Houston, TX · Cougar Country in Space City
Cougar Village II Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Houston
2-bedroom suite, 4 students per suite, 2 students per furnished bedroom, private bathroom shared by the suite; single-room rate also offered
- Bed SizeTwin XL, inches not published
- Under-BedNot published — confirm with hall
- ACPartial
- On-CampusNot required
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- A residential meal plan is required for Cougar Village II residents under the Residential Services Agreement.
- Several floors host Living Learning Communities — Cougar Experience Scholars plus Theatre, Business, Engineering, and NSM Pre-Health Professions — each with its own eligibility criteria.
- No bed-height, riser, or lofting guidance is published for this hall; self-manufactured lofts are prohibited.
Living in Cougar Village II: what to know before you pack
The room
Cougar Village II mirrors Cougar Village I's suite design: two furnished bedrooms sharing one private bathroom, two residents per bedroom, four per suite. Each resident gets an extra-long twin bed, a 42"W x 24"D x 30"H desk with a standard chair, and a 30"W x 24"D x 30"H three-drawer chest, and every room includes a mini-refrigerator. Windows match CV I at roughly 41½" wide by 31" tall. UH's rate sheet also lists a Cougar Village II Single ($5,210 for 2026-27) for students who want their own bedroom within a shared suite. Because it opened three years after Cougar Village I, the finishes are newer, though the published footprint and furniture dimensions are identical. No bed height or under-bed clearance figure is published, so confirm with SHRL before buying risers.
Day to day
Cougar Village II is home to several Living Learning Communities — Cougar Experience Scholars plus themed communities for Theatre, Business, Engineering, and NSM Pre-Health Professions students — so floor culture is shaped heavily by shared majors and cohort programming. Like its sister building, it has floor kitchens, an outdoor living room, laundry, and its own convenience store (the Cougar Village Market), with the Moody Towers dining hall a short walk away.
Move-in day
Move-in for Cougar Village II follows the same process as the rest of first-year housing: report to the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center at your scheduled time, complete check-in, receive an unloading pass for the windshield, then follow directional signage to the building where volunteers assist with unloading. Move-In Time Selection opens July 20, 2026 for the Aug. 19-22 window, and early-arrival requests are due by July 31, 2026.
Room ideas
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Everything for your Cougar Village II room
AC is hit-or-miss in Cougar Village II — pack a fan just in case. The complete University of Houston packing list, tuned to Cougar Village II — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
121 items across 15 categories
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Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitCougar Village II beds are Twin XL, inches not published — get Twin XL, not standard twin.
Pillowcases × 4 (2 per pillow)
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real difference
Extra blanket or throw
Waterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packed
Zippered mattress encasement (waterproof, bed-bug proof)Dorm mattresses are used and shared — a zippered encasement fully seals it against spills, dust mites, and bed bugs
Fan — check your assignment
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⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →AC varies by hall. Bring one — it's cheap insurance until you know your assignment.Cougar Village II is only partially AC'd — check your room assignment before skipping it.
Bathroom
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⭐ Top pickShower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower
Toiletry bag for daily-use items
⭐ Top pickHand soapOnly if your room has its own sink — communal bathrooms stock their own
Toothbrush covers (travel cases)Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroom
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dorm
Toilet paper (2-ply)One of the most commonly forgotten items. Suite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)
Personal Care & Grooming
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Hair dryer (compact)Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
Hair straightener or curling iron
Hair claw clips (variety pack)
Nail clipper & grooming kit
Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campus
⭐ Top pickOver-door / full-length mirrorCompare picks →Dorm rooms rarely have a full-length mirror, and you can't drill the walls — an over-door one hangs with zero damage
Self-Care Essentials
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Sleepytime herbal tea, vanilla (20-pack)Caffeine-free — a wind-down ritual beats scrolling before bed
Face mask sheets (12-pack)Finals-week pick-me-up when you don't have time for a real self-care routine
Comfort-snack variety box (40-pack)A sealed care-package box for the week you don't want to leave the room
Everyday makeup kit (e.l.f.)Primer, mascara, lip gloss, brow gel — a basic kit, not a full vanity
Storage & Organization
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⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingCougar Village II beds have Not published — confirm with hall clearance — measure before buying.
Adjustable bed risers (set of 4)Stackable to 3, 5, or 8 inches — lift the bed for far more under-bed storage. Check your frame first; many dorm beds already adjust in height
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage charge
Tension curtain rods (2-pack)No-drill spring rods (28–43") to add a closet rod, hang a window curtain, or string a divider curtain for privacy in a shared room
Stackable desk drawer organizer
Closet Space-Savers
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⭐ Top pickSlim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic ones
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rows
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked vertically
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no tools
Tech & Power
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⭐ Top pickSurge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibited
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gaming
USB-C hub or docking station
⭐ Top pickAA + AAA batteries (48-pack)For the alarm clock, the remote, the clip fan, and the battery string lights many halls allow where plug-in ones are banned
⭐ Top pickBluetooth speaker (compact)Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforce
Printer (optional — most campuses have free print labs)
Assorted zip ties (variety pack)Assorted sizes and colors for taming the cable mess behind the desk, bundling cords under the bed, and loft/dorm setup
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cords
Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the desk
Charging cables (10 ft, 3-pack)Extra-long braided USB-C cables reach from a lofted bed to a far wall outlet — the spare everyone forgets
Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outlet
Laundry
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Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)
Dryer sheets
Mesh laundry bag for delicates
Foldable clothes drying rackAir-dry laundry and delicates in a tight room to dodge dryer shrink and per-load costs, then fold it flat against the wall- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Fabric stain remover spray
Tide-to-Go or similar
Desk & Study
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⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list above- Pencil cup / organizer
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboard
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the door- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
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Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Cold and flu medicine
Hand sanitizer
Reusable face masks
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floor
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crud
24-hour allergy tabletsNon-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildings
Blister patchesHydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week one
Comfort & Room
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Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it
Sleep mask + earplugsShared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there is
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleep
Collapsible storage ottomanA 36L cube that swallows a bin of gear, holds 250 lb for guest seating or a footrest, then folds flat when you don't need it
Odor absorber (charcoal bags)Skip plug-in fresheners, candles, and wax warmers — most dorms ban them (fire code). Charcoal bags absorb odor with no flame or outlet.
