THE COUGAR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025
The Daily Cougar Day: Celebrating 91 years of existence
GAURAANGI GUPTA
MANAGING EDITOR @GAURAANGIGUPTA
Oct. 5 marks the annual Daily Cougar Day, commemorating the first time the organization printed its issue in 1934 as the official student newspaper.
The Cougar, as an organization, is even older than the University itself. Before 1934, the newspaper had been in publication since April 6, 1928.
During that time, it was considered a part of Houston Junior College, a coeducational institution and one of multiple junior colleges.
“It’s pretty incredible. Knowing the paper is older than UH adds even more weight to its importance as part of our shared identity,” said marketing senior Zack Patton. “I think it shows how connecting people through a common source of relevant information can actually precede and help build up a culture.”
Even in 2025, the student-led newspaper strives to ensure that student voices are heard, and that the student body always stays informed.
“The Cougar is another way for me to stay actively involved in the University, it’s like a pulse check on student life and the broader forces that shape it,” Patton said. “It keeps me connected to what’s going on around campus: events, current trends, even political issues that directly affect students.”
For many students, the Cougar provides a sense of community with the news spoken directly by fellow students who witnessed it, said accounting junior Zachary Calahatian
“The Cougar has been passed down to passionate teams time and time again who put in the work to deliver honest and relevant physical media, especially in today’s world where I feel we need it most,” said history junior Mia Lee.
The Daily Cougar did not start with us, and it will not end with us. As vol. 91, we are so proud to be your student-run, student-led newspaper.
Always remember, when you don’t have anyone listening to you, The Cougar will always be there.
news@thedailycougar.com
UH launches pilot program to ease transfer for community college students
JOSHUA VASQUEZ ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @_JOSH_VASQUEZ_
UH will launch a new transfer pathway program aimed at making bachelor’s degrees more affordable and accessible for community college students.
The UH Next pilot program, set to begin in spring 2026, will allow students from five Houston-area community college systems to transition smoothly into the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences after earning an associate degree.
Supported by a $378,000 grant from the Greater Texas Foundation, the initiative will feature joint advising, detailed degree maps and coordinated coursework to minimize credit loss and keep students on track for graduation.
“Our goal is to increase college
access, speed the time to bachelor’s degree completion and prepare more Texas students for the job market,” said associate dean of undergraduate studies for CLASS Todd Romero.
Participating institutions include Alvin Community College, College of the Mainland, Houston City College, San Jacinto College and Wharton County Junior College.
“The program’s focus on continual advising and transferable degree plans will improve the experience for transfer students,” said UH Next program director Rachel Poling.
The pilot will serve as a model for future expansion into other colleges and complements affordability initiatives such as the Cougar Promise tuition support program and various scholarships.
news@thedailycougar.com
The Cougar’s managing editor, Gauraangi Gupta, sitting on her couch Oct. 3, 2025 in the Center for Student Media. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
Members of the editorial board looking at archives of the The Cougar on Oct. 3, 2025. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
UH’s Robert ‘Tito’ Gutierrez captures memories, culture through social media
KAREN WEI STAFF WRITER
@KAREN_FEIWEI
Houston influencer Robert “Tito” Gutierrez, better known by his social media handle @ titofortheworld, doesn’t simply film places, he captures experiences and fleeting memories.
From high-energy football tailgates and trips to Houston’s beloved flea markets, his videos are more than the scenes they depict.
“We’re all growing up, we all have childhoods, we all have pasts,” Gutierrez said. “I love to go back and reminisce on my past
because they’re just memories for life. I think when I go to those places and I record it, a lot of people can relate to those things too.”
With more than 40,000 TikTok followers and 5,000 Instagram followers, Gutierrez’s videos often hit on nostalgic notes.
However, his videos can also be laugh-outloud funny, like his first viral video, captioned “When you’re five minutes to your alarm and your mom has to wake you up to go to class.”
“People that have a high influence, they’re themselves,” Gutierrez said. “They don’t have to be anyone else. They are the trend. So I was
like, OK, let me see how I can make something as simple as the mall fun, but in my own way.”
Growing up, Gutierrez was often made fun of for not fitting in. Even now, he gets called derogatory slurs while filming, but he believes that if you’re not getting hate comments, you’re not doing anything right.
“I want people to be able to feel like they can express themselves without caring what anyone else thinks,” he said. “That’s my whole goal with everything. I would love to create that legacy: that you can be anyone you want.”
