Living in Springfield

Explore Housing Options

New international students have a lot of choices when it comes to housing options on campus at Missouri State University and off campus in the community of Springfield, Missouri.

Temporary Housing

Most international students need temporary housing solutions for their first few days in Springfield, Missouri. 

Reasons you might need temporary housing:

• You plan to live on-campus but arrive before official move-in
• You plan to live off campus, but you are not sure where when you arrive
• You plan to live off campus, but your lease move-in date is after you arrive

Temporary housing is located on-campus in a centrally-located residence hall.

If you plan to live off campus and need help finding a place to live, view The Guide for some nearby options. International Programs can help connect you to other students looking to find roommates.

If you would prefer hotel accommodations for temporary housing, Missouri State students receive a discount at a few hotels near campus, including University Plaza and Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven. Let the hotel know when you make your reservation that you’re a Missouri State student in order to receive a discount.

On-campus Housing

You are required to live on campus if you are under 21 years of age and have fewer than 27 hours of college credit. Living on campus helps you meet new people, get involved in campus organizations, and focus more on your studies. Research shows that students who live on campus maintain better grades, too. You can submit your housing contract online at your my.missouristate.edu account, but first, learn more about the types of residence halls.

Off-campus Housing

You have lots of off-campus options within walking distance to Missouri State. A few even offer shuttle services to campus. When choosing a place to live, carefully consider:

• the condition of the apartment,
• terms of the lease agreement,
• transportation and parking,
• payment options,
• price,
• and what’s included in the cost of your monthly rent.

Some apartments will include utilities like electric, water, and sewer services into the lease agreement, while others leave that responsibility to the student. Make sure you’re a good tenant – review our International Student Guide to Apartment Living if you’re not sure what that means.