WHOSE HOUSE?

Go inside Coogs House and Weeks of Welcome as the University of Houston welcomed more than 46,000 students for fall 2019.

Photos: Jessica Almanza and Ben Corda | Story: Shawn Lindsey

When Pedro Castillo stepped out of an Uber ride in late summer, he felt “completely lost.” He was on the University of Houston campus, a place he’d been only one other time during a school field trip.

“I walked into the Student Center for freshmen orientation with wonder and amazement— with all the people and things going on,” said Castillo, who grew up in the Greenspoint neighborhood, located in Harris County just 20 miles north of UH. “I’m a first-generation college student, this is the first time I’ve ever experienced anything 'college.' I’d only ever seen it on TV.”

For Victoria Fuselier, a freshman from Beaumont attending UH on an academic excellence scholarship, campus was equally unfamiliar until she moved into a residence hall in mid-August. For her, it was a fresh start. "I want to find my passion at UH," said Fuselier, who plans to study political science and pursue a law degree. "A lot of things happened during my senior year of high school. College is an opportunity to get to know myself and get to know what I love."

Castillo and Fuselier— and more than 5,600 other new Coogs entering college for the first time— are among the more than 46,000 students attending UH in fall 2019.

“One thing that really was surprising, which maybe shouldn’t have been surprising, is the level of diversity at UH. I heard a lot of buzz and taglines and didn’t think much about it. But being here, the difference between who I used to see at high school and who I see now, it’s a big thing. It’s been nice.” –Pedro Castillo

“To be honest, I never considered UH until my senior year. I wanted to stay close to home (in Beaumont). UH is the perfect distance to be away from home and grow as an individual but still close enough to be available if anyone at home needs me.” – Victoria Fuselier

“One thing that really was surprising, which maybe shouldn’t have been surprising, is the level of diversity at UH. I heard a lot of buzz and taglines and didn’t think much about it. But being here, the difference between who I used to see at high school and who I see now, it’s a big thing. It’s been nice.” –Pedro Castillo

“To be honest, I never considered UH until my senior year. I wanted to stay close to home (in Beaumont). UH is the perfect distance to be away from home and grow as an individual but still close enough to be available if anyone at home needs me.” – Victoria Fuselier

CLASS ACT

UH "Weeks of Welcome," the back-to-school series of events designed to connect students with university resources, student organizations and the surrounding community, began with Cougar Move-In on Aug. 15. It looked more like a well-organized supply chain and logistics drill than the frenzied college move-in experience of yesteryear. Hundreds of students, faculty and staff volunteers unloaded cars as new Coogs and their families arrived. The drop-off routine at the residence halls was swift, and once cars were unloaded, pedicabs were waiting to ferry students and their guests back-and-forth between parking lots and residential buildings.

With so many new students on campus, Cougar First Impressions hosted by UH Staff Council helped create a sense of community by providing new and returning students with resources and customer service on the first and second days of class. More than 450 volunteers offered water, maps and directions, and giveaways at more than 20 locations around campus.

2019 Cougar First Impression by the numbers:

  • 18,000+ students helped/questions answered
  • 1,000+ volunteer hours
  • Nearly 25,000 water bottles distributed
  • 6,500 maps handed out
  • More than 7,000 frozen treats served

Victoria Fuselier walks to class on her first day at UH. “I hope that I push myself to the extent I can and make new friends— get that network going. I also want to make relationships with my professors, they are really cool people and really passionate about what I do. I hope to be as passionate as they are.”

Weeks of Welcome included the traditional celebratory roar of the Cat’s Back event at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. The Texas-sized student organization fair is designed to entertain, inform and inspire students to become an active part of campus life at UH.

Victoria Fuselier talks with members of different student organization at Cat’s Back on Aug. 21, 2019. She said she has enjoyed moving from a city with a population of 120,000 to one with more than 2 million people because it has "diversified my view on the world.” Fuselier is considering joining the Student Government Association and UH mock trial team to grow her leadership and analytical skills in preparation for law school.

Victoria Fuselier walks to class on her first day at UH. “I hope that I push myself to the extent I can and make new friends— get that network going. I also want to make relationships with my professors, they are really cool people and really passionate about what I do. I hope to be as passionate as they are.”

Weeks of Welcome included the traditional celebratory roar of the Cat’s Back event at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. The Texas-sized student organization fair is designed to entertain, inform and inspire students to become an active part of campus life at UH.

