The University of Houston

My year experience at UH has been a mixed bag with many things that drove me a little crazy.
Education Quality - I think I studied less than I ever have before in my life and usually ranked near the highest in my class. Many of my professors were either befuddling, had poor use of the English (this was a great annoyance), boring, told us useless/unrelated things, have ridiculous grading, were uncaring, or simply bad teachers (even though they may be nice). This caused me to skip a multitude of my classes (when they didn't take attendance) but still get my A's and high-B's. Not all professors were like that, some were good, but they are in the minority. As you go into higher classes though, the quality of education may increase. Also, expect to be in classes of hundreds unless you are in a special program.

Business School - Despite all of UH's problems, I enjoyed the business school. The administration was readily available and I felt the faculty and students were better than the rest of the school. The facilities are incredible too (I will miss this): Trading lab, beautiful lobby, nice renovated classrooms, and more. Also, most of the organizations are very active and can be beneficial in helping you get a job/internship.

Housing / Board - Although there is more space than other schools, I felt them to be depressing places with many people who drank/smoked and never studied (even the 'Honors' dorms). Also, the food was sub-par and the C-Stores gouged you.

Physical Environment - Don't take the administration line when they comment on the physical beauty of the campus. Yes there are some trees, but not enough. The fountains can be nice when they are working. A few of the buildings are visually attractive, but most are stuck a few decades back on the inside and out. Don't be surprised to find your rooms to be in need of many repairs.

Student Population - Very diverse in atleast language/race/ages/religion/etc., but it can be hard to get thoughts out of the general population because it seems most people don't care. The school's reputation for apathy is not an exaggeration. A large part of the student population seems more concerned with drinking/having sex/partying/barely passing. You may be tempted to call your own school "Cougar High." Also, if you hate smoke, there is plenty of it around.

Parking - Get early classes or you WILL find yourself searching around a good while for even a poor parking spot. That's what you'll get for a few hundred dollars.

Campus Life - Umm...basically...what campus life? That's what you get with a commuter school.
Administration - Everything seems to involve a long line or red-tape. Be prepared to have the idea that UH is "the most diverse school in the nation" drilled into your head along with plenty of other PC propoganda/programs. Also, I didn't feel like much more than my social security number when it came to dealing with the administration. In addition, don't try to double major outside your own school unless you want to spend another year or two.Conclusion - If you are looking for a good academic program (there are exceptions at UH), a caring, attractive campus with a lot of tradition, an active student body, and more, then UH is not for you. If cost is your driving factor though, come to UH and try to put a lot into it. Because the school is so apathetic you can find yourself in leadership positions very fast, which will be attractive to employers/grad schools. It's easy to rise to the top when there is hardly anyone else trying to do the same. Also, if you do find yourself at UH, search, try to find the diamonds in the rough. There are some good professors, some good student groups, and some people who care. Good luck!

1st Year Male -- Class 2006

Education Quality: B+, Individual Value: D