UH's lifestyle and entertainment magazine - by students, for students

Have you ever considered creating a UH bucket list—a list of things to do on or around campus before you graduate?

Currently, hums of lunch, summer and final project plans all fill the Student Centers. In the library, the scent of coffee and the clack of keyboards have taken over. In the Fertitta Center, crowds have been roaring while the loud sounds of the band fill the space. The University is alive. 

Despite its reputation as a commuter school, the campus is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. As the weather gets warmer and the final weeks of the spring semester roll out, consider the following a roadmap to creating lasting Coog memories.

On Campus Bucket List Adventures

Attend a Basketball Game at the Fertitta Center

Feel the crowd’s energy and cheer on the Cougars. It’s a quintessential UH experience, especially since the team is ranked second nationally and first in the Big 12.

Explore the Blaffer Art Museum

Immerse yourself in contemporary art and engage in thought-provoking exhibitions, all created by your fellow Cougars. It’s a great way to de-stress and disconnect from the hustle of college life for a while.

Study Late in the M.D. Anderson Library

Pull an all-nighter and witness the camaraderie of fellow students fueled by caffeine, a determination to pass and the shared delusions.  

Join a Club or Organization

You may be thinking, “Why join a club near the end of the semester?” Well, most clubs and organizations on campus are always looking to recruit new members. Whether it’s a cultural club, academic group or a hobby-based organization, getting involved is key to building community.

Attend a Lecture by a Visiting Scholar

Expand your knowledge and engage with thought leaders from various fields. It’s a chance to learn outside the classroom. By checking the UH calendar website, you can see when and where these lectures occur.

Take a Photo with Shasta

This is a must-do for every cougar! Whether it’s with the mascot at a game or with the bronze statue in the Cullen Family Plaza, capture a memory with a beloved member of the UH family.

Participate in a Campus-Wide Event

Frontier Fiesta is coming up. There is no excuse to miss it!

There are also plenty of cultural celebrations throughout the semester, these events are such a fun time and a great way to connect with the UH community.

Find Your Perfect Study Fuel at a UH Coffee Shop

Houston is home to a wide range of great coffee shops and drink spots. Ditch the vending machine Monsters and look around campus for drink spots! The Nook Cafe, Cougar Grounds, Kokkee Tea or ThirsTea are all great options to not only lock in on some homework but to also hang out with friends.

Attend a Performance at the Moores Opera House

Experience the talent of UH’s performing arts students and enjoy a night of music, dance or theater. 

Walk around Campus, Just Because!

What’s the rush to get back home or to your dorm room? Slow down and enjoy the UH campus. You never know who you might run into, what event is going on at Butler Plaza or what organizations might be tabling in the student center.

Off-Campus Explorations

Visit Hermann Park

Take a stroll, have a picnic or rent a pedal boat and enjoy the natural beauty of this urban oasis.

Explore the Houston Museum District

Immerse yourself in art, science and history at one of the city’s cultural hubs. Plus, depending on the day, UH Students get free tickets!

Thrift in Montrose

This neighborhood is our local version of Austin. It is populated with thrift stores such as Pavement and Leopard Lounge. You never know what second-hand treasures you may find.

Attend a Houston Sports Team Game

It could be the Astros, Rockets, Texans or the Dynamo, depending on the season. Even if you’re not a sports fan, head to a game to enjoy the shared team morale—and maybe a hot dog.

Explore the Houston Zoo

Enjoy a day with the animals! Meet the viral baby elephant, the visiting pygmy hippo or the real-life Shasta, Shasta VII. Similar to the museums, tickets are free for college students!

Visit Buffalo Bayou Park

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the hiking trails!

Go to POST Houston

If you’re a foodie, this is a spot you need to check out! POST is home to Houston’s famous Yoyo’s Hot Dogs, Andes Cafe and Flower and Ice.

Catch a Concert at the House of Blues or White Oak Music Hall

Houston’s live music scene is diverse and vibrant. Whether you’re into rock, country, hip-hop or indie, there’s a venue and a show for you. Don’t forget to look up promo codes online!

Pro-Tip: Check SeatGeek for discounted tickets to shows

Walk Around Rice-Village

Enjoy walking around the streets there. Indulge in the idea of living in a walkable city for at least a few hours. Stop at one of their many trendy shops or splurge on some borderline-overpriced lunch. 

Take a Day Trip to Galveston Island

Escape the city and enjoy a day at the beach. Galveston, just a short drive from Houston, offers sandy shores, historic architecture and a lively pier.

This UH bucket list is more than just a series of tasks. It’s an invitation to get to know Houston beyond its surface.

These experiences offer a chance to reconnect with the community and the city. Whether a lifelong Houstonian or a new student, these UH bucket list items will foster lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for UH and the 713 (Houston).

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