The University of Houston

The University of Houston has its good as well as its bad, as does any university. I will try to give an objective review so that you can choose if this is the school for you or not. I came to UH after receiveing an associate’s at a junior college in one year. I am a non-traditional student, meaning that I had a previous career, but left it in order to attain a degree in another field. I was accepted into several “higher” ranked schools, but decided to attend UH so I would not have to move until it was time for grad school. I am a senior and have two majors and three minors so that I could have a fairly broad academic foundation.

Academics: The history department is excellent. The instructors I have had know the material, and are passionate in ensuring the students not only understanding the events, but they also want the students to understand why the events happened and the changes that occurred afterwards. The two best instructors I have had in this department are Dr. Howard (Latin America) and Dr. Holt (Ancient Civilizations, Rome, Greece, Alexander the Great). The Anthropology department is also excellent, with one exception. Overall, the professors are experts in their fields and very knowledgeable. The Art History department’s faculty is also noteworthy. They are also knowledgeable in their fields, as well as related fields which allow them to incorporate cultural and social context into their lectures. I have only had a couple of classes in psychology at UH, but neither professor could be considered stellar. Perhaps the term “sub-par” is the best way to describe them. I have had one psych professor answer his cell phone in class, berate students, and use a very condescending attitude while bragging about his own education. This has been the only professor in two years that I would consider a waste of air, and he has not been the norm at UH. Some classes are challenging with a lot of homework assignments, reading, papers…etc, and some classes require very little effort other than showing up for class. Overall I’d say that the education that I’ve received in the liberal arts department is above average.

Classes: The lower level classes can have 100 students in the class limiting the professor-student interaction, but most professors are willing to speak to students during their office hours, or via email. The upper level classes have fewer students, and discussions are encouraged.

Campus: The location leaves a lot to be desired, but the campus itself isn’t bad. It is a large campus with several grassy areas, a central plaza with fountains and reflecting pool, and plenty of space to hang out in between classes or to study indoors or out. Some of the buildings are old, but they are working to fix them up and update them. There are two common areas with food courts. The University Center is the main hub and is usually crowded, but that is where the book store and the ID office are located so it is hard to avoid. The UC Satellite is smaller and has a convenience store, a Starbucks and a food court, as well as some areas to chill out and watch TV.

Parking: Pure evil. They are currently building a parking garage, but in the mean time it’s a nightmare. The best thing to do is get there early if you want a parking spot up close (usually before 8am), or plan to park in the economy lot and take the shuttle. But plan on being there before 9am during the first month before people start dropping classes. If you want to walk to class from the economy, it will take from 15-20 minutes to most buildings, and it is wicked hot until about October.

Students: With over 30,000 students (both grad and undergrad) there will be a group that you can feel at home with. I have made friends with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. There are students right out of high school as well as grandparents and everyone in between. I don’t go to any parties on campus, but there are always invites. You can be as social as you would like to be. There does seem to be a less than average amount of school spirit. Many students seem to wish they were at TAM, UT…etc., but I figure if they could go to those schools they would be there and should keep their bad attitude to themselves, but this mentality doesn’t infect the majority of the students. Many students

Off-campus: UH is about 10 minutes (by car) to the museum district, theater, downtown clubs, and about an hour from Galveston. The metro bus-line has several stops on campus, so you can get around even without a car. If you get bored, you’re not trying to find something to do.

Safety: Because of the location and the size of the campus does allow for incidents on a regular basis. Usually this means someone has left their bag while in the library to look for a book, or a car was broken into. Video surveillance cameras have been recently added to the parking areas, and additional lighting has also been installed around campus. Staying aware of you surroundings, keeping your book bag/purse with you at all times, and removing the face unit of your stereo and keeping your text books in the trunk of your car are things to keep in mind.

Administration: You will feel like a number. There are over 30,000 students, so I expected this to be the case and I have not been disappointed. Once I have talked to a department, like financial aid for example, I realized I was one of many so I had to call almost daily until I finally found someone who actually cared enough to do their job and give helpful advice. Most departments try to be helpful, or at least point you in the right direction, but don’t expect to get everything accomplished in one call or one visit. It just isn’t going to happen.

Overall: I am actually glad I have attended UH. I have had excellent professors who have been very helpful in my studies. They are willing to take the time to offer advice as far as careers, classes, and help with networking with those professionals who can assist in a future career. I have made wonderful friends over the past few years. I will probably not remain in Texas for my graduate degree, but if I do then I will consider attending UH.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2006

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Individual Value: D+

I worked 60 hours a week and cared for my son each weekend and was able to consistently pull 12 to 16 hours per semester because of the flexible class scheduling in the College of Technology. I learned more in the 3 years I spent finishing my BS degree than I had in the previous 10 years working in my field of study. My instructors were accomplished and credentialed professionals who really taught me well. I don't begrudge or belittle my co-workers that attended the LSUs, A&Ms or UTs - I just help them by sharing a lot of what I was taught at UH! Say what you want, I've consistently earned top 5% for folks in my field. Go Coogs$$$

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I transferred in from Texas A&M. Alright.. first of all, the education really is top-notch here. I'm not sure how to interpret the rankings and such, but I am MUCH happier with every single aspect of UH when I compare it to such a highly acclaimed "Tier One" institution (TAMU). The administration really does listen to the students. Maybe that's why the things that are at the top of the students' lists clearly seem to be what the administration has concentrated on the most. This is the place for me.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Education Quality: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: C