About The University of Houston

Reasons to Attend UH

Here are ten reasons why we believe you should attend our university:

1. Nationally and Internationally Recognized Programs and Faculty:

Our campus serves about 31,000 students in 14 colleges offering nearly 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. UH, which is the state's premier metropolitan research institution, is home to over 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH stands on the forefront of education, research, and service. The following is a brief list of some of the outstanding accomplishments of UH:

The UH Law Center is ranked in the top 50 law schools nationally. Our Health Law and Policy Institute is ranked number one of its kind in the nation while the Intellectual Property Law Program is ranked third nationally, according to a survey by U.S. News and World Report magazine.
The Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH is the leading international center for bulk material research and serves as an information resource for the U.S. government, industry and academia. Dr. Paul Chu, Director, is world renown for his research and leadership in superconductivity.

Our Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center (SVEC) is one of 16 federal Space Commercialization Centers. SVEC developed the Wake Shield Facility, a free-floating-thin-film manufacturing facility, which was deployed in space using NASA's space shuttle in February of 1994. The Wake Shield's third flight in November of 1996 proved highly successful.
Our Small Business Development Center has helped to create more than 18,000 new jobs as well as help secure in excess of $350 million in governmental contracts, loans, and equity capital for local businesses.
The C.T. Bauer College of Business is the only college in Texas that requires its undergraduate business students to complete a minor in either a foreign language or an international studies area.
The UH Conrad N. Hilton College is the only hotel and restaurant management program of its kind in Texas and ranks in the top five nationally.
UH's Arte Publico Press is the oldest and largest publisher of Hispanic literature in the nation.
Our Optometry Clinic is the only optometry program in Texas. The on-campus clinical program provides patient care services for about 40,000 patients annually.
World class athletes have been produced at UH including nine-gold-medal-winning Carl Lewis and Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets professional basketball team. Hakeem is a former international student from Nigeria who is certain to become a member of basketball's prestigious Hall of Fame. Our new athletic facilities are considered to be among the finest in the U.S.

2. A Large International Community:

The University of Houston (UH) is ranked consistently in the top 30 research institutions in the U.S. in international student enrollment. We serve over 2,900 international students, research scholars, and foreign professors who are on nonimmigrant visas. If you attend UH you will find an international community representing more than 100 nations of the world.

3. Special Services Designed for International Students & Scholars:

Orientation The staff of the International Student & Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) is actively involved in local, regional, and national committees influencing international education across the U.S. All of the International Student Counselors at ISSSO possess graduate degrees, extensive cross-cultural experience, and are committed to providing you with the best possible service. We view our international students and scholars as part of our "extended family." We provide extensive services and programs which will enhance your stay in the U.S. Some of our services include: Campus Tour

Airport pickup assistance for new students
Pre-Enrollment and orientation programs
Information about U.S. immigration and visa requirements
Counseling and advising
International Friendship Program
Financial assistance
J-1 Scholar services
Assistance in applying for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved programs, employment and changes in status

4. An Opportunity to Make New American Friends:

Our International Friendship Program matches international students and scholars with local American families and single people for friendship. The program includes hundreds of local volunteers who want to learn about your customs and help you to better understand American culture. A volunteer family or single person will invite you into their home for a dinner, take you on local outings, introduce you to Houston, and provide encouragement for your adjustment in a new country. This program has been so successful that it has served as a model for other friendship and host family programs across the country.

5. Access to a World Class City:

NASA The city of Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States. It is known for its international and diverse ethnic population, the home of major professional sports teams including the Houston Rockets (men's basketball), Comets (women's basketball) Astros (baseball), Aeros (hockey) and NASA's Johnson Space Center that monitors the space shuttle flights.

6. Great Opportunities for Practical Training:

UH has a high profile in the local business community. This creates excellent opportunities for practical training employment programs that are available for qualified students through the DHS.

7. A Lower Cost of Living:

Although it is definitely expensive to live and study in our country, the city of Houston provides a lower cost of living than similar major cities in the U.S.

8. A Suitable Climate:

Sculpture Many international students find it easy to adjust to our warm and humid climate which helps them make an easier transition to Houston. Our mild winters are preferred by many international students.

9. Recommendations from Your Peers:

The following is a sampling of comments from current and previous international students and their families about ISSSO and UH:

"I would like you to know that you have provided the best counseling services I have received at UH. It's the fortune of international students to have... ISSSO." - An international student from China.
"Since the University of Houston is so supportive of its international students, I would recommend it to all prospective students as a great place of learning." - A father of an international student from Pakistan.
"I will cherish in my memory, as will all international students, I believe, that UH is not only a school where we got our master's degree but also a mother school and a home for whenever we have some difficulties in society. It always extends its warm hand to help us." - An international student from China.

10. A Commitment to Help Make Your Dreams Come True:

We believe in the value of having international students and scholars at our institution. You come from a unique culture, loving families, and have great dreams for the future. It is our commitment to help you make your dreams come true!