Columbia, Missouri, is a rural college town that probably looks very different from your home city. We have a small public transit system but it is likely smaller than you may be used to using. Things are spread out and can sometimes be hard to navigate. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your housing.
On-campus housing
Complete the housing request form by the deadline to be guaranteed housing in an MU residence hall. Indicate your room preference on the form, but note that Residential Life cannot guarantee placement in your preferred accommodations. See MU Residential Life for more information about your options on campus.
Residence halls offer double- or single-occupancy rooms with basic furnishing (bed, desk, drawers/closet) and shared bathrooms. Halls feature 24/7 internet access.
Things to bring include a laptop, adapter/converter and pictures to personalize your room. Kitchen and cooking equipment is not recommended, and there are restrictions on what types of equipment are allowed in residence halls. Ask former exchange students at your home university for recommendations of what to bring.
International Programs will organize a shopping trip as part of International Student Welcome, so you will have an opportunity to buy things you might need within your first few days in Columbia.
While living in on-campus residence halls is a great way to stay in a prime location for social events and connecting with other students, it isn’t for everyone. Some students, especially upperclassmen, prefer housing away from campus where there are fewer restrictions.
Housing contract
Complete your housing contract online prior to arrival. Completion of this contract is mandatory to secure housing in a residence hall. Do not select your room preference — your room assignment will be finalized when your housing request form and housing contract are completed. Room assignments and roommate information may not be available prior to your arrival.
Signing the housing contract is a firm commitment to live in the residence hall for the full academic year. Breaking the contract carries a stiff monetary penalty. An exception is made for single-semester students — you can sign the full-year contract and will be permitted to break the contract at the end of your program without penalty.
Upon arrival, you will get a temporary key card that is valid for four days and serves as key to your room and residence hall. As soon as you get your MU ID card, you will use it to access your residence hall and room.
Off-campus housing
If you plan to live off campus, it is your responsibility to make your own housing arrangements. See Off-Campus Student Services for more information about options.
Rental prices vary widely in Columbia (approximately $300–$700 per month for shared housing). Apartments closer to campus are typically more difficult to acquire and are often more expensive. Apartments usually require deposits for rent and utilities, as well as the purchase of some furnishings, linens and cooking utensils. You should begin looking for an apartment prior to arrival — leases are often signed several months before they begin, and the more desirable apartments and roommate situations go quickly.
Yearlong lease agreements are not recommended for single-semester students. Subleasing your apartment upon departure can be complicated and is not a good solution for meeting the terms of a 12-month lease. If you leave before the conclusion of a signed lease agreement, you remain responsible for all terms therein, including payments for the listed duration.
Some exchange students enjoy the independent nature of living off campus; however, it can be a bit isolating because of long distances to university and downtown life. Sometimes, a location may seem close enough to walk, but there are lots of areas without sidewalks or bike lanes that make it unsafe to travel without a car.