The effortless energy in his videos belies the relentless pace he works at. He often films, edits and posts two videos in a single weekend.
“I just post so much that it definitely makes me burnt out sometimes, but I push through it because it’s just part of the job,” Gutierrez said. “It’s like a fun burnout — when you had so much fun, you’re tired.”
Pride in his Hispanic community
Gutierrez is also an intern with the Center for Latino Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown. For Hispanic Heritage Month, he started an “esto o eso” series with Latin American foods, filmed an event commemorating Mexico’s historic El Grito and featured the center’s staff for a Q&A.
The center’s Instagram page has already gained hundreds more followers.
“Ever since Robert took over, it’s been an engine of growth,” said assistant director of the Center for Latino Studies Anthony Ramirez. “He really does bring in that student perspective that we were longing for. It’s important to be that shared voice, and I think
Robert does a good job at that.”
Public policy junior Joshua Sombrano remembers watching Gutierrez’s “esto o eso” video on flour and corn tortillas. Sombrano said the charm of Gutierrez’s content is that it’s open to everyone.
“Even if you’re not of Hispanic identity, you can understand what’s happening there, and that’s what makes it so inviting,” Sombrano said. “It’s not like you have to be part of the club or something to really understand in depth what’s going on, and it’s purposely made not to be that way so that a broader community can be fostered.”
Gutierrez prefers Valentina hot sauce, salsa verde over salsa roja and flour tortillas for shrimp tacos but corn for fajitas. His dream is to one day work with NRG Stadium and take his followers with him to events. He lives by the tagline: “It’s us.”
“I love working for my Hispanic community, and my community loves me back, so that’s why it’s so much fun,” Gutierrez said.
“As I get bigger and I have more opportunities to work with events, I would love to do more things for the community and for my Hispanic family.”
Although Gutierrez now has enough of an online presence that he’s recognized when he’s on campus, he doesn’t see himself as different from anyone else — just the same kid who didn’t quite fit in, whose idea to post videos online has changed everything.
“Everyone sees me as famous, but I’m not — we are the same people,” Gutierrez said. “You’re working as hard as I am. I’m not special. I’m just me, you know? And you’re you, you know? We’re good together, that’s it.”
news@thedailycougar.com
Through the archives: UH homecoming court and beyond
CELENE BOURESLAN
STAFF WRITER
@CELENE_BOURESLAN
From the first homecoming king and queen to milestones such as crowning the first African American queen, the HOCO court has recognized student achievements, inclusion and school spirit.
UH has hosted annual Homecoming celebrations since Nov. 1946. While traditions have evolved, one constant has been the Homecoming Court.
1946 – The First Homecoming Court
Nov. 14, 1946, during the first Homecoming game against North Texas, UH announced its first Homecoming King and Queen. Junior Mary Ray Curry was crowned Queen, with winners selected by the Ex-Students Association.
During this celebration, UH also honored students and alumni who served in World War II.
1950s – “King Ugly”
Throughout the 1950s, UH continued to crown HOCO Queens but introduced a new title for men: “King Ugly.” The title went to the fraternity representative
who raised the most money for campus causes.
On Nov. 26, 1959, Homecoming Queen Rosalie Chrodo presented the King Ugly award to Wayne Dessens at Homecoming.
1968 – UH’s First African American Homecoming Queen
In the 1960s, African American students and staff fought for inclusion in campus life. Journalism and education major Lynn Eusan became the University’s first African American HOCO Queen in 1968 at a predominantly white University in the South.
Eusan helped organize groups like the Afro-Americans for Black Liberation to promote racial harmony. Her activism culminated in her nomination to the 1968 Homecoming Court alongside Charles Rhinehart, UH’s first African American student.
Eusan’s campaign was run by AABL and endorsed by The Daily Cougar.
On Nov. 23, 1968, Eusan and Rhinehart were announced as Homecoming Queen and King at the Astrodome.
Late 20th century
In the following decades, the
Houston’s Homecoming season has seen decades of queens, kings and wins. | Courtesy of The Cougar Archives
Homecoming Court tradition remained largely unchanged.
2020s – Today
Seventy-nine years after the first Homecoming celebration, UH’s
HOCO court still honors all 10 of the homecoming candidates who choose to represent the school and participate in homecoming week festivities.
news@thedailycougar.com
Houston influencer Tito poses for a photo at Student Center North, Friday, Sept. 5, Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/ The Cougar.
