2012-2013 Student Handbook

Student Housing and Residential Life

4401 Wheeler, Room 15J
713-743-6000
www.uh.edu/housing

Student Housing and Residential Life is a department within Student Affairs consisting of three primary areas: Residential Life, Operations, and Housing and Conference Services. Approximately 6,400 students live in seven distinct housing areas that provide a comprehensive student services program. These areas are managed by full-time, live-in staff members, including professional Residential Housing Coordinators, and Resident Assistants (student staff).

University Housing

The Quadrangle, or "Quad" as it is commonly called, is nestled within a courtyard area and can accommodate approximately 800 residents in five co-ed halls: Bates, Law, Oberholtzer, Settegast and Taub. The floors are co-ed with suites arranged by gender. Students reside in suites with two rooms sharing a bathroom. Typically, four students are assigned to a 525-square-foot suite. In addition, there are three-person suites with a private bath and two-person small suites. Single suites are also available on a limited basis. The Quadrangle offers a computer lab, and a free laundry facility, with a brand new dining hall and convenience store nearby.

Moody Towers, or "The Towers," house freshmen and sophomore students. It is the largest UH residence hall complex, accommodating 1,100 students. The two, 18-story buildings are co-ed by floor. Each single-gender floor shares a community bathroom and lounge. A standard room is approximately 190 square feet with a full complement of moveable furniture and a micro fridge. The majority of rooms house two occupants. Single rooms are limited to upper-level and graduate students. A main lobby called "The Commons" serves as a student lounge/study hall, which adjoins the Towers. This residential facility has a newly-renovated food venue The Fresh Food Company dining hall that offers nine serving stations, computer lab, and a free laundry facility. Moody Towers houses several theme floors, allowing students to delve into their special interests. In addition, Moody Towers is home to two of our Faculty-in-Residence, a program in which a faculty members lives in the residence halls, serving as a bridge between the residents and Academia.

Bayou Oaks opened fall 2003. The 486-bed facility is located on Calhoun next to the bayou. This unique community consists of two distinct living areas: individual townhouses occupied by sororities and fraternities and apartment-style residential living. The complex includes a multi-use room with a fitness area, computer cluster, and study/conference rooms as well as a laundry facility. Bayou Oaks has ample green space and parking, with regular university shuttle bus service. A utilities package is provided for both the townhouses and the residence halls. Although Bayou Oaks is owned by the University of Houston, it is currently being managed by American Campus Communities.

Calhoun Lofts opened in August 2009. These upscale apartments can house 984 in efficiency, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. All apartments include a kitchen, and range in size from 341 to 668 square feet. The apartments can be rented furnished or unfurnished. This facility houses mature students, including graduate, professional, older and married students. Each floor features a laundry room with exercise equipment and a large-screen television.

Additional amenities include a theatre room, private courtyard, Wi-Fi throughout the facility, meeting spaces, special-event kitchen, access control and security cameras, study lounges, two roof terraces, a sky lounge, computer lab, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and a Cougar Xpress Market. Calhoun Lofts presents the simple life made stylish.

Cougar Village, the newest on-campus housing project, opened in August 2010. This 1096-bed facility features 600-square-foot, four-person suites with two people sharing a room and two rooms sharing a bathroom. Each unit comes equipped with a mini fridge. There are also some private rooms available. Amenities include free laundry facilities; a computer cluster; two kitchens, two study rooms and two social lounges on every floor, multipurpose rooms, seminar rooms and classrooms; wired and wireless internet, a convenience store; and a fitness room. Cougar Village also is home to Honors students, National Merit Scholars and Terry scholars.

University Partnership Housing

Cambridge Oaks Apartments, a partnership between the University and Century Campus Housing, is located at the southwest corner of campus. This facility provides 634 beds for students and staff. Cambridge Oaks offers limited-access gates, fully modern kitchens, walk-in closets, a sparkling swimming pool with tanning deck, barbecue grills, laundry facilities, an updated DVD and video library, a volleyball court, easy access to university and public transportation, and a variety of floor plans. Cambridge Oaks offers several units that are barrier free for physically challenged students and also hosts the 24-hour Attendant Care Service in cooperation with the University Health Center. Preference is given to upper-level, married, graduate and professional students, and students over 25 years of age. This community offers the luxury of an off-campus lifestyle with on-campus convenience.

Cullen Oaks, a partnership between the University and American Campus Communities, is located on Cullen between Wheeler and MacGregor. This facility provides 879 beds. Cullen Oaks offers a variety of living plans that ensures each student has a private bedroom in a fully furnished apartment. Utilities, Ethernet, phone and cable services are included in the monthly installments. A fully functional Business Center and computer facility is available 24-hours. TV/community lounges, workout rooms and laundry facilities are located conveniently throughout the complex. The community also offers a lighted basketball court and barbecue pavilion for casual and organized functions. This facility provides staffed entryways as well as card and key-access entries. The complex has ample gated parking, and the university provides a shuttle service frequently throughout the day.

Residence Halls Association-RHA

100 Oberholtzer Hall
713-743-6069
www.uh.edu/rha

The Residence Halls Association (RHA) is the official student government of the Residence Halls. All students living in Moody Towers, Quadrangle, and Cougar Village are members of RHA.

RHA works to improve student life and provide leadership in the Residence Halls through a variety of standing committees and programs. In addition, RHA leaders work with the Student Government Association (SGA) to promote and advocate for students' needs and interests.

There are several ways to become involved in the Residence Halls Association. Students run for election, are appointed to one of the standing committees, volunteer as a Hall or floor officer, or work on many of the programs or events offered by RHA. Students with comments or concerns about any aspect of Residence Hall living can call or come by the Residence Hall Association office.

Student Housing and Residential Life Offices' Directory