Study in Houston

Where to study in Houston?

Houston boasts over 40 universities and colleges, making it a vibrant educational hub. Impressively, nearly 29% of the city's population holds at least a Bachelor's degree, surpassing the national average. This diverse and multilingual city is an excellent choice for international students seeking higher education opportunities in the United States. While Rice University and the University of Houston are the most renowned institutions in the area, there are also several other reputable universities worth considering if you plan to study in Houston.

Rice University

Rice University is a prestigious private research university located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1912, the university is named after its benefactor, William Marsh Rice, who left his fortune to establish the institution. Rice University is ranked in the top 150 universities worldwide and offers a strong academic program with undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business. The university follows a residential college system, where students are affiliated with one of the eleven residential colleges, fostering a close-knit and supportive community.

Rice University prides itself on its tight-knit and inclusive community. With around 4,000 undergraduate students and approximately 3,000 graduate students, it's a school that offers a more personalized learning experience, fostering close relationships between students and faculty. With almost 2,000 of its international student body, Rice also has a well-deserved reputation for having a diverse and cosmopolitan student population.

University of Houston

The University of Houston (UH), established in 1927, boasts a sprawling 300-hectare campus located in the southern part of Houston, just under 6 miles away from Rice University. As a public university, UH offers a diverse range of academic departments, focusing on economics, geosciences, and law.

While UH may not rank high in the QS ratings overall (world ranking #650 in 2023), it stands among the top 100 universities in the USA and is known to perform particularly well in STEM fields.

The university has a strong track record regarding employability, with 84% of its students finding jobs within three months of graduation. Companies value the skills UH students acquire, making it an influential institution in the workforce.

Fun fact: Six astronauts have studied at UH, adding to the university's impressive achievements. Additionally, UH maintains a welcoming admission rate of 66%, making it an accessible option for aspiring students.

Other universities in Houston

Though Rice and UH are the two bigger universities in Houston, there are other colleges to consider, all of which have their strengths. Depending on your field, you may also want to consider these options:

• University of St. Thomas (UST) - UST is a private Catholic university in Houston, known for its strong liberal arts programs, business, education, and nursing. The university offers a welcoming and supportive community for students;
• Texas Southern University (TSU) - TSU is a public historically black university with a diverse range of programs, including business, law, education, engineering, and social sciences. It provides an enriching cultural experience for students;
• Houston Baptist University (HBU) - HBU is a private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including arts and humanities, business, education, nursing, and sciences. The university fosters a nurturing environment for personal and academic growth.

Tuition fees and scholarships in Houston

Education in the United States is famously expensive, especially if you wish to attend a prestigious school. The country boasts top-ranked universities, but the competition for admission and scholarships is fierce. Scholarships awarded by universities are typically reserved for the brightest students, making self-funding the primary option for many.

However, there are two types of scholarships available. Merit scholarships are granted to students with outstanding academic achievements, while scholarships based on social criteria are awarded to students who possess the skills and grades but lack financial means. To apply for a scholarship, submit the necessary information while completing your university application. Ensure beforehand that your university provides financial assistance to international students, as this varies from institution to institution. Currently, Rice University provides need-based financial aid to both domestic and international students.

Similarly, UH offers a range of scholarships for international students based on academic merit, talent, and financial need. These scholarships can help offset the cost of tuition and other educational expenses.

The academic year and classes in Houston

American universities typically follow two specific academic calendars. Both Rice University and UH operate on a semester-based calendar. The academic year is divided into two equal parts, each lasting between 14 to 20 weeks. The "Back-to-Uni" season usually falls between mid-August and the end of August. However, some universities use a different academic calendar known as the "shifts" system, which includes four terms of equal length, typically lasting around 10 weeks each.

Classes at these universities are conducted in various settings, ranging from small groups in classrooms to larger auditoriums with dozens of students. Seminars are also a key part of the US educational experience, and their open-discussion format allows for communication, collaboration, and sharing of opinions.

It's worth noting that the workload at American universities is generally more demanding than in European universities, especially at private institutions where the teaching standards are typically more rigorous.

Grading system and diplomas in the US

The grading system in American schools differs significantly from that used in Europe. Here's how it works: Teachers assign grades based on percentages, which are then converted into letter grades from A to F. These letter grades contribute to the student's overall average, known as the Grade Point Average (GPA). A represents the highest score, while F represents the lowest.

In American universities, there are three levels of study: undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor's degrees, graduate students working towards Master's degrees, and postgraduate students referred to as such until they complete their PhD.

How to apply to a university in the US?

Every year, thousands of international students start the application process to attend an American university. The process can, unfortunately, be quite complicated, so if it's something you want to do, it's best to start researching well in advance. To get into their chosen program, students must not only meet the university's requirements but also those of their chosen department. Several essential steps are mandatory for foreign students. Firstly, they must take an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) to demonstrate language proficiency. Additionally, a personal essay written by the student allows the university to gain insights into their personality and motivations.

