.JPG)
The University of Houston's campus is anchored by the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, its 1950 Art Deco administrative headquarters overlooking Cullen Family Plaza, with first-year students not required but welcome to live on campus, most housed in Cougar Village I or the freshman-only south tower of Moody Towers during "Cougar Move-In" each August.
Enrollment
38,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
9,500
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 19-22, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
76%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Bring your Cougar Card to complete check-in at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center, where you'll receive your unloading pass before proceeding to your assigned residence hall. University and Student Services staff will unload your vehicle into bins and deliver them to your room while you park; only one vehicle per student goes through this process. No nails, screws, or staples are allowed for wall fixtures - use only blue painter's tape or removable wall hangers. Pets other than fish in a maximum 10-gallon tank are not allowed on campus. Move-in assistance is not available after 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday - students arriving later should report to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center directly to complete check-in, where staff are available until 8 p.m.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Check-in location
- The Campus Recreation & Wellness Center - complete check-in for your assigned room and receive your unloading pass here before heading to your residence hall.
- Parking
- After your vehicle is unloaded, you'll be directed to immediately move your car from the unloading area to a designated parking lot, then return to your assigned residence hall.
- What you'll receive
- University and Student Services staff unload your vehicle into bins and deliver them to your room while you park - only one vehicle per student goes through this process.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Pets other than fish in a maximum 10-gallon tank are not allowed on campus. No nails, screws, or staples are allowed for wall fixtures - use only blue painter's tape or removable wall hangers.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Cougar Village I
Suite-style · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Moody Towers (South)
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to University of Houston's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 18, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$12,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy1.6 miles
- Walmart1.9 miles
- Walgreens2.9 miles
- H-E-B3.2 miles
- Target4.2 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at University of Houston.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.