HOMECOMING
Where hunger meets hope: UH’s Cougar Cupboard fights food insecurity
KAREN WEI STAFF WRITER
@KAREN_FEIWEI
He broke down when he heard the news.
“The poor boy hadn’t eaten hardly anything in two weeks, and someone told him about the pantry,” said College of Education Student Success Coordinator Laura Lee. “He emailed me and I told him, ‘Yes, definitely come get some food and everything,’ and he just cried. He was so happy.”
The idea of a campus food pantry started as most ideas do: a dream. After reading about similar initiatives at other universities, Lee helped establish Cougar Cupboard 2, then called the Personal Early Education Support Pantry.
“Everybody believed in it and supported it once it got started,” Lee said. “I think it takes everyone together, no matter whether you’re the custodian or whether you’re like me, student success, or faculty to help students. It matters.”
In the 2023-2024 Student Basic Needs Survey Report by the Temple University Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, which surveyed 74,350 students in 91 institutions across 16 states, around 41% of participants reported experiencing food insecurity.
Cougar Cupboard 2 aims to be part of the solution, along with the newer Cougar Cupboard.
“Food is just one of those things that people feel like they should have access to all the time, and they just don’t,” said Program Manager II for the Cougar Cupboard, Genesis Rivas-Ponce. “That contributes to the stigma, like if I’m not able to afford this basic thing, what can I do? It’s just so hard to admit that I’m hungry and I don’t know where my next meal is coming from.”
The Cougar Cupboard, created in
partnership with the Houston Food Bank as part of their Food for Change market network, is free for current UH students enrolled in at least one class. Students can receive up to 30 pounds of food every week.
“People think that the Cupboard is just for people in need, but it’s for everybody,” Rivas-Ponce said. “Right now, everything is so expensive. If you just need a bag of rice, a thing of water, a sandwich, you could just pick it up and not have to pay for it.”
After completing a sign-up form and the Houston Food Bank questionnaire, students receive an identificaiton number.
The Cougar Cupboard, located at 4200 Martin Luther King Blvd., Room R101, is open Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“My very first visit, I think I was a little anxious,” said social work graduate student Amara Thomas. “I was just nervous about what the setup was going to be like and what people would think. But honestly, I haven’t felt judged. It feels just like normal grocery shopping.”
According to the Center for Student Advocacy and Community Associate Director Beau Trent-Pierce, this is by design. Inside the Cupboard, jaunty music plays, friends chat at the game table and laughter bounces off the walls.
“It’s a hard job and it’s labor, but part of it is having fun and making sure our guests are having fun and having a good time,” Trent-Pierce said. “Part of removing that stigma and the barriers, making sure it’s an accessible place, is welcoming folks.”
The Cupboard is not an in-and-out transaction where students receive prepacked bags of food. There’s a sense of autonomy in the shopping experience. It
makes, in Trent-Pierce’s words, a “world of difference.”
“Being truly focused on providing essential needs is amazing because that’s one of my passions, and education is a great passion of mine as well, so being able to mend those two is amazing,” Trent-Pierce said. “This is my first fall here at U of H, so it’s all just kind of fresh. I love my job. I love being able to support the students in the way that I do.”
In the last school year, the Cougar Cupboard received just under 20,000 visits and distributed more than 250,000 pounds of food. For health senior Ashley Nguyen, who grew up on food stamps, choosing to intern at the Cougar Cupboard came down to one simple philosophy: the desire to help.
“It just makes me kind of happy because we’re helping people get the food that they need,” Nguyen said. “It just makes me kind of proud.”
The Cupboard is always looking for work-study students and volunteers, especially with some days seeing over 400 student visits. The work is challenging but rewarding, CSAC Director Michael Crook emphasizes that many of the people on his team were once in the same shoes as the students using the Cougar Cupboard now.
“I was one bag of groceries away from dropping out of school,” Crook said. “I was working two jobs. I was involved as a student leader. My car had got broken into, and then I ended up getting a flat tire, so I couldn’t drive it. I just couldn’t even afford food.”
Crook, a junior at the time, said he shared the details of his situation with just two people — to this day, he doesn’t know who, but somebody dropped off two bags of groceries at his front door. Crook not only stayed in school and graduated, but went on
to earn a master’s degree.
“Food makes a difference and had an impact on me,” Crook said. “We don’t want anybody to feel bad about being hungry, and we want them to know that they can come in. There is support. The university supports them. We have a staff that deeply cares about people and their success and well-being.”
