Prepare Necessary Documents

Immigration documents

  • Check your I-20 or DS-2019 for accuracy.
    • Name, country of birth, country of citizenship, and date of birth information must match your passport
    • Make sure your program of study information is correct
    • Make sure your financial information is accurate
  • If your I-20 or DS-2019 is accurate, make an appointment with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for your student visa (review steps to getting your visa). 
  • Pay the SEVIS fee, if applicable.
  • Make copies of important documents including your passport, immigration documents, and financial statements. Keep the originals with you when traveling and save the copies for back up documentation.

Health documents

  • Complete the tuberculosis survey and make an appointment for your TB test at Magers Health and Wellness Center.

Financial considerations

  • Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash. Bank debit cards, traveler's checks, or credit cards are good alternatives. 
  • Review available banks in Springfield, Missouri.
  • If you plan to wire funds from your home bank to Missouri State, please review our Wire Transfer Information.

Housing considerations

On-campus housing

Students meeting the following requirements must live on-campus:

  • Under 21 years of age
  • Less than 30 hours of college credit post high school

Missouri State's on-campus residence halls are a great place to live and become fully immersed in US culture. Students who live on campus tend to be more involved in campus activities and earn higher grades than peers who live off campus. 

Review your on campus housing options online and complete a housing contract to reserve your room.

Temporary housing

Request temporary housing through our airport request form. A Missouri State staff member and/or student welcome crew will contact you to help you make temporary housing arrangements.

On-campus temporary housing is available in the fall prior to official move-in day on August 16, 2019. Students who plan to live on campus are encouraged to use the on-campus temporary housing resource. Students who plan to live off-campus are also welcome to use the on-campus temporary housing resource.

Hotels are also available for students who would prefer off-campus temporary housing.

On-campus temporary housing is not available for the spring semester. Students arriving in the spring should plan to stay in a hotel while they find permanent housing.