Housing at Mizzou

I remember last year after getting accepted to the University of Missouri (also MU or Mizzou) the first thing I thought to myself is, where am I going to live? I think that this is a normal concern when moving to a new part of the world. I feel that the most important thing is to have information that can make this decision a lot easier for you to find what is right for you. So in this post I’m going to let you all know all the things I wish I knew about housing! If you have any questions related to housing feel free to write a comment addressing your concerns!

When it comes to finding housing as an International Student at Mizzou, these are the options:
On-campus (for undergraduate students)
On-campus (for graduate students)
Off-campus (available to both graduate and undergraduate students)
Temporary Housing (before your accommodation is available)

1) On-Campus Housing (only for undergraduate students)

· This on-campus housing option refers to living in the residence halls and is only available for undergraduate students. This has a lot of great benefits as it is really close to campus and provides a great opportunity to meet new people.
· Application: The first step for applying for campus housing would be to fill out a housing contract. In order to be able to fill out your housing contract you will need to use your PawPrint. Exchange and Sponsored Students have a different process for housing applications and click here for more information.
· Deadlines: If have applied and filled out your contract before June 1st, you are guaranteed housing. If you apply after June 1st, you will be put on the waiting list and are not guaranteed housing. It is recommended that you explore off campus options for housing.
· Deposit: If you plan to live on campus, you must submit a housing application along with a deposit to hold your room. The deposit is 300 hundred dollars and can be submitted online.
· Rates: To know more about rates for each dorm room, click here. It is recommended that international students stay in the halls that are open over breaks to ensure housing during holiday periods.
· Dining Hall Plans: All students living in residence halls are required to have a dining hall plan. For more information about the various dining hall options click here. You can apply for your dining hall plan while filling out your housing contract.
· Roommates: There is the option to stay in a single room without a roommates but it is more expensive. Most students live with roommates who are assigned to them. To learn more about living with a roommate, click here.
· Rooms: To learn more about each of the residence halls click here. For more information about what you will need to have in the residence halls click here. To learn more about the facilities that are available in the residence halls click here. Each of the rooms comes with a bed, desk, chair and dresser.
· Disability Related Accommodation: To apply for housing based on disability related needs, please click here.
· Frequently Asked Questions: Click here to find answers to some frequently asked questions.
· Moving Day: If you will be living on-campus, you can move into your room beginning on Sunday, August 15th. If you arrive before that day, you can apply for interim housing, stay with a current student, or stay in a hotel.

2) On-Campus Housing - University Student Apartments (only for graduate students)

· This on-campus housing option refers to living in an on-campus apartment. These have a lot of great benefits as they are relatively close to campus. It is a good idea to use Google maps to get an idea of how far each of the housing options is from campus.
· Housing Options: There are four on campus housing options available for students: Tara Apartments, Manor House, University Heights, and University Village. The rates for each of these apartment options can be seen here. The University Student Apartment handbook can be found here. It is important to look at what utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer) are included in the rates for each of the buildings.
· Application: The first step for applying for campus housing would be to fill out a housing application. All applicants must send a completed application with a $25 application fee. The application and fee can be sent to the Cashier’s office by traveler’s check, express mail (recommended to use Fed Ex, DHL, or UPS), or wire transfer.
· Deadlines: Applications are accepted all year round and housing is gained on a first come first serve basis. Applying for a room does not guarantee housing. It is recommended that all applicants also explore off campus housing options for housing.
· Contract: Once an apartment is offered and accepted, a contract would be issued electronically to the student. The contract would have a contract end date of January 4, 2011 or May 31, 2011. The student would need to be enrolled for the spring 2011 semester to be eligible for the May 31, 2011 contract end date.
· Deposit: The contract would need to be signed by the student (no one else can sign it for them) and returned back along with a deposit equaling one month’s rent. The deposit would need to be in the form of a traveler’s check or money order and sent to the Cashier’s Office at Jesse Hall per the instructions on the application. (The Cashier’s office does not accept credit or debit cards). The signed contract and payment would need to be express mailed.
· Unfurnished: All of these apartment options are unfurnished, so it will be the responsibility of each occupant to find furniture for their rooms. Information about what about what residents will need in these University Apartments can be found here.
· Resources: Click here to access more resources regarding University Student Apartments

3) Off-Campus Housing (for undergraduate and graduate students)

· This option refers to living in an off-campus apartment that is not directly affiliated with the university. Before decided on a specific option, it is a good idea to use Google maps to understand how far each of the housing options is from campus.
· Distance from Campus: Since Columbia does not have an extensive public transportation system, most international students find it easier to live within walking distance from campus. Also, it is important to ask off-campus apartment complexes if they offer shuttle bus services to campus.
· Off-Campus Housing Options: Each apartment complex has their own application process.
Some options close to campus include:
· University Place
· Campus Lodge
· The Reserve
· Broadway Village
· A&B Management
· Real Estate Management, Inc (REMI)
· Hawthorne Management
· Ashland Manor Apartments (e-mail )
· Warnken Properties
· Resources: You can search for roommates and learn about off-campus housing on the Mizzou Wellness Resource Center's off-campus living Web site. Search for apartments online at Apartment Finder or Craigslist , where you also can find items such as furniture and appliances.

4) Temporary Housing
When you arrive in Columbia, you will need temporary accommodations until you move into your residence hall or apartment or house. MU does not provide temporary accommodations; each student is responsible for arranging temporary housing. Options include:
Staying with current students and scholars - Sometimes international student organizations can assist with temporary housing. Please contact the organizations directly for more information.
Hotels - Find hotels in the Columbia area with help from the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site. If you are not staying near campus, make arrangements for transportation (bus, shuttle, taxi, rental car). Columbia offers limited public transportation . Find out whether the hotel where you want to stay is on a bus route.
Subleasing - Some members of the university community rent out their homes for short periods of time. Check classified ads, Web sites such as Craigslist or the International Student Services Facebook page.
Residence Life: You can also contact Residence Life to learn more about interim housing options.
Hotels close to campus include:
Regency Hotel Downtown1111 E. Broadway573-443-2090
Hampton Inn & Suites1225 Fellow’s Place573-214-2222

Important Notes
· Please start applying and looking for housing as early as possible!
· Please refer to Check out the Mizzou International Student Services Page on Facebook to learn more about Mizzou!
· The International Center website has some great information that can assist you on your adventure to Mizzou!
· Feel free to contact student organizations and clubs to learn gain some more tips and information about housing in Columbia from current students!
· If you have any questions or comments, please use this blog as a resource!