This year, the Cupboard is working on increasing its supply of international foods and is partnering with the American Heart Association to be a heart-healthy pantry.
CSAC will also offer resource coaching so students can get one-on-one help with goal-setting.
“I have no less expectations for students because they’re experiencing food insecurity,” Crook said. “They might have some additional challenges, but my expectations for you to succeed are never going to be lower because I know that you can do it.”
No single grocery trip is going to dismantle the systemic obstacles that face students trying to get enough to eat. Yet, students who use the Cougar Cupboard have higher retention rates compared to those who don’t, particularly low-income students.
“When you work closely with food insecurity and people who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from, or they’re having to pick and choose between eating and where they’re going to live, you can’t help but be moved and changed,” Crook said. “Remember and keep in mind that we are all connected and a rising tide raises all ships. Everyone will do better if we consider one another.”
news@thedailycougar.com
Students browse the shelves at Cougar Cupboard, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/ The Cougar
FOOTBALL
Next man up: How Amare Thomas became Houston’s breakout star
ASHTON GRISSOM SENIOR STAFF WRITER @ASHTONAGRISSOM8
When junior wide receiver Amare Thomas stepped on the field for the first time as a Cougar, he did so with confidence in his ability and a will to be the best player he could be.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham transfer had only been on campus for a few months, with hopes of taking on a much bigger role in the Big 12 Conference.
While many Houston fans were unfamiliar with the new guy wearing number zero, it didn’t take him long to make his name known.
In the Cougars’ opener against Stephen F. Austin, Thomas showed everyone who was watching a glimpse of his future in the red and white.
With just over eight minutes left in the third quarter, junior quarterback Conner Weigman dropped back in the pocket, looked through his progressions, and saw Thomas break free through the middle of the field.
Weigman fired a 20-yard strike to the speedy receiver, which resulted in Thomas’ first touchdown as a Cougar.
The crowd erupted, and Houston went on to complete its first shutout since
Sept. 18, 2021, against Grambling State.
Thomas finished his Cougar debut with three receptions for 44 yards and hauled in his first touchdown of the season.
Although the transfer receiver played well against SFA, he played his best game of the season against the Oregon State.
After opening as heavy favorites, the Cougars found themselves without an offensive rhythm, down 24-10 with just under seven minutes remaining in the game and with a 0.7% chance to win, according to ESPN Analytics.
Houston was backed up on its own side of the field and faced a 3rd-and-17 scenario with its perfect record on the line.
That’s when Thomas showed who he truly was, and he became the go-to target for Weigman down the stretch.
With the game on the line, Thomas made a clutch grab for 13 yards to give Houston a chance to convert on fourth down.
The very next play, Weigman looked his way on the biggest play of the game, and Thomas came through with a 16-yard catch-and-run for a first down.
The conversation led to a 27-yard touchdown grab on the following snap by senior receiver Stephon Johnson. On the next possession, senior tight end Tanner
Koziol took a 50-yard pass from Weigman to the endzone to tie the game at 24.
The Cougars prevailed in overtime with a field goal by senior kicker Ethan Sanchez, and Houston finished the improbable comeback in a 27-24 victory.
“I was really excited with how we finished the game even though we didn’t play as well as we wanted to,” Thomas said. “When it came down to it, we didn’t give up and played well at the end. My role in the game was simple. When the ball comes my way, I have to make the play.”
Thomas did just that against Oregon State and finished the game with six receptions for 104 yards, including several key catches late in the game.
In the win, Thomas demonstrated his ability to change the game’s outcome and what he brings to the table, and coach Willie Fritz and his staff know what he is capable of.
“The thing I am impressed about with Amare is he lines up right and does his assignment correctly, which I don’t think we give guys enough credit for,” Fritz said.
Thomas’s talent and attention to detail in his game solidified him as a starting wide receiver on Houston’s roster, and he is set for a big year in 2025.
Thomas’ background and
journey
to Houston
Thomas was a three-star recruit from Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Ala., and first made an impact at his 6A school.
He was one of the top receivers in his program and led his team to the 6A State Championship game in 2020.
Due to his stellar play in the high school ranks, Thomas earned an offer from UAB and committed to play his first collegiate season there in 2023.
