You don’t come to the University of Houston just to complete assignments. You come to design, discover, test ideas and build what comes next. 

The STEM Residential College is where problem solvers, builders and innovators begin — together. Designed for incoming freshmen interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, this community brings together students who are curious, driven and ready to learn by doing

This is more than a place to live. It’s where innovation takes shape

Built for Students Who Want to Build What’s Next

The STEM Residential College brings together first-year students from across science, technology and engineering majors who share a passion for solving problems and exploring new ideas. 

Here, you live and learn alongside peers who thrive on challenge, creativity and discovery. These aren’t just classmates — they become lab partners, design teammates and future collaborators. You’ll push ideas forward together, ask better questions and support one another through demanding coursework. 

The Residential College Advantage

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through collaboration, experimentation and persistence. The STEM Residential College gives you the structure, community and opportunities to approach education with purpose from day one. 

As a STEM Residential College student, you will:

• Join a cohort model designed to build connection and consistency, including enrollment in shared courses taken with your residential college peers during your first year
• Make early connections to hands-on learning experiences to explore opportunities for applied problem-solving, including tours of research labs, maker spaces and assistance with design challenge events 
• Learn from faculty and industry leaders through small group conversations, panels and fireside chats to connect classroom learning to real world impact
• Develop a strong academic foundation peers, faculty and advisors dedicated to the residential college
• Explore research and innovation pathways, with guidance on when and how to pursue undergraduate research opportunities 
• Build a collaborative network through shared courses, mentoring, study sessions, student organizations and community activities that turn peers into teammates

This experience is about learning how to think, build and iterate within and across disciplines— skills universal to all STEM careers.

Your Home Base: Cougar Village

STEM Residential College students will live together in a dedicated residential block in the centrally located Cougar Village. 

Living spaces include:

• Two-bedroom suites with two STEM students per furnished bedroom 
• Private bathroom shared within each suite. 
• Floor kitchens, study spaces and an outdoor living room
• Proximity to Cougar Village Market and Moody Towers Dining Hall

Who is Eligible?

STEM Residential College is designed for incoming freshmen who are ready to challenge themselves and explore what’s possible. 

To be eligible, students must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Be admitted to a science, technology, engineering or mathematics academic pathway
• Demonstrate an interest in innovation, problem-solving and hands-on learning 
• Enroll in common section of USS 1101 College Success

The STEM Residential College is not about doing more — it’s about doing things with intention. If you’re ready to start your UH experience surrounded by peers who think boldly and build together, this is where your journey begins.

There is no additional cost to participate in the STEM Residential College beyond standard housing and university fees.

Liaison Contact

Dr. Donna Pattison 
Associate Dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics,
Email: residentialcollege@uh.edu 

How Do I Apply? 

Visit the myHousing application in AccessUH and select the STEM Residential College.

Applications for this Residential College are due June 30th. Acceptance will be competitive and spaces are limited, so apply early.