Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Graduation is right around the corner and as the big day approaches, now is the time to prepare and take care of final tasks before entering the next chapter. 

With diplomas in sight, outfits ready to go and champagne bottle waiting to be popped, here are a few last minute tips for graduation.

Meet with an advisor and apply for graduation

Mix ups can happen and it’s important to review academic record to ensure all the credits are accounted for and are on the right path to walk the stage. 

Addressing any errors now rather than later can prevent unnecessary stress as graduation gets closer. Graduation is a long process so students shouldn’t forget even the smallest details. 

While it might seem obvious, students should make sure to apply for graduation and turn in any paperwork UH may require, including paying any additional fees such as buying the cap and gown. 

Additionally, be sure to secure tickets for families to see you on graduation day!

Network

Take advantage of the little time have left at your Alma Mater and make last minute connections before walking across the stage.

Student can reach out to their professors and thank them for all the help and guidance. Be genuine and ask for advice and letters of recommendation from professors who know your strengths and character as you share future plans.

In a competitive job market or applying for graduate school, good letters of recommendation will be any student’s best friend and can give them a strong advantage. 

Stay connected with as many classmates as possible; moreover, each student graduating is entering the same job market and can be a valuable connection in the future professional network and could potentially open up new opportunities down the road too.

Attend career services events and career fairs

Make an appointment to meet with a career counselor. Career counselors can assist future graduates in a variety of ways, from interview preparation to negotiating job salaries. 

They are there to give students a helping hand and prepare them for the workforce. Attending career fairs before the semester wraps up could open opportunities to meet potential employers and learn about job openings.

Students could also find out about different workshops as well that can help make any last minute improvements on their resumes.

To schedule appointments and view the calendar for career fairs and workshops, students can check out Cougar Pathway.

Connect with UH Alumni

UH has over 300,000 alumni and has a strong alumni network that can help students connect with multiple resources. Looking into the UH Alumni Association and considering joining could help push recent graduates’ career on the right track.

The UH Alumni Association offers many benefits including a partnership with the University’s career center as well as receiving access to alumni career assistance and coaching from an alumni counselor. 

With dozens of UH alumni associations based on majors, locations and shared interests, students can easily find connections anywhere they go. 

Create a budget

The transition from being a student to an employee full time can involve making some different financial decisions and it is important to start thinking of how to manage the post graduate finances. 

However this can be avoided by preparing a budget well ahead of time, and calculating all kinds of possible expenses.

There are many different apps and resources to help create budgets such as EveryDollar, Quicken and YNAB. Students can also use spreadsheets which can assist in helping keep an organized budget. 

Planning ahead can help stay financially organized while managing new expenses.

Don’t forget to celebrate

Plan on taking graduation photos because these moments only come once in a lifetime and it’s important to capture these big milestones.  

Whether it’s a professional photographer or a friend with a phone taking pictures, there are many iconic places on campus to take great graduation photos. 

Many Alumni have taken graduation pictures at the popular Cullen family plaza fountain. This spot can make for an iconic graduation photo.

Another great spot is the Shasta statue outside the TDECU Stadium. Graduates also take pictures at the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building and with the large UH banner, the Cullen building makes a great background for graduation photos. 

Entering this new chapter can be as exciting as it can be overwhelming and stressful. In the midst of all the tasks and responsibilities students shouldn’t forget to enjoy the moment. 

Take pride in the accomplishment and be prepared to enter the next chapter. 

news@thedailycougar.com 

—
“Graduation prep guide: Last-minute to-dos for UH Seniors” was originally posted on The Cougar

Stephanie Santos/The Cougar

UH is home to 44% of first-generation students with several of them facing struggles when pursuing higher education. 

From the paperwork, financial aid and familial obligations, a lot of them are unaware of the resources available through the application process. 

Art senior Lourdes Flores is the first and oldest of her two siblings to attend college. She prioritized staying local for school to help her family and as a transfer student, the flexibility UH offered helped her balance her job and academics. 

However, she admits to encountering difficulties in her process of entering UH as a transfer student. 

“Admissions wouldn’t take my transcript and they confused me as two different people which made me get accepted pretty last minute before that semester started,” Flores said.

