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Student Life in Houston

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States. More than 5 million people live in Houston and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Houston's multicultural population, strong economy, culture and low cost of living have propelled it to the top of many national lists, including the "Coolest City in America" list in Forbes Magazine.

Houston's housing costs are among the lowest in major metro areas in the US. The overall cost of living in Houston is 3.1% below the national average, and there is no city or state income tax, which adds to the affordability of living in Houston.

Houston-Area Resources

  • City of Houston
  • Visit Houston
  • 365 Things to do in Houston
  • Space City Weather
  • Ride Metro Public Transit
  • UTHealth Houston Shuttle Tracker
  • MDA Shuttle Tracker

    • Living and Getting Around

    • Housing

      UTHealth University Housing is located near the heart of the medical center. Shuttle services run along 4 stops around the complex, with routes that run directly into the medical center, and to other UTHealth institutions for convenient pick-up and drop off. It's also located a short walk away from NRG Stadium which hosts the Houston Texans, and the Houston Rodeo, as well as many popular conventions!

      The UTHealth Houston Recreation Center is located directly next to university housing with gate-key accessed entry.

      More information about University Housing.

      Each year the GSA surveys the current students regarding housing. 

    • Parking and Transportation
      • Bicycles
        • Houston Bike Plan The City of Houston offers over 300 miles of interconnected bikeway network spanning across much of the city, including routes leading to and through the Texas Medical Center. The network includes bike lanes, bike routes, signed-shared lanes and shared-use paths.  And, Houston’s METRO bus and rail services permits bicycles on board for many of METRO's routes (http://www.ridemetro.org/Services/Bus/Bikesonbuses.aspx for more information).
        • Parking

        • Shuttles

        • Public Transportation

          • METRO provides public transportation services to Greater Houston  and offers discounts for student riders.

            • Registered students may apply for a discounted fare card through METRO. Information, including documents required to apply may be found here. To apply for a discounted RideMETRO Fare Card  card online, click here.

              Metro Card Instructions - You must be enrolled in courses prior to submitting the form to the Metro Office.

              Documentation of proof of enrollment –Students may take care of this on their own by uploading a copy of their fee statement and schedule to the application on Metro’s website. To access that, Log into your MyUTH account Click on the Financial Accounts tile>Account statements>select the term> open the PDF -> print.

              If Supplemental documentation is needed from GSBS, Ms. Lourdes “Bunny” Perez; Senior Student Affairs Coordinator is able to provide a letter stating you are enrolled in courses to include.

      Additional student information

      • Student Disability Accommodations ADA504

        The MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is committed to providing equal opportunities for qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. See the UTHealth Handbook of Operating Procedures, Policy 101, for the complete policy and links to the required forms.. The intent of the law is to ensure equal access to individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to meet the essential demands of the program.

        A student seeking accommodations must self-identify and is responsible for initiating a request in writing to the school’s Section 504 Coordinator as soon as practical. This typically occurs during the first semester of enrollment or following a new diagnosis. The 504 Coordinator will meet with the student to acknowledge the request, gather information, and explain the process. The student will complete the Request for Accommodations, and also submit the Medical Inquiry Form completed by his/her doctor or other medical professional, where appropriate. The 504 Coordinator reviews these documents with the UTHealth EEO Coordinator resulting in the Reasonable Accommodations Response Form. Once received by the student, it is up to him/her to share this information with faculty and instructors well in advance of requesting accommodations in any classes. This information remains confidential, and not part of a student’s academic record.

        A student should not request accommodations directly from a faculty member. If that occurs, the faculty member should refer the student to the school’s Section 504 Coordinator and/or this policy. Faculty should not be routinely granting extra time or other accommodations to students that may claim they have a disability, rather documentation is required.

        Dr. Natalie Sirisaengtaksin ([email protected]; 713-500-9870) serves as the Section 504 Coordinator for the Graduate School.

        It is recommended that the following statement be added to all syllabi: 
        If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Section 504 Coordinator. 

        Please see the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP) for further information about the policy as well as links to the application and certification forms:

        HOOP Policy 101

        Disability Accommodations and Forms

      • Counseling and Worklife

        Graduate school and life can be stressful.  Remember that the UTHealth Houston Student Counseling Center is here to help you:

        • Confidential counseling and mental health care
        • Covered by student services fee
        • For an appointment, call 713.500.5171
        • For help after hours, call 713.500.5173
        • UTHealth 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 713.500.I-M-U-T or 713.500.4688
        • Urgent appointments available upon request
        • 6410 Fannin, Suite 130, UT Professional Building

        If you’re paid as a Graduate Research Assistant, you may also take advantage of Employee Assistance Programs at UTHealth Houston and MD Anderson.

        Questions?  Contact Dr. Natalie Sirisaengtaksin at 713.500.9870 or [email protected]