University of Houston Science Courses

• I found out about it through seniors via LinkedIn, who helped me with it. Monthly rent is around 350 for a 2b2b shared accommodation which most students prefer. It includes Central AC, Refrigerator, Oven and Dishwasher. Finding like minded roommates was the most difficult part.
• I think students similar to me should reach out to seniors to know about specific details, however joining what’s app groups would provide sufficient details. There are two main housing options where Indians live 1. Stratford Apartments where most North Indians live and Med Center where mostly South Indians live they are both around 45 mins away via Bus transport.

• Online platforms like Furnished Finder, WhatsApp groups, etc. helped me find accommodation.
• 680$, including utilities, was the monthly rent for my accommodation.
• I wish I had a vehicle to shift things, as it would have been easier.
• Upcoming students can use the Furnished Finder app or search the GISO UH page on Facebook.
• 6-7 miles away from the college. Most of the Indian students stay near NRG Stadium.

• University of Washington (Rejected)
• RISD (Rejected)
• MASSART (Accepted)
• Virginia Tech (Accepted)
• The reason why I got rejected from the colleges listed above is probably because I was trying to change streams when I applied for design and these colleges were offering more competitive courses that suited well for people who were already in the field or had some relevant experience. UW has a very focused HCI program, RISD is a hard-core design school. Both of these schools probably weren't suited for a novice designer like me.
• University of Houston offered me room to grow and discover myself as a designer as opposed to accept me as one. It was also a very good research-oriented approach to design which is more empathetic towards those who want to enter the design world.
• The admission process was very simple, first step of which is to apply online with all the required material (portfolio, GRE score, TOEFL score, recommendation letters, application fees and forms). Next was the most difficult interview that I ever had. They went through my portfolio in front of me through the call. They accepted me thereafter and then the regular process of applying to any other US college followed that involved the VISA process and paying the fees. There were no challenges as such except for the whole COVID backlash. Highlight was the interview because as nerve wracking it was, it was also something that gave me enough confidence that I can do it. GRE was just a formality, portfolio was the deciding factor. No minimum scores required.
• I applied for the FALL 2021 intake. I wanted to change disciplines and with COVID receding it was the right time to make the move. The admission (right from filling out the required forms and fees in the month of December) to getting an acceptance (March), it was a three month long process. I took the GRE and TOEFL in September, prepared my supplementary material by the end of December and applied then. Gave interviews in the month of February and then got acceptances in March. After which i began the VISA process.

The Master of Science architecture degree here had the sustainable architecture line, and that was something I was really looking forward to learning and leaning towards as an architect. It was fun and a great experience. Got to meet a lot of new people and was able to find help easily whenever I needed it. And loved the hangout spots.

It is a great experience. In my first semester, I been in a leadership program other than my own courses and next two semester, I have been in few clubs which helped me to socialize, build networks and finnaly made my experience unique compared to lot of other students.

It is fairly good university. You will enjoy your time here.