UH was an hour away from her, and she had to drive to campus often to talk with the admissions department to get the matter resolved. 

Her frustration is common amongst other first-generation students like computer science sophomore Nevin Patel, who find themselves overwhelmed with the admission process. 

“Applying to universities was a little difficult, I don’t think my high school advisors helped much, but I was able to get through it,” Patel said. 

Students also have to deal with the pressure from their families to succeed. 

“The pressure on me is always high as my family expects a lot more out of me,” Patel said.

Finding ways to cope with the pressures of being a first-generation college student is vital to keeping academic success. He suggests prioritizing mental health to deal with such issues and relax every now and then. 

“I will take a break, go for a walk or just try to concentrate on myself,” Patel said. 

The diverse, friendly environment and affordability that UH offers were a key factor in deciding to choose UH over other top Texas universities, Patel said. 

He felt satisfied with the University resources offered to him but he believes UH could still improve the communication between students and the school.

“UH already has many programs for first-generation students, but they could improve by hosting more events where students can meet new people and discover the programs UH has,” Patel said. 

Flores has not accessed any of the UH resources targeted for first-generation students as she was not aware they existed. 

“Honestly, I haven’t searched for any resources, and UH hasn’t offered me any—probably because I haven’t looked,” Flores said. 

Students like Flores often have to rely on their own means because of the lack of guidance and familiarity from the University to push the resources available. 

Despite these shortcomings, Flores and Patel admit that they would recommend UH to other incoming first-generation students.

“My experience here has not been perfect but I think it is still worth it. I have gotten so many opportunities here,” Patel said.

UH First Generation Resources pushes for school involvement, offers mentorship programs and provides counseling and psychological services to help ease the experience for students adjusting to college.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“The first generation student experience at UH” was originally posted on The Cougar

Arvid Lindblad and David Coulthard posing with their cars at the Discovery Green Anheuser Busch Stage on Sept. 6, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Oracle Red Bull Showrun Houston, presented by Ford, brought the Formula 1 motorsport exhibition to the streets of Houston on Saturday to showcase their championship winning F1 cars. 

Discovery Green was transformed into a track as thousands of fans made their way to the highly awaited event. More than 35,000 fans were present for the exhibition, according to an email sent by the Red Bull’s event organizers. 

Well renowned, legendary former F1 driver 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, and F3 championship winner and a member of Red Bulls Junior team Arvid Lindblad, took on the track in the Oracle Red Bull and Visa Cash App F1 cars.

While Coulthard swooned the audience driving the RB7, the event also marked the debut for Lindblad driving an F1 car where fans witnessed the driver in the RB8. 

Coulthard driving the RB7 at Discovery Green on Sept. 7, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

To Lindblad, it felt like a lifelong dream coming true. 

“To be able to just drive this car that I used to watch on the sofa at home with my dad when I was four or five years old, I never even imagined getting this opportunity,” Lindblad said. “So I’m super excited and super grateful.” 

He also shared his goals and aspirations for his career. He aspires to get into F1 and race on some of the American tracks. 

“I’ve only watched them on TV and played them at home, so I think that would be something I’m really looking forward to,” Lindblad said.

Both F1 cars shared the track for the first time in a grand finale, setting a record and milestone for F1 in the United States. 

Lindblad driving the RB8 at Discovery Green on Sept. 7, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

In addition to the cars, the Red Bull showcase highlighted several other vehicles and drivers, along with food trucks and merchandise shops.

“Mad” Mike Whiddett fired up the crowd driving the Mclaren P1 Hypercar showcasing burnouts, donuts and other high-intensity stunts.

Motorcyclist, Aaron Colton, demonstrated extreme high risk moves followed by Andrew Carlson displaying his Pro4 truck through the track. 

The event also featured Ford’s own vehicles, the Mustang GT3 and F-150 Lightning Supertrucks.

Coogs in the House

Many Coogs were present at the showcase representing the University. The Society of Automotive Engineers chapter at UH was showcasing their two cars as well. 

