What’s student life like in Houston?

In Houston you’ll attend renowned institutions and, in addition, it’s one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Student life here is marked by multiculturalism, which makes socialising easy and enriching, and in every corner you can try a different dish.

What are the best areas to live in Houston as a student?

The best areas to live in Houston as a student are the Midtown, which has a lively nightlife and very good access to public transportation; Rice Village, which is close to Rice University; and the Museum District, with proximity to important universities and a great cultural and transportation offer.

How to study in Houston?

Studying in Houston requires admission to one of the city's institutions. For this you must demonstrate your level of English, generally by presenting the TOEFL test, pass the admission exams if they exist, and you may have to present a letter of recommendation. Once accepted, you need a student visa to reside in the country for the duration of your studies.

Where to study in Houston?

In Houston you can study at several top institutions, including Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College, and some other more specialised ones such as Baylor College of Medicine, or the South Texas College of Law Houston.

Studying in Houston

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Houston


Private rooms Houston	877	694/month
Residences Houston	20	1041/month
Studios Houston	1	1043/month
Apartments Houston	42	895/month

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Houston is located on the shores of the Galveston bay, in the southeast of the state of Texas, in the United States. It’s considered one of the great giants of the world due to its active port, and also because it hosts a NASA training centre. Space City welcomes a multitude of international students all year round. Do you want to know why you should study in Houston? We tell you all about it in this article. Come with us!

Cost of living in Houston, United States

The cost of living in Houston is more affordable than in other large cities in the United States. Even so, this can vary taking into account each person's lifestyles. The accommodations can be adapted to different budgets, being the average price of a single room in a shared apartment is around USD $500 per month. This is usually the most recommended option for students because it allows you to divide the expenses among everyone who lives in the apartment.

On the other hand, a studio apartment, with a private bathroom and kitchen, can cost around USD $1,000 per month.

Groceries per month can be around USD $200. You should also know that, to travel by bus, the most used means of transportation, you can purchase the Q card and get discounts.

Student life, parties and leisure in Houston

In Houston, both residents and international students have a great time at night. You'll find everything, from venues with skyline views to luxurious clubs. A popular area to enjoy partying and nightlife is Midtown, with numerous bars, pubs and places to eat. Some very popular ones are The Dogwood and Pub Fiction.

In Washington Avenue you also find places where you can have a few drinks and listen to good music, like Kung Fu Saloon and Clutch Bar. And, if what you like is dancing, Downtown has a mix of stylish bars and clubs which includes the Spire and, our favourite, The Nightingale Room, which has a space for live performances.

Culture and gastronomy in Houston

The artistic-cultural scene is full of museums and galleries that invite you to learn about the roots and customs of the area. The Museum District attracts more than 7 million visitors a year and hosts exhibitions, opera, ballet, and classical music performances. Here you’ll find, among others, the Houston Holocaust Museum, a cultural centre dedicated to preventing the victims of fascism from being forgotten. TheTheater District is located in the city centre, and in it, the Houston Grand Opera theatre and the Houston Ballet. Lastly, there’s the Historic Strand District, a lively area where you can take a look at the beautiful 19th century architecture, as well as galleries and other curiosities.

In the gastronomic paradise that’s Houston, you’ll be able to try a great variety of flavours. If you know the tex-mex cuisine, typical of the state of Texas, then you’ll be happy to know that you have it here at your fingertips! The “enchiladas” are a very popular choice in this category, made with corn tortillas filled with meat, chicken or cheese, covered with tomato sauce and grated cheese. Other delights of this combination of Texan and Mexican food are “tacos al pastor”, stuffed chiles and “mole”. Chili is also a great choice, made from beef, beans, and a mixture of spices. On the other hand, the "crawfish” is preferred especially in spring and is cooked with Cajun spices and then served with potatoes and corn.

Advantages of studying in Houston, United States

There’s a great educational offer, which includes some of the highest-rated institutions in the United States.
If your goal is to learn or improve your English, it’s also very easy thanks to the offer of English schools and programs. And let's not forget, of course, the possibility of practising the language among natives.
If you like good weather and outdoor activities, this city is for you! Its Subtropical climate gives way to hot summers but mild winters.
In addition to immersing yourself in corners full of history, art, culture, and gastronomy from all over the world, Houston is a city with an international student community that continues to grow every day. You can surely get along with new friends quickly!
You have the opportunity to visit the NASA Space Center in the city (Space Center Houston), which offers interactive exhibits, space artefacts, guided tours of the facilities and even live shows. It's almost an out of this world experience!

Cheap student accommodation in Houston

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Do you need accommodation in Houston and don't know how to get it? If you use our Erasmus Play search engine you can find and compare different options, all verified and safe, which will facilitate your search.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Houston

How much does it cost to live in Houston as a student?
The cost of living here is more affordable than in other cities in the United States. The average price of a single room in a shared apartment is around USD $500 per month. The monthly purchase can be around USD $200. Total expenses will depend on each person's lifestyle.
What’s student life like in Houston?
In Houston you’ll attend renowned institutions and, in addition, it’s one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Student life here is marked by multiculturalism, which makes socialising easy and enriching, and in every corner you can try a different dish.
What are the best areas to live in Houston as a student?
The best areas to live in Houston as a student are the Midtown, which has a lively nightlife and very good access to public transportation; Rice Village, which is close to Rice University; and the Museum District, with proximity to important universities and a great cultural and transportation offer.
How to study in Houston?
Studying in Houston requires admission to one of the city's institutions. For this you must demonstrate your level of English, generally by presenting the TOEFL test, pass the admission exams if they exist, and you may have to present a letter of recommendation. Once accepted, you need a student visa to reside in the country for the duration of your studies.
Where to study in Houston?
In Houston you can study at several top institutions, including Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College, and some other more specialised ones such as Baylor College of Medicine, or the South Texas College of Law Houston.