December 2024

Latest News

Join a Living Learning Community Next Fall!

Living on campus next year? It’s not too late to join a Living Learning Community (LLC)!

LLCs bring together students with shared interests to live, learn and grow in a close-knit environment. Join a community that fits your passion—whether it’s business, cultural exchange, making a difference or exploring identity. An LLC is a space for you to connect, grow and thrive!

The second-year LLC experience is available to students meeting the eligibility criteria for The Quad Residence in Fall 2025. 

Don’t miss out! Select an LLC when you complete your housing agreement for the 2025-2026 academic year through the myHousing portal in AccessUH. If you have already completed your housing agreement for the upcoming year, log back on to myHousing and can select an LLC.

Learn more about second-year LLCs for the 2025-2026 academic year on the Student Housing & Residential Life website: https://www.uh.edu/housing/learning-communities/living-learning-community-llcs.

End of Fall 2024 Term Reminder

All residence halls remain open throughout the Winter Break. Students living in housing for the fall and spring terms are not required to move out prior to Winter Break.

The Student Housing Agreement covers the 2024-2025 academic year. As a result, students are assigned to their same space for the spring term.

If you plan to leave for Winter Break, we recommend the following steps to ensure a tidy space when you return for the spring term:

• Clean your refrigerator and dispose of all perishable items in your room.
• Clean your room and common spaces. If there is a vacancy in your room or suite you may have a new roommate/suitemate when you return for the spring term.
• Unplug ALL items and make sure any alarms or any device that has a timer on it is turned off.
• Remove all trash from your room or suite.
• Be sure to collect any packages you have in the package lockers.

University staff will enter your unit during the winter break to inspect and clean vacant bedroom(s).

It is your responsibility to ensure the common areas of your bedroom, suite, or apartment are also clean and ready for a new roommate.  To keep updated on the status of your roommates, please visit your myHousing portal in AccessUH. 

If you are not planning to remain in on-campus housing for the spring term, please follow the steps below :

• If canceling for any reason (including graduation), the resident needs to email or visit your community’s Supervisor, Desk Operations & Community Services (SDOCS). The SDOCS information for each residence hall can be found on the SHRL website: https://www.uh.edu/housing/about/meet-our-staff.
• If canceling for reasons other than graduation, there may be a cancellation penalty. Information can be found in section 5.b of the   UH Student Housing Agreement.
• Residents not returning for the spring term must be completely vacated and checked out of their residence hall by noon on Dec. 15, 2024.

• Please follow the following steps to fully vacate your room:
  • Remove all possessions from your room or bed space.
  • Place room furniture back in its original configuration.
  • Empty and clean all surfaces and drawers.
  • Remove all items or decorations from walls.
  • Remove items from your common space, clean surfaces and refrigerators.
  • To finalize check-out, residents should visit their community’s front desk and complete a Check-out Envelope to return keys (if applicable) and finalize check-out procedures.
  • Residents who do not follow these steps by December 15 will be charged a daily rate for their room type until the checkout process is complete.

Please contact the  Central Housing Office with any questions or concerns about the Fall Checkout process.

Winter Break Transition Tips: Going Home & Staying Safe

 By Dre Webb, Assistant Director of Residence Life

As the semester winds down and winter break approaches, many college students are preparing to head home for a much-needed break. Whether this is your first time heading back for an extended stay or you’re a seasoned college pro, transitioning from college life back to home can bring its own set of challenges. Here’s a quick guide on managing expectations, staying safe and handling roommate dynamics as you wrap up the semester.

1. Communicating with Family About Boundaries

Going from the independence of college back to the structure of home life can sometimes feel like a shock. Here are some tips to help ease the transition:

• Set Clear Expectations: Talk to your family about your plans, especially if you’re used to being out late or having a flexible schedule. Let them know if you'll need downtime after exams or if you’re planning to catch up with friends.
• Balance Family and Friends: Many students face the challenge of dividing time between family and hometown friends. Plan ahead so you can enjoy both, and remember to set boundaries when needed.
• Chores and Responsibilities: Sometimes, coming home means stepping back into household routines. Work out with your family how you can contribute around the house without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Staying Safe During Winter Break

Whether you’re traveling far or staying local, it’s important to prioritize safety:

• Keep Your Valuables Secure: If you live in a dorm or shared apartment, make sure to lock your room and store any valuable items securely. Winter break often sees lower occupancy, so take precautions.
• Travel Safety: If you’re flying, driving, or taking public transportation, ensure your travel plans are secure. Notify a friend or family member of your route and estimated arrival time.
• Stay Informed on Local Guidelines: Some areas may have different health and safety guidelines, especially for flu season. Make sure to check for any requirements, especially if you’re traveling internationally.

