Campus Navigation & Essentials

• Find your classes and a parking spot. 
• Download the Navigate App and UH Go App. The UH Go App tracks, in real-time, shuttles along routes and counts of available parking spaces by Zone.
• Learn about UH ALERT, the University's emergency alert system. Make sure your emergency contact information is up to date.

Academic Prep

• Take a look at the syllabi for your classes. Write down important deadlines for the semester in your calendar/planner.
• Read up about the Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP).
• Check the Course Finder to see if your classes use Canvas. Then log in to explore your course materials and announcements.

Campus Life & Dining

• Visit the Weeks of Welcome calendar of events.
• Download the Grubhub app and add the University of Houston’s dining locations so you’ll have a seamless retail dining experience on campus.
• Visit the Dine on Campus website and sign up for a campus dining plan.
• Go to Cat's Back on August 27th. visit with hundreds of student organizations, get free food, participate in fun activities, and have chances to win some awesome prizes.

Campus Involvement

• First things first, take the Cougar Involvement Quiz to get matched with organizations which support your interests. 
• Use the  Get Involved website  and results from your quiz to build on your Cat's Back Experience. Learn more about organizations you're interested in and how to join to attend events.
• Don't just stop at interest—reach out and engage! Attend the first general meetings, follow their social media pages, and participate in upcoming events. Many organizations host welcome socials that are informative and allow you to get to know the organization.
• Stay connected with orgs and on-campus resources through social media.
• Whether you're into academic organizations, cultural organizations, service groups, or just looking to make friends, there’s a place for everyone! Involvement helps you build skills, make connections, and feel at home on campus.

Make Connections

• Get to know your professors, they're people too. Get to class early, stay after class, or use their office hours to connect.
• Join Cougar DENS .  As part of your DENS sign up, make sure you to join the virtual chat where you can start connecting with other new COOGS. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet up with DENS throughout the year, in-person. 
• Say hi to someone in your class or residence hall.
• Start to identify a campus resource you may need/ want to connect with and make an effort to utilize this resource throughout the semester!
• Explore a new campus space this week to make more connections: Library, Student Recreation Center, Center for Student Involvement, etc. 
• Attend any of the Weeks of Welcome Events and join in campus traditions like Cougar Con, the GLOW party, or support other UH students who are also athletes at the Volleyball or Soccer Home Openers.

Tap Into Academic Support

• Visit LAUNCH Tutoring or sign up for a Writing Center appointment.
• Go to a professor’s office hours to ask questions and build connections. 

Build Your Network

• You know, your PAL is pretty cool, reach out and check in!
• Find a study group and favorite study spot. 

Practice Self-Care

• Unwind with Wellness Wednesday.
• Experience a holistic approach to Campus Recreation and learn more about outdoor adventure opportunities, group fitness classes, intramural sports, personal training, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
• Find overall wellness support and other resources supporting a CoogsCARE culture. Services address challenges with classes, finances, or access to food or health care. 

Supporting Your Care On-Campus

• Enhance your health literacy and get the care you need with the Student Health Center & Campus Pharmacy.
• Enrolled students should use the Healthy Coog Patient Portal to send a secure message to our medical staff or schedule an appointment to discuss any health concerns.
• Explore CAPS for mental health support.
• Be Prepared. Knowing how to respond during an emergency is crucial to your personal safety and the well-being of those around you. 

Career Exploration

• Visit Career Services and complete their Worksheet to explore interests, majors, and career options. 

Campus and Community Engagement

• Attend an on-campus event.
• Volunteer through Center for Community Engagement.

Emergency Preparedness

• Get CERT-ified. Complete the UH Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training. CERT is a program that prepares you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster. 

Get Goal Oriented 

• Schedule a meeting  with your academic advisor. Yes! It's a great time to meet them and review your degree plan. Ask questions about courses, majors, or minors. 
• Connect with your PAL to set personal and academic goals for the semester.
• Lean into your study habits and time management as you get prepared to pass your midterms.
• Share with your family members and supporters about your UH experience and successes so far and invite them on campus for UH Family Weekend.
• Keep using campus resources and asking questions, the UH community is here to support you as you settle in..

Set Up For Success

• Create a study plan for mid-terms and assignments. 
• Review lecture notes for 20 minutes before and after each class to reinforce learning.
• Focus on practice problems and topics that challenge you.
• Find a study space or group that fits your learning style and academic needs.
• Celebrate your wins, big or small, and keep the momentum going!