The University of Houston’s new White Coat and STEM Residential Colleges are designed to help students build community, access mentorship and begin their UH experience in a more immersive academic environment.
The University of Houston will launch two new Residential Colleges this fall, expanding its on-campus living and learning experience for incoming freshmen pursuing careers in health care and STEM fields.
Located in Cougar Village, the White Coat and STEM Residential Colleges are designed to help students build community, access mentorship and begin their UH experience in a more connected and immersive academic environment.
The new communities are an extension of UH’s broader investment in strengthening the first-year student experience and creating more opportunities for students to find belonging, academic support and shared purpose on campus from the start.
“The White Coat and STEM Residential Colleges reflect the kind of student experience we are continuing to build at the University of Houston — one where students find community, mentorship and academic support from Day 1,” said Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Where students live can shape how they connect, learn and thrive. These new communities strengthen that experience while reinforcing UH’s commitment to student success.”
Students in the Residential Colleges will benefit from tailored advising, faculty and professional mentorship, and a range of shared academic and co-curricular experiences designed to support both personal connection and long-term success.
With these dedicated spaces and experiences, UH officials aim to foster a culture of collaborative excellence that stays with students throughout their medical or health science careers, Chase added.
“The White Coat and STEM Residential Colleges reflect the kind of student experience we are continuing to build at the University of Houston — one where students find community, mentorship and academic support from Day 1.”
—Diane Z. Chase, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost
Housing Details
The White Coat Residential College will serve students interested in medicine, pharmacy, optometry, nursing and dentistry. In addition to living alongside peers with similar goals, students will have the option to participate in programming such as exclusive visits to Houston-area medical providers and other experiences that deepen their understanding of health care pathways.
“The White Coat Residential College will help students build strong peer communities around shared interests in the health professions and provide opportunities for more direct faculty mentorship,” said Jonathan McCullers, dean of the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. “Research shows improved academic performance for residents, which will help attract top-notch students and bolster our pre-professional pathways into our health professions colleges.”
The STEM Residential College will bring together students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as others interested in these broad subject areas, in a collaborative residential setting that encourages exploration, problem-solving and engagement with research and experiential learning opportunities.
“This immersive community will encourage students to see themselves as scientists, innovators and engineers from their very first semester,” said Donna Pattison, associate dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “It also creates a stronger foundation for students to more actively explore the myriad of rich research and experiential learning opportunities the University can provide, enhancing both their education and long-term career development.”
To be eligible to live in a Residential College, incoming freshmen must:
- Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Demonstrate an interest in health care or STEM professions
- Be admitted to a STEM academic pathway or a pathway that prepares students for health professional or graduate programs
Expanding Options
The launch of the two Residential Colleges is part of a broader expansion of UH’s residential experience. This fall, the University will grow its Living Learning Communities (LLC) from eight to 17, adding new options centered on interests such as art, wellness, creativity, Spanish language immersion and UH spirit.
“Connecting new students to a like-minded peer community from the start encourages bonding, collegiality and connections to campus,” said Melissa Pierson, assistant vice provost of undergraduate student success. “As we expand these options, more students will be able to find a residential community that reflects their interests, goals and the kind of college experience they want to have at UH.”
Together, these communities are intended to help more students find connection and involvement through on-campus life. Most LLCs are open to students across different majors.
“We are excited to partner with Academic Affairs in offering Residential Colleges and LLC options that create deeply engaging experiences for students,” said Don Yackley, assistant vice president for student affairs. “These communities connect students with peers who share their interests, foster a strong sense of belonging and support their academic and personal success.”
For more information on on-campus housing options, Living Learning Communities or to apply to the first cohorts of the White Coat and STEM Residential Colleges, visit the UH housing website and submit a 2026-27 housing agreement.