3. Resolving Roommate Conflicts Before You Go

Leaving on good terms is key to starting the spring semester smoothly. Here are a few tips for handling any outstanding issues with your roommates:

• Address Any Unresolved Conflicts: If there are any lingering conflicts, have an open conversation before you leave. This might include shared responsibilities like cleaning or splitting utility bills.
• Plan for Winter Break Storage: If you or your roommate is leaving for an extended period, discuss how you’ll manage any shared spaces. This might mean coordinating who cleans the fridge or setting up any winter break chores.
• Make a Roommate Agreement for Next Semester: Taking time to make a simple roommate agreement, including personal space, shared items, and guest policies, can help prevent misunderstandings next semester.

4. Refresh & Recharge

Remember, winter break is meant for relaxation! Whether you’re catching up on sleep, family time or hobbies, enjoy your time and come back refreshed for the new year.

Have a great break, stay safe and make the most of your time at home!

Student Housing & Residential Life Welcomes Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications

Diandra Ellis is the latest addition to the Student Housing & Residential Life (SHRL) team. Ellis, affectionately known as Dede, recently joined the department as the assistant director for SHRL Marketing and Communications on Oct. 30, 2024.

In this role, Ellis will oversee SHRL’s marketing initiatives, digital presence and community outreach, ensuring that the department continues to effectively communicate with and engage both current and prospective residents.

In a statement to department staff SHRL Executive Director of Housing Outreach, Kenny Mauk said, “Dede brings a wealth of experience and a passion for strategic storytelling, brand management, and creative marketing solutions that will elevate our communications efforts. I am thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make.”

Please join us in welcoming Diandra (Dede) Ellis to the team!

Featured Event

Attend the Student Jobs Forum to Learn About Opportunities in Housing

Did you Know – SHRL employs more than 350 students each year in the form of resident advisor, desk assistants, conference assistants and community mentors?  

Save the date for Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. for the Housing Student Jobs Forum, where you can learn more about employment opportunities for residents. The forum will take place in the Student Center South Theater. 

Applications are open now for desk assistant and resident advisor positions, and the conference assistant position application will open Jan. 27, 2025. 

Learn more about each position and their requirements on the Student Housing & Residential Life website: https://www.uh.edu/housing/about/shrl-employment/student-employment 

Announcements & Resources

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Campus Dining
832-842-9053

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
713-743-5454

Cougar Cupboard
uhcupbrd@central.uh.edu

FIXIT
713-743-4948

Learning Advancements UNdergraduate Cougars of Houston (LAUNCH)
713-743-5411

Parking & Transportation
832-842-1097

Student Health Center
713-743-5151

Student Housing & Residential Life
713-743-6000

University of Houston Police Department
713-743-3333

SHRL Safety Information – Emergency Call Boxes

You may have seen a red structure topped with a blue light as you walk through out the campus. These are blue light emergency phones, also known as emergency and information call boxes. These call boxes are red in color and are labeled "Emergency" in white letters. There are call boxes located throughout the entire campus. Most are free-standing towers, but some may be mounted on light poles or even to the wall outside of your residence hall or academic building.

Need to call for help? Operation is easy. Simply press the button on the box and your call goes directly to the University of Houston Police Department dispatch center. 

While the main purpose of call boxes is to give the community a way to quickly reach out to UHPD in the event of an emergency, they can also be used to reach UHPD dispatch if you have a non-emergency safety or security related concern. Call boxes can be used to request police assistance, security escorts and any other police services. 

Learn more about the emergency and Information call boxes, as well as other community services on the UHPD website: https://www.uh.edu/police/community-services/callboxes

SHRL Marketing & Communications is Hiring for the Spring Semester

Join our MarCom Team! Student Housing & Residential Life (SHRL) is seeking Marketing Assistants to join our office. Flex your creativity as you gain real-world experience by collaborating with marketing and communications professionals to execute campaigns for SHRL.

There is immediate availability for a Marketing Assistant - Graphics Designer and Marketing Assistant - Photographer/Videographer. Visit the Student Housing & Residential Life website to learn more and apply: https://www.uh.edu/housing/about/shrl-employment/student-employment/marketing/

Event Listing

Fall 2024 Term Ends

Dec. 15, 2024

Any residents not returning to on-campus housing in Spring 2025 must check out with their hall staff before noon on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

Graduation

Dec. 13-15, 2024

Congratulations the newest cougar alumni! Learn more at https://www.uh.edu/commencement.

Winter Campus Closure

Dec. 20, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025

Student Housing & Residential Life will not be open during the winter university closure. Happy Holidays!

Housing Student Jobs Forum

Jan. 13, 2025

Save the date the Housing Student Jobs Forum, where you can learn more about employment opportunities for residents.