“We have been rebuilding our identity within UH and especially with an opportunity like this, getting our name out there for the people of the Houston community,” said President of the Formula SAE chapter Patrick Sanchez. 

The Society of Automotive Engineers chapter at UH posing for The Cougar at Discovery Green on Sept. 7, 2024 | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Founded in the ’80s but not recognized until 2015, the chapter has a long history of perseverance and hopes to become a yearly competitive team. 

The chapter is building a Formula 1 style race car to compete in May. The organization is doing their best and is hungry to win, Sanchez said. 

“We will make it to the competition and represent Houston at its finest, for all of its diversity and its intelligence as well,” Sanchez said.  

Though the chapter consists mainly of mechanical engineering students, it is open to all majors.

F1 with a Houston twist

Red Bull committed to adding Houstonian culture to the event. The RB7 was transformed with swangas on the rims, adding a Houstonian touch to represent slab culture. Other local slabs made appearances as they all paraded through the track.

Rapper and former UH student Paul Wall made a surprise appearance and accompanied Mike Whiddett in the Mclaren P1 Hypercar. 

Popular Houston-based DJ, Mr. Rogers, performed during the show run in a special intermission showcase of Red Bull Music and more local DJs such as DJ Hed and DJ Chose performed at NOTO Houston for the Red Bull Turn It Up celebration. Fans kept the energy high all throughout and the show was a complete sold-out.

Paul Wall accompanying Mike Whiddett in the Mclaren P1 Hypercar at the Discovery Green on Sept. 7, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

“My favorite driver was Sebastian Vettel and just him becoming the youngest champion in F1 history was kind of something that I thought was cool,” said Red Bull fan Francisco Trejo.

Trejo has been a follower of the races since 2011 and drove all the way from Austin to Houston for the event. He was content with the event coordination and would consider coming to another show run in Houston. 

“I think it was really fun,” Trejo said. “There were no problems and I think just from anywhere you could see the cars.”

To finish the exhibition with a bang, Courthard and Lindblad paraded through the streets in cowboy hats waving the Texas and American flags. 

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Cars to Coogs: Here’s the F1 Red Bull Showrun recap” was originally posted on The Cougar

A student using one of the computers in the computer lab at Cougar Place on Aug. 29, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

For a lot of incoming freshmen, it might be their first time taking courses online.

Many first-year students need help adapting to this new system, as it is important to find balance, learn time management and create a schedule to succeed. 

Here are a few tips students can follow to be effective and efficient while taking these classes.

Creating a schedule

Creating a routine to follow that keeps up with classes, homework and extracurriculars is vital. It will help students stay up to date with deadlines. 

With different color tasks and reminders, Google Calendar allows students to arrange their assignments and schedule in a manner that works for them. 

“Although I know it only gets harder from here, I’m glad I was able to set up my schedule in a way that is lenient towards my academics at my own pace,” said economics freshman Diane Castillo.

Creating a Google Calendar and putting all the due dates on it helps a lot. Students can keep checking it and reminding themselves to get it out of their way, said biology freshman Riley Miller. 

Get rid of distractions

Engaging in school work outside of classroom can open doors to a lot of opportunities but also to distractions if not managed properly. Therefore, social media, television and phones can be distracting to some. 

Having a proactive mindset when dealing with distractions can help students stay focused. Finding a place to study that has minimal distractions can be useful while studying to be more efficient. 

“Doom scrolling is a thing and at the end of the day, work needs to get done,” Castillo said. 

Take advantage of office hours

Many online and hybrid classes include office hours. Some Professors even offer via zoom. Extra help can make the difference between failing and passing a class or even in an entire letter grade. 

Taking online classes does not necessarily mean that everything has to be done independently. Finding that balance between online and in person help can be of great use.

“Although we have our own time, we still can meet up for questions and discussions about the material,” Miller said. 

Communication with your professors can show commitment and dedication and make Coogs feel more confident in their class performance as well.

Connect with peers

Connecting with students on group chats is a go-to step many students make to connect with their classmates. Setting up study groups around campus or even via Zoom can be beneficial to understanding the class and coursework.

It can provide a more engaging and fun learning experience and help build connections. It can also help students feel more comfortable about their study habits.