Handheld garment steamerFaster and far more compact than an iron + board.Before you buy: check your school's appliance rules — some restrict irons/steamers — and pick one with auto-shutoff.
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Lint roller (5-pack)
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxes
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridge
⭐ Top pickMini fridge (if not provided)Compare picks →Check the “In every room” list above first — many schools include a MicroFridge and ban personal ones. Bring one only if yours doesn't.
⭐ Top pickBed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bed
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bed
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smells
Folding saucer / lounge chairThe extra seat a dorm never has — folds flat when you don't need it
Mini projector (movie nights)Turns a blank wall into a movie night — a floor favorite
Essential-oil diffuserWater-based ultrasonic (no flame) — the dorm-safe way to freshen a roomBefore you buy: some schools restrict diffusers, humidifiers, or scented devices — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto shut-off.
Kitchen & Dining
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Dorm dinnerware set (microwave-safe)Microwave- and dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and cups so you're not eating ramen out of the pot
Divided microwave meal-prep plates with vented lidsPortioned, vented-lid plates for reheating and storing dining-hall leftovers or meal-prepped food — BPA-free, stackable, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoes
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reach
Paper towelsFor spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less
Misc Essentials
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Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)
Umbrella (compact)
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)
Alarm clock or use your phone
Shower timer (optional, for communal bathroom courtesy)
⭐ Top pickArea rug (3×5 ft)Compare picks →Adds warmth and cuts the echo on bare dorm floors — measure your space first
⭐ Top pickStep trash can with lidNot provided — a hands-free pedal can with a soft-close lid keeps odors down by the desk (grab a pack of small liners too)
⭐ Top pickTrash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in them
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowed
Move-In Day Gear
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Wheeled rolling moving bagWheels and a pull handle let you drag a fully loaded 600D bag up the stairs instead of hauling the weight — the move-in day lifesaver
XL moving & storage bags (6-pack)Haul a whole carload of bedding and clothes in one trip, then fold them flat to store bulky stuff over breaks
Folding hand truck / dollyRolls a mini-fridge, boxes, and furniture up to your room in far fewer trips, then folds flat to slide under the bed
Folding collapsible wagon cartLoad a full haul and roll it across campus in one pass, then collapse it flat when you're done
Related guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm shower caddy · Dorm mattress topper guide
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup
Sources & verification — last checked Aug 18, 2026
Cougar Village II FAQ
- What's the difference between Cougar Village I and II?
- Both are freshman-only suite-style halls with identical published room layouts and furniture dimensions, and both have floor kitchens, an outdoor living room, and a convenience store. The clearest difference is programming: Cougar Village II houses the Cougar Experience Scholars and the Theatre, Business, Engineering, and NSM Pre-Health Professions Living Learning Communities.
- When was Cougar Village II built?
- UH's Facilities/Construction Management update states construction was to begin in April 2012 and that "the completed facility is expected to be available for occupancy Fall 2013."
- Do I need to apply separately for a Living Learning Community?
- LLC placement generally requires opting in during the housing application, and each community sets its own eligibility criteria. Contact SHRL for the current application steps — the hall page lists the communities but not the application process.
- Is Cougar Village II a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Cougar Village II has Twin XL, inches not published beds with Not published — confirm with hall of under-bed storage, and is only partially air conditioned. University of Houston provides Extra-long twin bed, desk (42"W x 24"D x 30"H), desk chair, three-drawer chest (30"W x 24"D x 30"H), mini-refrigerator, floor kitchen access in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Cougar Village II stacks up against University of Houston's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Cougar Village II Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Cougar Village II: it has Twin XL, inches not published beds with Not published — confirm with hall of under-bed clearance, and AC is only partial in this building — some rooms have it, some don't. On top of that, the room comes with Extra-long twin bed, desk (42"W x 24"D x 30"H), desk chair, three-drawer chest (30"W x 24"D x 30"H), mini-refrigerator, floor kitchen access; you'll need to bring Microwave, bedding/linens, towels, shower caddy, surge protector, laundry supplies, cleaning supplies yourself; Candles/incense, multi-outlet extension cords, open-heat-source appliances without thermostat control (toaster ovens, hot plates, space heaters), firearms/illegal knives/explosive devices, pets other than fish or approved service/comfort animals, self-manufactured lofts, waterbeds, smoking/tobacco per the UH Tobacco Free Campus Policy isn't allowed. The full day-to-day breakdown above covers the room, the building, and move-in day in more depth.
Still weighing this hall against others? Our guide on how to pick a dorm covers what actually matters, or see University of Houston’s other halls below.
More University of Houston halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.