‘New Coogs’ migrate to UH campus
The white-tailed squirrel, the tour guide said, was “legendary.” Daniel Tai, a sophomore, was leading a group of incoming students around the University of Houston campus this week for their orientation, inducting the “New Coogs” into UH traditions and folklore. The squirrel — whom students memorialized as a mascot in March — was one such icon.
Tai walked backwards at a brisk pace, weaving in and out of other tour groups around campus. Every student in the cluster wore a bright red T-shirt. Tai’s had his name on the back.
Universities across the state are hosting multiday orientations like this one throughout the summer. Students watch skits on campus safety, hear about the importance of graduating in four years
and learn how to register for classes.
And they get to know their campuses.
The tour was an introduction to college life made for millennials. Tai listed food trucks that come to campus and encouraged students to follow the businesses on Instagram. He set up a
group messaging thread and said they could always contact him with questions. They filmed a music video to the tune of DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” — changing lyrics to reference UH traditions and key figures.
They passed the architecture building. “This building’s the only building on campus with a Snapchat filter,” Tai said.
This group of “New Coogs” posed for a photo near the campus fountains, their hands held high to form a Cougar paw. Tai called UH President Renu Khator “the queen” and pointed out her office when they passed.
One student took notes on a legal pad. The rest shuffled behind, looking left and right at the campus’s buildings and art. Restrooms are hard to find in this building. The religious center serves free lunch every week. Students hang hammocks on these trees.
He urged the group to attend a football game this fall. Orientation leaders, Tai said, reserve seats at TDECU Stadium for freshmen.
“If you don’t have people to go with,” he said, “you can sit with us.”