“I decided to attend one study group at the beginning of the fall semester my freshmen year and it really helped me manage the class,” said accounting sophomore Sarina Patel.

Adapting does not happen overnight, but with the right strategies, students can find themselves thriving in their online and hybrid classes. 

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Tips on managing online, hybrid classes” was originally posted on The Cougar

Students can find a large variety of clubs featuring sports, academics and fraternities. | Raphael Fernandez/ The Cougar

Whether you are a returning student or an incoming freshman, the first week of school can be overwhelming. Therefore, it becomes essential to have friends in this journey. 

In the midst of the excitement and stress, UH offers many opportunities for students to mingle and create new friendships.

Weeks of Welcome

UH hosts many events for students to have fun and socialize with their peers. Weeks of Welcome has numerous events ranging from Cat’s Back to Glow party, featuring DJ and glow paint. 

Each event highlights different interests while also exposing students to new organizations and club representatives. 

Getting involved early in the school semester is the best way to meet like-minded people and find new hobbies.

Students can find a large variety of clubs featuring sports, academics and fraternities. More information about the various events around campus can be found here. 

Study groups

Studying alone might become lonely and boring. Many classes have group chats and hold study groups that can open up opportunities to work and interact with others. 

Working together on difficult assignments can strengthen bonds between classmates as they experience the challenges of classes.

Students can even book group study rooms at the MD Anderson Library. It creates a fun environment to learn while also focusing on notes, classwork, assignments and building a support system. 

Walking through campus

Exploring campus is another great way to meet people and familiarize yourself with what UH offers. If students have no interest in joining any organizations or clubs, they can still make campus feel like home by exploring different areas on campus. 

Cullen Fountain and Reflection Pool is one of the most loved spots on campus for students to just sit and relax. 

New Coogs should remember they are not alone in this journey and many others feel the same way. Other students are looking to meet new people as well, so don’t feel afraid to initiate a conversation that can turn into a long-lasting friendship. 

Attend events at the dormitory or on campus apartments

Many resident advisors plan social events for students living in their respective buildings. 

Cougar Village I and Cougar Village II along with other UH living spaces repeatedly host social events with music and food for resident students. 

Attending these events with roommates, suitemates or neighbors opens the door to new friendships. 

Resident advisors also plan tournaments and competitions throughout the semester and participating in these fun activities can expose students to new faces.

Working on campus

UH offers its students many on-campus job opportunities at places such as Cougar Grounds, Campus Recreation and Wellness Center and the library. 

Working with other peers for long hours and enduring the same work environment makes the perfect space to build bonds. 

Whether it is bonding over work stress or the enjoyment of the job, work friendships can often lead to long lasting friendships in your personal life as well.

Take it easy and don’t fret!

It is okay if the first week does not go as expected. Meeting and finding people that can be trusted can take time. 

Sincere friendships do not happen overnight and it is normal to not connect with everyone at the same level. 

Appreciate the learning process and the diverse individuals that UH is home to and the small moments shared with each other, as it can still be impactful. Enjoy the journey!

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Follow these tips to create new, life-long friendships” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Entering college life comes with significant changes in lifestyle, and staying healthy while adjusting to these changes is vital as it can help students set up for success. 

Luckily, there are many ways a student can achieve a healthy lifestyle while balancing school life. Here are some helpful tips:

Finding healthy eating options around campus

It is not hard to find a place to eat when there are numerous dining spots scattered all around campus. However, not all of them offer healthy meal options. 

Chick-fil-A, located in the Student Center South, might not be the healthiest but they do offer some nutritious meals such as salads, wraps and grilled chicken sandwiches.

McAlister’s Deli, located across the recreation center, and Einstein Bros. Bagels also offer numerous varieties of salads making them convenient options for health conscious students. 

Dining halls on campus are another great resource that offers a large variety of different foods that change on an everyday basis. 

Calories for any of the foods served on campus can be found online on the UH dining website and on the dining hall menu screens.

Cooking

While it can be helpful to have access to the nutritional facts of campus food, the most effective way of keeping a healthy diet is by cooking meals. 

