Greetings
People in the U.S. often greet each other by asking, “How are you?” This is part of the general greeting routine, and they are not expecting an elaborate answer. With new or casual acquaintances, provide a short answer (e.g., “I’m good”) and reciprocate by asking the same question.
Banking
When choosing a local bank, look for free checking options that are often available to students. A debit card is a convenient way to make purchases in the United States. With this kind of card, purchases are deducted from your account balance as they are made.
You should monitor your account balance via online banking to avoid overdraft charges. Also be cautious of ATM fees — many banks will charge you a fee if you withdraw cash from an ATM belonging to another bank. If you plan to travel within the U.S., look for a bank that has ATMs nationwide. You can also ask your home bank if it has any U.S. affiliates.
Public transportation
If you live on campus, you will be within walking distance of downtown Columbia and all campus facilities. MU offers a free student shuttle — Tiger Line — around campus. If you live off campus, several apartment complexes offer a free shuttle service to and from campus.
GoCOMO is Columbia’s free public bus system and has multiple stops around campus and the city.
Review additional information about transportation options.
Post office
Domestic and international mail can be sent via the U.S. Postal Service from the MU Student Center or the downtown post office. Other carriers (e.g., FedEx or UPS) are also available and sometimes have better rates or faster service if you are mailing a package that is time sensitive.
Religious centers
There are numerous religious centers and places of worship in Columbia for the followers of many faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and more. Some places of worship offer services in different languages. There are also several religious/spiritual student organizations.
Shopping
On campus
Mizzou Market has two locations on campus and offers a variety of snack foods and toiletry items.
The Mizzou Store, located in the Student Center, has a wide variety of items for sale, including textbooks and school supplies, Mizzou-themed apparel and some dorm room basics.
Tiger Cash
Tiger Cash allows you to deposit funds into a prepaid account and use your student ID card to make payments at the Mizzou Store, all Campus Dining Services locations and MizzouRec (select services).
Off campus
There are many stores near campus that sell food, household items and toiletries. Refer to this list of stores for more information. Several large grocery stores, super-centers and the mall are accessible by bus.
Restaurants and tipping
There are many restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance of campus. You should leave a tip for your server — the suggested rate is 15 percent for standard service and 20 percent or more for exceptional service.
Be sure to check your bill to see whether a tip has already been included — look for the word “gratuity.” In most restaurants, larger parties (usually eight or more people), are automatically charged a standard gratuity. In this case, it is up to you whether to leave an additional tip.
If you are using cash, leave the tip on your table in plain sight with some kind of weight to prevent it from falling off the table. If you are paying your bill with a debit or credit card, you may be able to add a tip to the receipt you sign, and it will be added to your payment.
Parks and recreation
There are several city and state parks in or near Columbia. The city also has a wide network of trails for walking, running or biking.
Driver’s license
To obtain a U.S. driver’s license, you must pass several tests. You should seriously consider if it will be necessary for you to have a driver’s license and, in some cases, an international driver’s license is sufficient. Learn more about driver’s licenses.
Travel
We encourage you to explore other parts of Missouri and the U.S. during weekends or academic breaks. Be sure to research your intended destination and figure out the best means of transportation to get there. In addition to flying, you might consider taking a bus or train to see more of the American landscape.
If you are traveling outside the U.S., you must obtain a travel signature from an international student adviser. Travel signatures are valid for six months and necessary to re-enter the U.S. on your current visa. You can obtain a travel signature during advising.