Other requirements evaluate students' general subject knowledge, including taking the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) - similar to what American students do at the end of high school. The SAT focuses on maths, writing, and text analysis. Preparing for and registering for the official exam can be done through the College Board website.

For graduate students aspiring to join an American university for a Master's program, the SAT test is usually not required. Instead, they often need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), demonstrating their readiness for advanced studies. However, not all programs demand the GRE.

These standardized tests and application requirements help universities assess the potential of international students and ensure they are prepared for their academic journey in the United States.

How to apply for a student visa to the US?

If you need specifics on administrative procedures, contact the international student office of your chosen university. Most universities, like Rice University and UH, have a dedicated center and internet portal for international students on their websites. Remember that students generally fund administrative process fees and visa fees (around $300-$500).

For studying in the United States, you'll need a visa that grants you the right to attend a university. The F1 visa is the most common and is for full-time students pursuing their entire academic cycle (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate) at an American university. The M1 visa is available for a year and can be renewed thrice. It is intended for students in technical fields like hospitality, automotive, computer science, and cooking. The J1 visa is awarded to students in exchange programs with American universities while remaining registered in their home institution.

Read also Types of visas offered by the US

Health insurance for international students in the US

Be aware that health coverage is mandatory for every student enrolled in an American university, including foreigners. Healthcare costs in the US can be quite expensive, and going without insurance before your departure can be even riskier. It's crucial to consider this expense when planning your budget.

Every university provides its own medical insurance for students, which may be more affordable than other options, but it can still be costly. Some universities accept foreign health insurance that offers international coverage or private US health insurance, while others may require you to use their provided insurance. For instance, Rice University's health coverage costs approximately $2,650.

Working in Houston as an international student

Students holding F1 and J1 visas can work on campus while enrolled in a university. During classes, they can work up to 20 hours per week, and during holidays, they can work up to 40 hours. In the second year of study with an F1 visa, there may be certain conditions that allow for off-campus work. To work on-campus or off-campus with a student visa, the university must provide an acceptance letter to obtain a US Social Security number. However, students with M1 visas are not allowed to work either on or off campus. Alternatively, they may be able to participate in a one-month internship, but only after completing four consecutive months of studies.

To find a job in Houston, you can check out offers on Expat.com or interact with an expat network in Houston.

Student housing in Houston

Staying on campus is a great choice for international students as it lets you quickly connect with fellow students and fully engage in university life. Plus, living on campus means you won't need to worry about public transportation as everything is within walking distance.

At Rice University, around 78% of undergraduate students reside on campus. The university offers 11 different types of residences to cater to various student preferences. To secure your spot, make sure to apply for on-campus housing as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

In case on-campus housing isn't available or if you prefer living in the city center, a flatshare is an excellent option. Websites like StudentRent and CraigsList can assist you in finding suitable accommodations. In Houston, popular areas for students, particularly millennials, include Museum Park, Astrodome Area, Medical Center Area, and Downtown Houston (though it may be slightly more expensive).

Cost of living in Houston

Houston remains very affordable. This is one of the pros that make it an increasingly popular city, especially with Americans leaving large cities to join Texas. For example, according to Numbeo, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston as of 2023 is $1,591 per month — compared to $3,761 in Manhattan!

If you live on campus, you won't need a car to get around, but owning your own car is necessary if you live in your own apartment. This is not a big expense in itself because gas is relatively cheap in the United States. The price per liter is $0.85 in Houston and $1.10 in New York. In contrast, eating out, activities, and shopping may turn out to be more expensive than in your home country.

Did you know that wherever you are in a restaurant or a bar, tips are not included in the bill? Therefore, you will need to add 15% to 20% of the bill amount in tips. The same thing applies for shops, where taxes are not included in the price indicated and are only added when paying. In Houston, it's worthwhile always to carry your student ID as students can benefit from many discounts if they provide a student card.

Student life in Houston

Texas may conjure up deserts, cowboys, and guns and have you worrying about its “redneck” and conservative reputation. However, these things are largely clichés, and in cities like Houston, there are lots of progressive people. Currently, most Houston elected officials are Democrats, and the city's mayors have been Democrats for over 20 years, which might surprise those who imagine all of Texas is a red state. Regardless of your politics, there are many great things to do in Houston. The city boasts exciting museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural Science, as well as the Space Center and NASA, which are must-visit spots. Regarding food, Downtown is a culinary haven with restaurants serving Tex-Mex cuisine and delicious barbecue meats — both delicious Texan traditions to savor. So get ready to embrace the dynamic charm of Houston and its unique Texas flair!

It's also essential to know that public transportation in Houston, as well as in most of Texas, isn't well-developed, leaving cars as the primary mode of travel. Be prepared for a humid subtropical climate, which means scorching summers with temperatures exceeding 40°C and mild winters. Unfortunately, Texas is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes, so be prepared for extremes.