When you think of Houston, you almost certainly think of the Texan heat or NASA’s famous Space Centre. But there is so much more to this vibrant, diverse city.
If you dream of living in the USA, Houston is definitely a study destination to consider. With a great selection of universities, a practically unrivalled arts and culture scene and famously low prices, it’s no wonder it has a constantly growing international community.
What is Houston like?
Location and demographics
Houston is located in sunny south-east Texas, just a short drive from the coast, where the bay opens up into the Gulf of Mexico. As the biggest city in Texas, you might think of it as totally urban, but Houston is surrounded by nature, from Buffalo Bayou which flows through its centre to the nearby beaches, forests and wildlife reserves.
With a population of 1.3 million, Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse large city in the USA and its thriving LGBT community is one of the biggest in the country. Houston celebrates this diversity and is well-known for being an extremely friendly place to visit.
Get familiar with the different types of American accents.
Culture and history
If culture is your thing, you’ll definitely want to consider living in Houston. The city has seven cultural districts – more than anywhere else in the USA – and hosts 21,000 cultural events and activities every year.
When it comes to art, Houston ranks amongst the top cities in the USA for its number of resident artists. As you’d expect, this means it also has a fantastic arts scene. With several art museums, over 60 galleries and plenty of stunning public art, you’ll want to get exploring straight away.
If history appeals, visit the picturesque Museum District where you’ll find 19 fascinating museums and even a zoo to explore. Whether you want to learn about Houston’s history or just broaden your general knowledge, you’ll be sure to find something that captures your interest.
For performing arts, your first stop should be the huge Houston Theatre District, where you can watch concerts, opera, dance or theatre any night of the week.
Houston has long been a home for the rich and famous. From musicians to sportspeople to politicians, there’s clearly something about this city that attracts success. Amongst the many, Beyoncé, George W Bush and Travis Scott were all brought up in Houston.
Explore what else the USA has to offer international students.
What universities are in Houston?
If you hope to study in Houston but have not yet decided on a university, you’ll be pleased to learn that the city has plenty to offer. Here we list a few of the most popular, but consider researching others in the area too to make sure you find the right one for you.
Rice University is the most prestigious university in Houston and is ranked in 100th place in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The institution excels across all fields, but has particular expertise in its computer science and engineering departments. Notable alumni include a number of astronauts, politicians and 2 Nobel laureates, amongst others.
Other universities of note in Houston include:
- University of Houston – a public university ranked at 182 in the US News & World Report 2022 (USNWR)
- University of St. Thomas – a private university ranked at 250 in the USNWR 2022
If you are prepared to travel outside of Houston itself, you may wish to consider:
- University of Texas, Austin – a public university ranked 50th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
- Texas A&M University – this public university has the largest student body in the USA and is ranked 164 by QS World University Rankings 2023
If you want to apply to a community college to obtain an associate degree, consider Houston Community College.
Find the top universities in the USA in more detail.
What does Houston offer students?
What is transport like?
As a relatively flat city, you’ll find it easy to get around Houston on foot or bicycle. In fact, the city even has its own bike share programme. But for longer distances or if you don’t fancy walking in the heat, Houston’s public transport has you covered.
Between them, Houston’s bus and light rail service connect you to all areas of the city quickly and conveniently. Or, if your journey is exclusively downtown, there is a flat taxi fare of USD 6 for any trips taken in the area. For groups of students, this can work out to be quite cheap.
You can buy tickets for bus and light rail with cash. But most Houston residents prefer to make use of a METRO Q Fare Card or a METRO Day Pass. Both of these are types of pre-pay smartcard which allow you to simply tap on to your transport and, for frequent travellers, result in fare reductions.
College and university students may also apply for a Student METRO Q Fare Card to access student discounts for travel around Houston.
Houston is well-connected nationally by rail and has one of the largest public airport systems in the world, meaning you’ll never be far from where you want to be.
learn more about the top student cities in the USA.
What about entertainment and food?
When it comes to food, Houston excels. With over 10,000 eateries serving cuisines from more than 70 countries, no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.
From boutique coffee shops and gourmet bakeries to late night pizzerias and high-brow restaurants, Houston is brimming with flavour. While you’re here, you won’t want to miss the city’s famous barbecue joints or some mouth-watering Tex-Mex eats.
When the sun goes down, there’s even more to explore in Houston’s nightlife districts. From honky-tonks to nightclubs, sports bars to wine bars, your day never has to end at dinnertime. And to make the most of Houston’s nightlife on your student budget, be sure to check out the happy hours at many venues.
Discover the things you must do when studying in the USA.
Are there public services for students?
Studying in the USA, you’ll be able to access resources at government, state and university level to help you understand the unique American higher education system.
The US government provides free information to assist international students. Access student resources via the US Department of State website. Or explore financial aid options across Texas with Education USA’s helpful tool.
Your university’s international office will be able to assist you with any queries or concerns you have, from visa issues to settling into life in Houston.
Get more information on how to apply for a student visa in the USA.
How much does it cost to live in Houston?
The general cost of Houston
Great news for students hoping to live in the USA on a budget: Houston is the second most affordable large city in the country.
Student budget
Of course, international students have to pay a number of upfront costs when they arrive in the USA, such as health insurance and visa fees. But once those are settled, Rice University suggests an annual budget of around USD 19,000 to live in Houston.
What is accommodation like in Houston?
Many undergraduates in the USA choose to live on-campus to make the most of their student experience. Costs vary widely between institutions but one benefit to this style of living is that you can usually expect your bills to be included in your rent.
For an approximation of accommodation costs in Houston, Rice University suggests an annual budget for room and board on-campus of around USD 15,000.
Find out more about student cost of living in the USA.
What are Houston’s main attractions?
Living in Houston, you’ll find plenty of activities and things for students to do. Anytime you want a change in routine, you’ll never have to look further than one of the city’s regular festivals, celebrating everything from food to the arts to international culture.
If live music gets you excited, Houston has venues for every vibe, from intimate bar settings to huge music halls. Local and international acts perform here regularly, so there’s plenty to get involved in. Or perhaps you’d just like a good laugh? Get tickets to see aspiring comedians, or old favourites, at one of Houston’s comedy clubs or theatres.
Fans of spectator sports will love Houston’s sports scene. With four huge stadiums, the city regularly hosts a selection of events including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four and even rodeos. Houston also has major league teams in American football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey and soccer.
If you’re looking for a way to pass time quietly, simply wander the city and its beautiful surroundings. With more parkland than any other major US city, there’s plenty of nature to be found in Houston. Or enjoy some retail therapy in the city’s fabulous selection of shops ranging from boutique and vintage to exclusive designer outlets.
No matter your interests, we feel sure that Houston could lead to the student adventure of a lifetime.
Chat with Couru
