How is Freshman Housing at the University of Houston?

Freshman housing at the University of Houston (UH) typically offers a variety of options designed to accommodate different living preferences and needs. Here is a comprehensive guide to assist freshmen in making their housing decisions.

Residence Halls and Amenities

UH has several residence halls specifically for freshmen, including the renowned Cougar Village (CV) and Moody Towers. Each hall comes with a range of amenities designed to make freshmen’s university experience comfortable and fulfilling.

Study Lounges and Recreational Areas: These spaces are perfect for socializing and academic collaboration. Laundry Facilities: Convenient on-site laundry facilities are available, so students can easily take care of their laundry needs. Dining Options: Nearby dining halls provide easy access to meals and snacks. Kitchen Facilities: Many halls feature kitchenettes or small kitchens equipped with essential appliances.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs)

UH offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs) that allow students with similar academic interests or majors to live together. These communities foster a sense of community and provide academic support, making it easier for freshmen to navigate their academic journey.

Social Events and Activities

Residence halls organize social events and activities to help students connect and build friendships, which is especially valuable for newcomers. These events and activities create lasting memories and contribute to a strong sense of community.

Accessibility and Safety

The university strives to provide accessible housing options for students with disabilities, ensuring that all students can find suitable accommodations. Campus housing typically has security measures in place, including key card access and on-site staff to ensure student safety.

Cost of Freshman Housing

Housing costs can vary based on the specific residence hall and the type of room (e.g., shared vs. private). It's advisable for students to review the current housing rates on the university's website or contact their housing office directly for the most accurate and current information.

Personal Experience: Cougar Village 2 (CV2)

I lived in Cougar Village 2 (CV2) from 2017 to 2018 and really enjoyed it, despite having a roommate I wasn't close with. Two main freshman housing options are Cougar Village 1 (CV1) and 2, but you can live in Moody Towers as well. CV1 has a special floor for students in the Honors College, while CV2 is ideal for students who appreciate a quieter living environment.

CV1 has a breezeway between CV1 and Moody Towers, making it easy to get food without getting soaked in the rain. However, with the new delivery robots, CV2 residents won't face this issue as much.

The first few months in CV2 were a little crazy, but once we had a Resident Assistant (RA), the fire alarms went off less frequently, and it was easier to find a study spot in the nearby lobbies. CV2 is the only hall without an RA, which only happened briefly.

Virtual Room Tours and Floor Plans

It's recommended to check out the virtual room tours for Cougar Village II (CV2) and Cougar Village I (CV1). Both options have suites that consist of two bedrooms, two sinks, and a shared shower and toilet. CV1 has toilets and showers in the same room, while CV2 has separate rooms for toiletries and showers, which is more convenient for suite mates.

Each room comes with a mini fridge, and there are small “kitchens” near the lobbies that have microwaves and kitchen sinks. It would be wise to bring your own microwave as the one in the kitchen was questionable. I brought a small water cooker from home to make tea and ramen.

The lobbies have screens where you can hook up video games or a DVD player. Some halls have little study/meeting rooms for group sessions or solo study. The first-floor lobbies are equipped with washing machines and dryers for easy laundry, and there are vending machines and an exercise room.

Final Thoughts

Overall, freshman housing at UH is pretty good. While some friends in Moody Towers didn't like it as much as CV, for freshmen-only dorms, they are solid. If you haven't checked out the virtual room tours, do so! It will give you a good idea of what you can expect before moving in.