With a new year comes a new semester for University of Houston students. They expected new classes and professors, but the unexpected was a security alert on Saturday morning, notifying the Cougar community of another robbery on campus.

The alert, sent on Saturday morning before many students had even opened a textbook, reported an aggravated robbery in the parking lot at Bayou Oaks, which is part of on-campus housing.

According to the university, the suspect pulled out a gun on multiple people, demanded they hand over their purses, and then took off.

That makes three robberies on campus this year.

UH Police report the last robbery happened Jan. 14 at the Student Accessibility Center, when officials say a gunman demanded a woman send him money through CashApp.

Before that, there was another armed robbery on Jan. 7 at the TDECU Credit Union inside the Student Center.

One student said a professor now reminds the class to be cautious when leaving late.

Sophomore Daniel Omoregieo said he avoids being out late.

“I don’t go out late. Like I just stay inside most of the time, just be in my room playing games and stuff like that,” he said.

Data from the university’s most recent Annual Security and Fire Safety Report shows there were three robberies on the main campus in 2024, and four in 2023.

The university says it’s taking steps to boost safety. This year, UH opened a police substation at the Welcome Center.

“I think that’s really helpful. I need more stuff like that around,” sophomore Kyle Okoth said.

Another student said the substation could help, but still has questions about long-term safety efforts.

The university also says it has invested $21 million into a campus lighting and security project, which includes more safety personnel and upgrades to surveillance cameras.

Students say they’re also taking steps to protect themselves.

“I know in clubs, after we disband, especially late at night, they’ll be like, ‘make sure that you’re walking with someone,'” junior Obinna Nchukwu said.

Authorities said no arrest has been made in the latest robbery.