“When I got there, it was a completely new staff and I had to work hard to get on the field,” Thomas said. “I learned every single wide receiver position from when I first got there. Whenever someone went down in practice, I was always the first guy to fill in, and that’s how I got noticed.”
His hard work in the offseason paid off early in his freshman campaign.
In just the second game of the season, one of UAB’s top targets on offense went down, and Thomas’ name was called upon to be the next man up.
The rookie wide receiver made the most of his opportunity and ended his freshman campaign with over 400 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
AMARE THOMAS
Continues on page five
AMARE THOMAS
Continued from page four
The following season, Thomas put his name on the map and drew interest from many schools.
The sophomore tallied 62 receptions for 670 yards and caught eight touchdowns, and showed he was among the best wide receivers in the American Athletic Conference.
After his breakout season, Thomas looked to further develop his game at a school that would allow him to reach his full potential.
Thomas stated that some of the other schools that had reached out to him in the offseason were: Utah, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Louisville, Clemson and several others.
The talented transfer trusted himself to make the right decision and that Houston is the place he wanted to continue his collegiate journey.
“After visiting Houston and talking to Fritz, it felt like it was the best place for me,” Thomas said. “I just had a gut feeling that it was the right choice.”
So far this season, Thomas and Houston have been a perfect fit for each other.
The junior wide receiver leads the receiver room with 16 receptions and 284 yards, and is tied with Johnson with two touchdowns on the year.
Thomas is a selfless receiver who is focused more on the team’s success than his own.
“I feel like every receiver would like to hit the 1,000-yard mark,” Thomas said. “I
am focusing more on winning games and helping the team anyway I can instead of worrying about numbers.”
From the moment he first stepped on UAB’s practice field, Thomas built his reputation by doing the little things right, like lining up correctly, learning every
wide receiver position and jumping in whenever he was called upon, and the coaches have noticed.
That same determination for success brought him to Houston, where he is no longer a freshman fighting for a roster spot, but he is thriving as one of the
Cougars’ most dependable weapons. His journey from a three-star recruit from Alabama into a go-to playmaker in the Big 12 not only shows how far he has come, but how much he still has left to offer for the city of Houston. sports@thedailycougar.com
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Houston wide receiver Amare Thomas sprinting through an open path during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
How Austin Armstrong brought Kelvin Sampson’s mentality to the gridiron
ALEJANDRO COMPEAN
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
@ALECOMPEANNN
When Houston football defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong first arrived on campus last winter, he had a courtside view of college basketball’s top defensive program.
He saw shot-clock violations,
rejections and smothering defense nightly from Houston men’s basketball, and it was enough to win over Armstrong, who wants the same mentality out of his unit.
“I love coach (Kelvin) Sampson, everything that he’s about. Not just what he said, but what he is about,” Armstrong said during fall camp.
Sampson, who prides himself on teaching unrelenting effort, intensity and grit, gave the blueprint and foundation for what Armstrong and any defensiveminded coach should follow.
But knowing the blueprint is only one part of the puzzle — the other is getting an entire defense to buy into it.
Despite finishing 4-8 for the second
consecutive year, Houston boasted one of the top defenses in the Big 12 Conference in 2024, surrendering only 22.9 points per game, which ranked fourth in the conference and 40th nationally.
Still, as often is the case in the transfer portal era, the challenge wasn’t just maintaining that level of production, but doing it with a bevy of new faces.
Houston introduced numerous transfers and newcomers to its defense overall through the winter and spring portal windows, leaving Armstrong with a retooled cast to preach his philosophy to.
What made his job easier, according to him, was the culture coach Willie Fritz had already established.
“I was the new guy that came in January, they’ve all been first class, they work their butt off. Coach Fritz has a culture of hard work and discipline,” Armstrong said. “That makes my job easy from that standpoint.”
Even with the groundwork in place, Armstrong has already left an imprint on Houston’s defense in 2025.
Despite the apathetic 35-11 loss to Texas Tech in week six, where Houston allowed a season-high 35 points and 552 total yards of offense, Armstrong’s defense is only allowing 17.6 points per game through the first five contests of the season.
AUSTIN ARMSTRONG
Continues on page seven
Houston defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong looking into the distance after speaking to the team during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
Through its first two games against Stephen F. Austin and Rice, Houston
had only allowed nine points, the fewest points allowed through the first two games of a season since 1989. During fall camp, Armstrong was asked
what kind of defense fans could expect this season.
He just said he hoped it’d be one to stop the other team.
