, contact lens services and vision therapy. 

Campus Services

University Career Services (UCS) offers part-time and full-time job referrals both on and off campus, as well as workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills and career counseling. UCS also arranges interviews with local, national and international employers who visit the campus during the fall and spring semesters. Schedules of these interviews are available in advance. Numerous employment opportunities on campus and throughout the city are also available for spouses of graduate students.

The Student Center serves as the hub of the university community. It houses numerous dining options and Starbucks; a bank; a small market; a multi-service center including printing and graphic design; meeting rooms; a theater; a game room with bowling, billiards and table tennis; and the University Bookstore. More than 400 student organizations and the Center for Student Involvement sponsor a variety of social events throughout the year, many of which are open to the Houston community. 

The International Student & Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) provides for the special needs of the university's international students and exchange visitors. It fulfills UH's responsibility to comply with the laws and regulations of the U.S. government and promotes internationalization through comprehensive services and programs.

The Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center equalizes our students’ learning, discovery, and engagement by fostering self-advocacy, inclusion, and success. The office provides accommodations and support services to University of Houston students who have temporary or permanent health impairments, physical limitations, psychiatric disorders, and/or learning disabilities. Student Accessibility Center staff serve as liaisons between students and faculty, administrators, and community agencies. Advocacy services and environmental accessibility assistance are also provided.

Child Care

The UH Children's Learning Centers provide quality services for children ages three months to five years. The professional staff is well-trained in child development and early childhood education. Enrollment is on a contract basis; therefore, early registration is recommended. For more information, call 832-842-0500.

Library Facilities

The University of Houston Libraries are indispensable resources for the campus community. The system consists of M.D. Anderson Library, the William R. Jenkins Architecture, Design, & Art Library, the Health Sciences Library, and the Music Library. Combined, these four locations provide access to nearly 400 desktop computers and over 100 laptops. With addition of the O’Quinn Law Library, they provide access to more than 3.2 million physical and digital volumes, 159,714 physical and digital journals and other serial subscriptions, 108,834 e-journal titles, 724,075 e-books, and 419 databases.