The University of Houston

Date: Nov 24 2009
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
I spent three semesters at UH. If you can get in somewhere else, go somewhere else. Security is a joke and so are many of the classes. I was emailed about criminal activity or some kind of assault every week. No wonder; UH is smack-dab in the middle of a pretty bad neighborhood (though the city itself is gentrifying.) You can expect to be treated as your seven-digit Peoplesoft number by your professor unless you're lucky enough to get into a small class or have a dedicated professor. If you're a freshman and you're not from Houston, don't expect to make friends right away, as many of the students went to high school together and made the decision to come to UH together. If you're looking for a health-conscious campus, UH is NOT the school for you. UH is full of smokers and has one of every fast food joint you can name on campus or within walking distance. Don't even get me started on parking—I'm not sure whether it's a joke or a nightmare. Either way, there simply is not enough and I would HIGHLY suggest paying a little extra for any parking pass that allows you to park somewhere other than by the football field, unless you don't mind your car getting broken into a few times. If you want challenging academics, you have two options: get into the Honors College or go somewhere else. I felt more challenged in high school. I have no idea how a lot of the students got into college at all. Houston itself is very politically conservative and the student body is similar. UH does have its perks, though, other than the price tag. The campus is gorgeous (lots of sculptures and fountains) and pretty well-maintained. The school itself is highly diverse. Houston is big enough that you'll go broke before you get bored. The library is huge (but good luck getting a computer.) There are a lot of clubs, but that's true of most big schools. The campus has many resources, but if you're a commuter with a busy schedule as many students are, it can be tricky trying to make use of all of them. However, you can find diversity and MUCH friendlier people in other places. Try UT Austin if you have the grades.