Victoria Fuselier talks with members of different student organization at Cat’s Back on Aug. 21, 2019. She said she has enjoyed moving from a city with a population of 120,000 to one with more than 2 million people because it has "diversified my view on the world.” Fuselier is considering joining the Student Government Association and UH mock trial team to grow her leadership and analytical skills in preparation for law school.

With more than 46,000 students enrolling in fall 2019, enrollment remains unchanged from last year. However, the profile of those enrolled has changed significantly. UH's freshmen class has grown 9% to a record 5,682 students. Not surprisingly, UH saw a record number of applications from prospective freshman. Incoming freshman now account for 55% of new students, while transfer students account for 45%, a dramatic change from the 40-60 freshman to transfer ratio just a few years back.

Other new faces on campus include faculty and staff. University of Houston welcomed 123 new faculty and three dozen new staff members this fall.

khator in classroom

UH President Renu Khator visits instructor Shahinda Hafeez's math 1310 classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 27. She offered advice and told the students — most of them freshmen — to email her if they experience obstacles.

UH President Renu Khator visits instructor Shahinda Hafeez's math 1310 classroom on Wednesday, Aug. 27. She offered advice and told the students — most of them freshmen — to email her if they experience obstacles.

UH recieved a record number of applications from prospective freshmen yielding a freshmen class that is not only greater in number but also stronger than ever with an average SAT score of 1,225.

With more than 46,000 students enrolling at UH in fall 2019, enrollment remains unchanged from last year, however, the freshmen class has grown 9% to a record 5,682 students.

UH recieved a record number of applications from prospective freshmen yielding a freshmen class that is not only greater in number but also stronger than ever with an average SAT score of 1,225.

With more than 46,000 students enrolling at UH in fall 2019, enrollment remains unchanged from last year, however, the freshmen class has grown 9% to a record 5,682 students.
“I was definitely like, whoa, this is really happening. I'm a first generation college student. I've only seen college on TV. This is the first time I’ve ever experienced anything 'college.'”
Freshman Pedro Castillo on his first experiences at UH.

The Spirit of Houston marching band plays to the crowds at Cage Rage, the annual pep rally at TDECU Stadium, where first-year UH head football coach Dana Holgorsen reiterated his high expectations for the season.

The Spirit of Houston marching band plays to the crowds at Cage Rage, the annual pep rally at TDECU Stadium, where first-year UH head football coach Dana Holgorsen reiterated his high expectations for the season.

Castillo hanging out with new friends who he met at orientation during Cage Rage on Aug. 23. His favorite part of being a UH student? The "ambiente," or atmosphere, and his newfound freedom. "My parents like to be involved in every aspect of my life. I’m grateful for that because it’s made me who I am, but being in college has been really freeing for me."

Castillo hanging out with new friends who he met at orientation during Cage Rage on Aug. 23. His favorite part of being a UH student? The "ambiente," or atmosphere, and his newfound freedom. "My parents like to be involved in every aspect of my life. I’m grateful for that because it’s made me who I am, but being in college has been really freeing for me."

Houston Football's annual preseason pep rally, Cage Rage, offered UH students, fans, donors and alumni an evening of entertainment at TDECU, including a free show featuring Houston native Lil' Flip and fireworks show. Cage Rage concluded with UH20 – The Ultimate Soak Down, touted as the city of Houston's largest water balloon experience.

Houston Football's annual preseason pep rally, Cage Rage, offered UH students, fans, donors and alumni an evening of entertainment at TDECU, including a free show featuring Houston native Lil' Flip and fireworks show. Cage Rage concluded with UH20 – The Ultimate Soak Down, touted as the city of Houston's largest water balloon experience.

Glowing with the flow. The annual Weeks of Welcome Glow Party on Aug. 22 allowed UH students the chance to party the night away in glowing face paint and waving their glowstick of choice, while live DJs played their favorite songs.

UH Weeks of Welcome Glow Party 2019

Glowing with the flow. The annual Weeks of Welcome Glow Party on Aug. 22 allowed UH students the chance to party the night away in glowing face paint and waving their glowstick of choice, while live DJs played their favorite songs.

UH Weeks of Welcome Glow Party 2019

A communication by the University of Houston Division of University Marketing, Communication and Media Relations.

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