Two of the frontliners who have helped make that a common part of Armstrong’s unit are senior defensive lineman Carlos Allen Jr. and junior defensive lineman Khalil Laufau.
Both are among the top tacklers in the Big 12 this season, with Allen Jr. leading the conference.
“Khalil and Carlos have done a fantastic job, coach Giles and coach Osborne have done a great job with them,” Armstrong said. “They’re very active, we ask them to do a lot from a technique, fundamental standpoint, so I’m excited to see their improvement moving forward.”
With only two conference matchups completed so far, and seven remaining on its schedule, more than half the season, Armstrong’s defense still has ample tests ahead against some of the Big 12’s top offenses.
They’re coming off facing the most prolific one, in No. 9 Texas Tech, which showed Houston still has plenty to learn and improve on to compete with some of the Big 12’s conference title contenders.
Just as Sampson does with his program, wins and losses never linger past the day of the game in which they occur, a philosophy echoed by Fritz and adopted by Armstrong and his unit.
“We’re trying to improve every day, we’re not worried about the past, or the future. We’re worried about each moment,” Armstrong said. “We’re trying to win moment at a time.”
sports@thedailycougar.com
Houston defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong celebrates with linebacker Corey Platt Jr. (9) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Emma Christensen/The Cougar
housing
Here are some essentials students recommend for new apartment life
JOSHUA VASQUEZ
NEWS EDITOR
ASSISTANT
@_JOSH_VASQUEZ_
As students move into off-campus apartments this fall, many are learning that furnishing a space takes more than just unpacking boxes.
From mattresses to microwaves, apartment essentials play a key role in creating a livable environment for students adjusting to independent life. Though
setting up a college apartment can be timeconsuming, many students view it as an important step toward independence.
By balancing comfort, functionality and affordability, students are creating spaces that reflect both their needs and a new stage in life.
Bedroom essentials
The bedroom is often the first space to
set up. Most college apartments provide limited furniture, so students typically bring their own bed frame, mattress, nightstand and desk.
Extra bedding and pillows can make a huge difference during busy weeks when laundry piles up.
Curtains or blinds also become important for maintaining a regular sleep schedule amid early classes and late nights.
Once the basics are in place, décor helps personalize the room. Rugs, posters and photos allow students to create a sense of comfort in a new environment.
Bathroom hygiene
Bathrooms bring new responsibilities as well. With private bathrooms replacing communal dorm spaces, students must supply their own towels, shower curtains, toiletries and cleaning supplies.
Stocking up on items such as toilet paper and disinfectant can make upkeep easier during the semester. This will also ensure healthy and clean environment.
Another item that students could use in their bathrooms is room fragrance spray. It’s a great item to have handy, especially when guesta are coming over.
Kitchen essentials
In the kitchen, simple setups tend to
work best. A table and chairs provide a space for both meals and studying.
Essential cookware like pots, pans and utensils supports basic meal preparation, while small appliances such as microwaves and coffee makers often become everyday necessities.
Keeping pantry staples, salt, pepper and oil on hand allows for quick, affordable meals between classes.
Living room spaces
Living rooms often serve as gathering spaces for students and friends.
A sturdy couch, coffee table and TV stand form the foundation of a shared space, while throw blankets, plants and lamps add warmth and character.
Adding a bunch of candles also adds a feeling of comfort. Students can choose from several scents, pairing with different seasons as well.
Many students also rely on practical items that make daily life easier. Storage bins, clothes hangers and cleaning tools help maintain order, while small toolkits and extension cords often come in handy for repairs and electronics.
news@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
The college housing dilemma: On-campus vs. off-campus living
ANNA MONROE
OPINION EDITOR
@ANNA._.MONROE
After moving into my own place, I’m often asked if I like it better than living on UH campus. Some days, I will answer with a quick, undoubtful ‘yes’. Other days, I find myself daydreaming of being back in the dorms.
After living at the infamous Moody Towers for my first school year at UH, I moved into an apartment 30 minutes away from campus.
Pro campus
Moody towers could have its own book dedicated to its atrocities, from flooding floors to armed robberies. In the end, that was home away from home for a limited time. Call it trauma bonded, but it was my resort either way.
As this being my first place in Houston, living on campus was unbelievably convenient. I had my classes to my left and my advisor’s office to my right. Being this close to everything allowed me to breathe easier because I didn’t have to factor in a commute to my schedule.
The only places I mainly had to commute to where my jobs. A five-minute walk to Cougar Grounds or a seven-minute walk to the doctors, everything I needed outside of academics were also at arm’s length. Living on campus forces you to make
university your life, so locking-in was no problem. It endorsed my priorities to be my success in school. I’m not saying everything was distraction free but allowed me to refocus when things got off track.
Tuition for students fluctuates, depending on what dorm they live in. When compared, living in Moody is cheaper than my monthly rent. A semester in moody plus the cheapest meal plan equals what it costs for just one semester of rent in my apartment.
This financial aspect is probably the most stress inducing factor when comparing living on campus vs. in an apartment. Many of us don’t have the option to live at home, so when it comes to the bills, that is the only factor that matters.
Pro apartment
The biggest change to moving into my own apartment was the ability to call it ‘my own’. A sense of pride comes with getting your own set of keys and a welcome mat. My inner child couldn’t be happier that I made it this far. Blessed enough to have the opportunity and worked hard enough to keep it.
This freedom immediately felt different after signing the lease. It was like putting on your favorite song after a long day of work. The tension of always being around people and endless chatter of campus, suddenly melts away when the front door closes behind me.
The second most important factor, having my own kitchen. Those who have eaten at Moody dining understand why. Now, I have the freedom to control my own meals, cook what I want. As a person who prioritizes health, it is a great stress relief knowing exactly what I eat. I no longer have to make circles around the dining hall, looking for something appetizing.
The factor that tips the scale towards apartment winning my favoritism, is that I get to live with my boyfriend. After nearly a year of long distance after I moved from my hometown, nothing could make me happier.
After nearly four years of discussing moving to UH, he became my biggest supporter and followed me to Space City. The anticipation of finally getting to live our big city dreams became truly evident with our apartment.
I will forever be thankful for what my dorm taught me and the experiences I had. However, with changing priorities, a person’s living space has to accommodate for that change. I’ll always chase my career goals, but I’ve learned you need some extra square footage to help out.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
CITY
Houston public transportation needs to improve
ALAN ZAMORA STAFF WRITER
Houston is known for its heat, oil industry and diversity. It is not known for its public transportation. Houston is the fourth most populous city in America, and yet it fails to have a competent public transportation system.
Houston has two systems that it primarily uses for public transportation: the light rail system and the bus transit system. Neither are good public transportation compared to cities that rival Houston in population size, like Los Angeles and Chicago.
Chicago has its train system that covers 224 miles of track, and the Los Angeles rail system covers 109 miles. The Houston rail system covers an audaciously small 23 miles.
The bus transit system is not as mediocre as the light rail system, but it still has various problems that stop it from being truly competent.
One main complaint that
many citizens of Houston have is the punctuality of the Houston Bus System. Last year, it had around a 74% on-time performance. That is a disappointing statistic, given that most experts expect a wellfunctioning system to have at least 85%.
The bus system’s own board members see its faults, noting the unfit conditions. The problems of the system have led to Houston’s bus ridership being lower in August 2025 compared to August 2019, even though the city has gone through a population increase.
Wobbly future for Houston public transportation
Houston public transportation has seemingly taken a U-turn in its progress as a once hopeful future has become more worrying.
Since Mayor John Whitmire took office, harmful measures have been taken to cripple the progress of public transportation in Houston.
His appointed chair, Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, suspended the University bus rapid transit line, which would have connected multiple different Houston universities, including the University of Houston.
The administration is also reluctant to follow through on a voter-approved $3.5 billion bond that would have increased BRT mileage and light rail.
Whitmire is utilizing Metro instead for street repairs and adding microtransit, two actions that will do little to improve public transportation accessibility and service.
Hope for improving public transportation
Recent decisions made by the city of Houston are disappointing to many people who are advocates for a better public transit system, but not all is lost.
The fact is that the population of Houston believes in improving public transit, with 68% of voters approving the $3.5 billion bond to improve accessibility. Metro bus ridership has been down since 2019, but now has steadily increased for the past two years. It is now up to the citizens of Houston to reaffirm their support for public transportation by casting votes for candidates who seek to enhance public transportation. Candidates who support better funding of the bus system and expansion of the light rail system are ideal to champion. Your vote in local elections is often the best way for your demands to be heard. opinion@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
life and arts
HOMECOMING
Aprils Angle: Get ready for Homecoming 2025!
APRIL BADMUS
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi! Welcome to another issue of April’s Angle! I’m April, a second-year political science and psychology double major. I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have any questions or need advice on any topic, I’m here to help!
Homecoming is UH’s one of the longest-standing traditions, bringing students, alumni and the community together to celebrate school spirit. From friendly competitions to big performances, there’s something for everyone to
enjoy.
Whether this is your first HOCO or you’re just looking to make the most of it, there are a few tips that will help you have the best time.
Key events to look forward to
The week starts with energy at the Kick-Off hosted by the Residence Halls Association. Expect a pep rally with music, games and a vibrant crowd ready to celebrate.
Shasta and Sasha have been in attendance in the past, so if you want an opportunity to meet our mascots and take some pictures, this is your chance! Tip: Wear red and bring friends– this event sets the tone for the rest of the week, so come prepared to have fun.
Another event to look out for is the Bed Races. Students race decorated beds on wheels near the stadium in a tournamentstyle event. This is a tradition that combines school pride, creativity and plenty of laughter.
After the spirit cup teams race, students get to participate in other bed racing activities. This is a chance to cheer on your fellow coogs and get in the competitive spirit.
The HOCO concert is up there with the football game as an event to look forward to as well. Last year Waka Flocka performed at Lynn Eusan park. He attracted crowds of students ready to sing and dance
along.
This year’s artist is yet to be revealed but the anticipation is real. Prepare for the concert by making sure your event pass is downloaded and keeping tabs on @ uhhomecoming for the big reveal!
The week wraps up with the big game against Arizona. This is where all the excitement, school spirit and anticipation come together. Before the game, try to stop by the tailgate.
There will be line dancing, food and endless opportunities to meet new people and bond over school spirit. Be sure to claim your student ticket as soon as possible on Oct. 13. There is a good chance they will sell out before the end of the week.
What to wear
This year’s HOCO theme is school spirit, so come dressed in red! The Texas heat is as unrelenting as ever so layer lightly and try to stay cool. A portable fan is my holy grail for any outdoor event but especially for student packed games.
Prepare for the day by staying hydrated to reduce the chance of overheating and be cautious of how long you’re spending in direct sunlight.
With these tips, I’m sure your homecoming week will be a time to remember. Take lots of pictures for the memories and stay cool. Go Coogs!
news@thedailycougar.com
Choose your battles wisely this year. Refuse to let emotions lead the way when achieving good results requires common sense, patience and attention to detail. Refuse to let ego or jealousy impact how you handle situations, people or lifestyle changes. A clearcut plan, along with fortitude and determination, will lead to victory.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -Look for solitude when dealing with personal matters and how you want to live your life. Refuse to let others dictate what’s best for you. It’s up to you to maintain peace.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
-- Don’t hide out when you should network. To succeed, you must participate. Attend events, make cold calls and share your history, thoughts and experience with other players who share your
concerns and interests.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Consider your health and well-being before agreeing to something that may be physically taxing. Clear-cut rules, standards or hours will make a positive difference for you and those you plan to work alongside.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Look at the big picture; consider where your steps lead if you put your energy into combining both domestic and professional needs. Love looks promising.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
-- Look for unique possibilities that resonate with what motivates you as well as those with whom you want to maintain a good relationship. A financial investment or job opportunity looks promising.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)
-- Count your blessings and do
whatever it takes to push your journey forward. Engage in activities and events of interest that expand your circle of friends and human contact.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Listen carefully and consider the suggestions and information you receive. You may not like what you hear, but if you turn the information into something positive, it can ultimately become a win-win situation.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Explore your options, feelings, and what and who influences and affects your life. Physical and emotional changes appear promising and help address issues you’re struggling with.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Gather data and base decisions on facts. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you when effort on your part is necessary. Timing is critical
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR
if you want to get the best results.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
ISSUE
TO THE EDITOR
The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.
ABOUT THE COUGAR
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-- Attend events that combine work and pleasure, and you’ll connect with people who interest you personally and professionally. Home improvements can enhance your comfort and convenience.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Put a plan in place before you start sharing your intentions with loved ones or associates. Your charm will only get you so far; a combination of brain and brawn will be impossible to resist.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
-- Sit tight, wait, watch and put together possible options. Preparation will make a difference, so pay attention to detail and have alternatives ready in case anyone questions your intentions.
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(713) 743-5350 csm@uh.edu www.uh.edu/csm
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Lily Huynh/The Cougar
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