<p>I want to go to the University of Houston. The main reason specifically is because of their hotel school, the Conrad Hilton, which is a fabulous hotel chain. I thought it was even more of a plus since the college has their own Hilton hotel, providing a hands-on experience.
The other advantage is that since I live in the state of Texas, I pay almost $10,000 less than out of state students. Tuition is $9,000 which is fairly good.</p>
<p>The downside of all this? Location.
Houston is notorious for it’s crime. Everytime I go to the Galleria Mall or something, there’s somebody getting arrested in the parking lot (and one time, the cops even came inside the mall to arrest a man who had mugged a family in the parking lot). The campus is also located on the “ghetto” side of town. </p>
<p>The campus takes pride in their “security”, but when I was watching videos on YouTube of the dorm I would be staying in (made for freshmen), there was a video that a couple of people there made that showed them sneaking into the Cougar Village (my future dorm). They said that people went inside and they just followed in after them so they wouldn’t have to type in the code that unlocks the door. That worries me. Also, my Mom said that people will walk onto the campus and mug students there (I don’t know how much of that is true). She and her boyfriend (who is like a parent/dad to me) aren’t particularly fond on the amount of Blacks, Mexicans, and Arabs that go there, and me being a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, white girl.</p>
<p>I think I can carry a pocket tazer with me (of course I’d have to get a permit, but I don’t see how they could deny my situation). How can I convince my parents I’d be safe? I’m worried too, but I think that UH is still really good for me. My other college choice is in Florida, but I’d be paying $7,000 more… Maybe I can find some scholarships on their website.</p>
<p>seriously, child. and you’re probably saying that beause you’ve never been exposed to ethnic groups, only cute little “blonde hair blue eyed” white people right?</p>
This is where I stopped reading.
Because every single African-American, Mexican and Arab you come across at the University of Houston is just bound to rob/kill you, correct?</p>
<p>Sounds like your parents would be better off sending you to Bob Jones University.</p>
<p>and if you cared about your own safety in a “ghetto” school (you don’t know what ghetto means, don’t use it) go to a different school and pay more.</p>
<p>I’m a blonde haired, blue eyed, TINY little girl, and I’ve never been assaulted by anyone of any race. And I practically live on the Mexican border. If you aren’t stupid and you don’t go out on your own, you probably won’t be attacked… You might even make some Mexican or Black or Arab friends (<em>gasp</em>). They are nicer than your parents seem to think…</p>
<p>I’m not sure if y’all realize she said her /mom and her mom’s boyfriend/ are the ones who take issue with the racial makeup of the school.
The OP is worried about safety, her mom is worried about minorities.
Learn the difference.</p>
<p>It may be your parents are just worried about your safety no matter where you go. A big city is probably not a good idea. New England cities have high crime rates as well. Look for a more suburban school. You can get more varied experience from smaller hotel operations. Do not forget about Country Clubs, national restaurant chains and the mom and pops. Experience is best if it is varied and wide range.</p>
<p>she obviously means it in a negative way. How can they deny the fact that you are among Black, Hispanic and Arabic people? Oh my, how dangerous!</p>
<p>Everyone calling her racists need to stop. She has a legitimate worry. As a black person myself and knowing how it is in rough neighborhoods (which is where the school is located) I would be very apprehensive of attending, especially if you feel the campus isn’t secure or if you’re uncomfortable and there’s nothing wrong with that. Remember you’re going to have to spend 4 years there and you shouldn’t have to look over your shoulder constantly.</p>
<p>Come on guys, don’t insult the OP’s intelligence. She knows not every black is bad etc. People are so PC some times and this is coming from a black girl…</p>
<p>though i know that the comments you penned are not going to be liked by many as these kind of issues cannot be generalized but at the end of the day we have to be realistic and remember that as you are saying you will stand out in the crowd being a blond haired blue eyed girl…i would say you should go over your decision…maybe go over to this college and talk to the admissions officer about safety issues,maye be walk around in the college and talk to some students who stand out like you will…maybe even talk to your high school councellor</p>
<p>Carrying a pocket tazer doesn’t imply racism, it implies fear. Now that some of you posted data, I see the OP was wrong (and me by assuming she was correct) in her claim that U of Houston is dangerous. So its a case of her being scared when she has no reason to be.</p>
<p>What posted data? The data billy mc posted isn’t accurate. The ivies/top schools, which have a considerably lower population than the “safe” schools on the list and are usually located in safer areas, are the most dangerous…BS. the students at these schools are more likely to report crimes like rapes than at tier 3 type/very urban/less secure schools. 1 in 5 college women are raped, but at ivies, of course, the stat has gotta be 1 in like 2… Makes total sense.</p>