Internet access

On campus

Wireless internet access at MU is available in most campus buildings and requires you to log in with your MU username and password. For instructions on how to connect your computer or mobile device, see the Division of Information Technology website or visit the walk-up service desk in the lower level of the Mizzou store.

Residence hall rooms are equipped with one active Ethernet port per resident, which allows you to connect to the campus wired network.

Off campus

If you need internet access and don’t have your MU username yet, there are several free options. Many restaurants in Columbia offer free Wi-Fi for their patrons, including several in downtown Columbia that are within walking distance of campus. The Daniel Boone Regional Library, Columbia’s public library, also offers free Wi-Fi and is a 20-minute walk from campus (100 W. Broadway; map).

If you live off campus and internet access is not included with your apartment, you will have to contact a service provider and set up your own internet access. Common providers in Columbia include CenturyLink, Mediacom and Socket, but you should confirm that a certain provider is available in your area.

Phone service

Phone numbers

All phone numbers in the U.S. have seven digits, plus a three-digit area code. The area code indicates the part of the U.S. where the phone service was set up. The area code for Columbia is 573. A telephone number with the area code 800, 888, 866 or 877 is usually a toll-free number (free of charge if dialed anywhere in the U.S.). You can call a Columbia area phone number from a landline within Columbia by dialing only the seven-digit number, such as 882-6007 for International Student and Scholar Services. To dial a number outside the Columbia area, first dial 1, followed by the three-digital area code and then the seven-digit number.

Cell phones

Most people in the U.S., especially students, do not have landline phones. Cell phones are available through a number of carriers in the United States. You can find local carriers by searching online.

Depending on the length of your program, avoid long-term contracts and look for carriers with pay-as-you-go options that let you choose a price point that will reflect your phone usage. There are also several pre-paid options where you can purchase minutes as you need them. Cell phones can be purchased directly from the service providers, as well as at many super-centers, drug stores and electronics stores.

Post office

Domestic and international mail can be sent via the United States Postal Service from the downtown post office (511 E. Walnut St., map; open 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday). There are also several post office substations in Columbia, including at the MU Student Center and the Columbia Mall. Other carriers (e.g., FedEx and UPS) are also available and sometimes offer better rates or faster service if you are mailing something that is time sensitive.