UACAHouston Guide
休斯顿生活指南 — For students and newcomers to Greater Houston
Houston at a glance
了解休斯顿
Overview: The fourth-largest US city and the largest in the South, and the center of America's oil industry. A 50-mile ship channel links it to the Gulf of Mexico, and the Port of Houston is among the nation's busiest. Nicknamed Space City, it is home to NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest concentration of medical institutions. Cost of living and housing are low for a major US metro.
Economy: Energy (especially oil), petrochemicals, aerospace and shipping, with the world's largest petrochemical complex and a leading oilfield-equipment industry.
Immigration: A truly international city with large communities from mainland China, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, India and Vietnam. About 90 languages are spoken; some neighborhoods have Chinese street signs.
Getting around: Most people drive; public transit is limited. Live traffic: Houston TranStar.
Education: Rice University, University of Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Southern University, University of St. Thomas, Houston Christian University, South Texas College of Law, and one of the largest community college systems in the US.
Sports: Astros (MLB), Texans (NFL), Rockets (NBA), Dynamo (MLS) and more.
Shopping
StoresMacy's, JCPenney, Academy (sporting goods), Ross (discount fashion), Walmart, Target
MallsThe Galleria (5085 Westheimer) for flagship brands; Houston Premium Outlets for designer discounts
Texas facts
Capital: Austin. Largest city: Houston. Largest state in the contiguous US. State flower: bluebonnet; bird: mockingbird; tree: pecan; nickname: the Lone Star State.
Tips for international students
Adapted from the handbook (original author: 嘉卓留学)
Choosing courses
In your first semester, favor math, science and major courses over reading- and writing-heavy ones. Research courses weeks ahead, check professor ratings, and don't rely only on your advisor.
Ask questions
Professors expect questions. Ask them to repeat, explain or give an example.
Office hours
Put office hours on your calendar — the best place for detailed questions and for building relationships with professors and TAs.
Never cheat
Cheating usually means failing the course with an XF on your transcript, visible to future employers and schools.
Get a car
In Houston a car is the best way to get around, and it opens up far more internship options.
Build credit
Pay your credit card in full and on time to build the credit history you'll need for car and home loans.
Work and internships
Experience counts more than GPA. Research a company's projects, reach out to decision-makers directly, and hold salary talk until the second interview.
Parties
The legal drinking age is 21. Never drink and drive — get a ride. Saying no is always fine.
Consulate & community
领馆与华人资源
| Consulate General of China in Houston | 3417 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006 Tel (713) 520-1462 Fax (713) 521-3064 Visa office: Mon–Fri 9:00–11:30, 1:30–3:00 houston.china-consulate.org |
|---|---|
| Consulate Education Office | 811 Holman St, Houston, TX 77002 9:00–12:00, 1:30–5:00 (Central Time) Fax (713) 522-0015 Appointments by phone or email |
| Chinese Civic Center | 5905 Sovereign Dr, Houston, TX 77036 (713) 772-1133 |
| Chinese schools | Huaxia Chinese School: 5925 Sovereign Dr #115, Houston, TX 77036 713-541-3339 Talent Academy: 4555 Highway 6, Suite W, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 242-0989 |
| Chinese-language media | Radio: AM1320 (mornings), AM1050 (afternoons) TV: Southern Chinese TV Newspapers: Southern Chinese Daily, Huaxia Times, World Journal, International Daily and more (free at Chinatown supermarkets) Web: backchina.com, chinatownconnection.com |
Useful phone numbers
Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies