Research Guides: International Student Guide: Home

Welcome

This International Student guide is intended to lay out tools and resources to assist you throughout your time here at the University of Houston - Clear Lake. Sometimes knowing which resources are available to you, and how to use them, can feel overwhelming and daunting with so many tools at your disposal. This guide will help you navigate the library, university, and free resources best suited for many of the needs you may encounter during your time here such as housing, culture shock, finances, food, jobs, and so much more.

In this guide you will find:

► Academic Resources

► Budgeting Resources

► Food Support & Programs

► Housing Assitance

► Library Leasuire Reading & Streaming Services

► Mental Health Support & Resources

► Transportation Options

► What to Expect

If you can not find what you are looking for, please try some of these other resources:

What is one piece of advice you would provide to new international students?

"Don't overthink about the perceptions of others, have faith in yourself. The advisors will help and guide you, and don't be afraid to ask questions."

- Farwa Basith

Graduate Student

International Student Panel 2023

What to Expect

Welcome to the University of Houston - Clear Lake! Throughout your time here at UHCL the Office of International Admissions and Programs (OIAP) will be assisting you with questions, and information, and guiding you through the process of coming to UHCL. The UHCL Libraries has partnered with OIAP to connect you with the necessary resources that you need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Below you will find a list of resources to help prepare you for what to expect as a new international student coming to UHCL and to Texas.

Cultural Adjustment: A Guide for International Students
This guide from University of Texas discusses topics such as cultural shock, and tips for adjusting to different cultures for international students.
Guide to American Culture for Intl. Students
This guide from Texas Tech University covers a variety of topics such as: food, serving sizes, animals and pets, bartering and haggling, and more.
OIAP Pre-Arrival Guide for International Students 2023
This handbook provided by OIAP is designed to answer some of the questions you may have prior to arriving at the Univeristy of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL).
Traveling as an International Student
As a student studying in the United States, you may be able to travel during your time of study. If you travel internationally, for annual vacation or during a school break, make sure you take the appropriate steps before you travel to ensure a smooth reentry into the United States.
Understanding Culture Shock in International Students
An article written by Brandie Yale from University of Houston to help address understanding what culture shock is, the stages of adjustment, and adaptation.
UHCL Calendar of Events
Learn what events are taking place on campus, from international admission sessions to performances, informational sessions, and more. Get connected with your community today!

Academic Resources

This section will list out several academic resources that you will need to be in touch with over your time here at UHCL such as the OIAP department, academic advising, how the higher education system is structured, and what to expect in the classroom.

Academic Advising
This website is where you can schedule your academic advising appointments, and learn more about the next steps for course selection, and your academics.
American Education System: The US Higher Education System Explained
An article that gives a brief introduction to the higher education system in the United States, how it is structured, how grades work, what credits are, and what the experience is like in the classroom.
Computer Labs
Learn more about the open computer labs on campus and the hours of operation.
UHCL Bookstore: Textbook FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions from the campus bookstore such as the difference between "textbooks" and "course materials", or what an "international version" of a textbook is.
UHCL IDT: Student Canvas Support
OIT's Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) team coordinates with the OIT Support Center to provide assistance to students with Canvas and other instructional technologies. Students are encouraged to contact the Support Center with their questions and concerns about applications, including Canvas, Blackboard Ally, Zoom, Echo360, and online proctoring tools.
UHCL Libraries
The Alfred R. Neumann Library is your destination for scholarly information, research databases, and state-of-the-art personal study and collaborative work spaces. Come to us for research assistance and information literacy instruction.
UHCL Writing Center
The Writing Center at University of Houston-Clear Lake assists students, faculty, staff and alumni with both academic and personal writing projects.

Mental Health

It is important to not only take care of yourself academically, and physically, but also mentally, and UHCL is here to help. If you are just looking for someone to talk to, or finding ways to cope with change, this section will list a few free resources you can use to help manage your mental health.

Counseling and Mental Health Center
University of Houston-Clear Lake Counseling and Mental Health Center offers free and confidential therapy to currently enrolled UHCL students. At this time, all services are securely provided both virtually through Zoom and in-person.
Health & Wellness
UHCL's site provides you with a range of health resources available to you as a student to ensure that you achieve optimal physical and emotional health.
UH Community Counseling Referrals
UH has provided a list of community resources that, while not free, are available and willing to work with the community to provide mental health support at clinics, with therapists or psychiatrists, faculty, staff resources, psychiatry, and medication management.
CBT Guide to Depression & Test: Android
Feeling sad or depressed? Completely free tools to help change your life, and learn to manage the factors that can contribute to depression.
Virtual Hope Box
The app contains simple tools to help users with coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking using personalized audio, video, pictures, games, mindfulness exercises, activity planning, inspirational quotes and coping statements.