This gives a student the ability to control what is put into their diet and manage all kinds of nutritious needs. Most living spaces on campus are equipped with kitchenettes, allowing students to cook and prepare their own meals. 

Cooking also allows for meal preparation which can keep students healthy on-the-go even on busy college days. 

Working out

Working out at a gym or practicing yoga is another way to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Lucky for Coogs, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is accessible to all students with their Cougar card. 

The CRWC offers a large variety of gym equipment that helps target all muscle groups. 

The right tools can be easily found for every kind of goal ranging from lifting weights, walking on a treadmill to even strengthening their core.

Aside from traditional gym equipment, the rec center offers many classes and activities such as yoga, pilates and rock climbing that are free to students. 

The building is also equipped with several indoor and outdoor pools that provide yet another way to stay active.

Manage stress

Students tend to feel overburdened by the fast moving pace of college life. Therefore, it is essential to manage stress effectively and efficiently.

Practicing mindfulness, meditation and deep-breathing exercises are the most common practices to relieve stress. 

UH also organizes a bunch of events to help students manage stress. Counseling and Psychological Services is also a good resource for students to seek support. 

Get enough sleep

While it is important to make sure that each student is living their college life to the fullest, it is equally important to have a good sleep schedule. 

A healthy sleep schedule requires an adult to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night, according to research.  

Being sleep-deprived will only lead to more tiredness, decreased levels of efficiency and a reduced information retention rate as well.

Students can create playlists with soothing songs to help them fall asleep early and more easily. 

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Tips for a healthy college lifestyle” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Entering college life comes with significant changes in lifestyle, and staying healthy while adjusting to these changes is vital as it can help students set up for success. 

Luckily, there are many ways a student can achieve a healthy lifestyle while balancing school life. Here are some helpful tips:

Finding healthy eating options around campus

It is not hard to find a place to eat when there are numerous dining spots scattered all around campus. However, not all of them offer healthy meal options. 

Chick-fil-A, located in the Student Center South, might not be the healthiest but they do offer some nutritious meals such as salads, wraps and grilled chicken sandwiches.

McAlister’s Deli, located across the recreation center, and Einstein Bros. Bagels also offer numerous varieties of salads making them convenient options for health conscious students. 

Dining halls on campus are another great resource that offers a large variety of different foods that change on an everyday basis. 

Calories for any of the foods served on campus can be found online on the UH dining website and on the dining hall menu screens.

Cooking

While it can be helpful to have access to the nutritional facts of campus food, the most effective way of keeping a healthy diet is by cooking meals. 

This gives a student the ability to control what is put into their diet and manage all kinds of nutritious needs. Most living spaces on campus are equipped with kitchenettes, allowing students to cook and prepare their own meals. 

Cooking also allows for meal preparation which can keep students healthy on-the-go even on busy college days. 

Working out

Working out at a gym or practicing yoga is another way to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Lucky for Coogs, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is accessible to all students with their Cougar card. 

The CRWC offers a large variety of gym equipment that helps target all muscle groups. 

The right tools can be easily found for every kind of goal ranging from lifting weights, walking on a treadmill to even strengthening their core.

Aside from traditional gym equipment, the rec center offers many classes and activities such as yoga, pilates and rock climbing that are free to students. 

The building is also equipped with several indoor and outdoor pools that provide yet another way to stay active.

Manage stress

Students tend to feel overburdened by the fast moving pace of college life. Therefore, it is essential to manage stress effectively and efficiently.

Practicing mindfulness, meditation and deep-breathing exercises are the most common practices to relieve stress. 

UH also organizes a bunch of events to help students manage stress. Counseling and Psychological Services is also a good resource for students to seek support. 

Get enough sleep

While it is important to make sure that each student is living their college life to the fullest, it is equally important to have a good sleep schedule. 

A healthy sleep schedule requires an adult to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night, according to research.  

Being sleep-deprived will only lead to more tiredness, decreased levels of efficiency and a reduced information retention rate as well.

Students can create playlists with soothing songs to help them fall asleep early and more easily. 

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Tips for a healthy college lifestyle” was originally posted on The Cougar