Practical Matters

Campus Resources

The University of Houston is one of the nation’s most diverse and comprehensive research universities. It serves 36,000 students, offering nearly 300 degrees, including undergraduate, doctoral-level and professional degrees. The 560-acre UH campus is also known for its commitment to a “total environment” for its students. The campus includes one of the nation’s largest and most advanced recreation centers. Located three blocks from the Law Center, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center offers state-of-the-art ball courts, indoor track and fitness areas, a natatorium, and a climbing wall.

Student Organizations

The Law Center extends learning beyond the classroom with a full range of student organizations, extracurricular activities, and alumni networking opportunities. Student groups represent special interests and provide important avenues to help law students succeed. Visit www.law.uh.edu/organizations/ for information on Law Center student organizations.

Finding Housing

Students can choose from a number of campus housing options, including the new Calhoun Lofts that offer outstanding amenities and floor plans with efficiency, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom layouts.  Other options include apartments and homes for rent throughout the city.  Please visit these sites for housing information: 
www.housing.uh.edu; www.uh.edu/calhounlofts ; www.apartmentlocators.com; and www.houstonapartmentfinder.com.

Getting Medical Care

The UH Health Center provides general, specialty, and pharmaceutical services to students. For more information, please visit www.uh.edu/admin/hc/.

Obtaining Health Insurance

Health insurance is available to all students. Students on a non-immigration visa are required to purchase health insurance. For more information, please visit www.uh.edu/admin/hc/.

Securing Disability Services

Students with disabilities must communicate special needs as soon as possible. The Center for Students with DisABILITIES arranges aide and provides assistance with exams, library resources and transcription services. For more information, please contact 713.743.5400 or visit www.uh.edu/csd/.

Texas Residency Requirements

Applicants who have been gainfully employed and resided in Texas for 12 months before enroLL.M.ent are considered to be Texas residents for tuition purposes. Foreign nationals who hold F-1 or any other temporary visa are considered nonresidents and are required to pay the nonresident/foreign tuition charges. If there are questions on residency classification, the applicant is responsible for raising the issue with the appropriate administrative officials before or during registration.

Specifically for Foreign Students

Qualifying for a Bar Exam as a Foreign Attorney

Each state sets its own examination requirements – and foreign applicants should direct questions about these requirements to the boards of bar examiners in states where they plan to practice.  Visit www.abanet.org/education.html and click “Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements” for information on each jurisdiction’s eligibility requirements.

Applying for a Visa

Please visit www.travel.state.gov/visa/ for information on scheduling a visa interview appointment and for an estimate of the processing time.

Obtaining International Student Services

The International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) provides visa assistance and other services to nearly 3,000 international students at the University of Houston.  Please visit www.issso.uh.edu to review the services they provide, including information on transportation upon arrival in Houston, banking, and health care.

Arriving in Houston

Foreign students should arrive in Houston no later than July 15 to find housing and orient themselves to the city of Houston and the University of Houston Law Center.

Financial Assistance

Please visit www.nafsa.org/students.sec or www.edupass.org/finaid/ for information about funding international study.

For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.uh.LL.M./faq.pdf