Missouri State University

Students on campus in fall

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

Every student may have different needs, but our checklist is a good place to start. Reception desks have some items that residents may check out, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen utensils, games and recreational equipment. Don't forget to consult your roommate, to coordinate colors and check for duplicates!

May I bring a microwave or refrigerator?

No, because microwave ovens and compact refrigerators are already provided in each residence hall living unit. Due to the fire hazard and electrical requirements associated with certain appliances, only microwave ovens and refrigerators provided by residence life are allowed.

When may I move into my room?

Spring 2013:  Residents may move into their rooms beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 12.

Fall 2013:  Move-in begins Friday, August 16, at 8 a.m. Upon arrival, you will need to check in at your assigned residence hall reception desk. You will not be allowed to check in before the date listed here unless you are assigned to a Living-Learning Community (LLC) floor, or unless you are a member of the Honors College. LLC residents need to move in on Thursday, August 15, so they have time to get settled before the kick-off event on Friday. Students who are members of the Honors College have permission to move in on August 15, but it isn't required.

When do the residence halls close?

Spring 2013:  Blair-Shannon House, Freudenberger House, Kentwood Hall, Wells House and Woods House close for spring break from 8 a.m. March 9 to 8 a.m. March 17. Residents of closed buildings who need to remain on campus during these dates may receive a special nightly rate of $69 (plus tax) at nearby University Plaza Hotel. The rate includes a full hot breakfast buffet and complimentary Internet. Anyone interested in this option should contact University Plaza directly at 417-864-7333.

At the end of the spring semester, all residents must be completely moved out by 8 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

Fall 2013:  Blair-Shannon House, Freudenberger House, Kentwood Hall, Wells House and Woods House close for winter break from 8 a.m. December 14 to 8 a.m. January 11. Once these halls close, students will not be permitted to return to their rooms until January 11. Therefore, students should take any personal belongings with them before leaving for winter break. Students who are returning to the same room for spring 2014 do not need to move all of their belongings home during winter break.

What facilities remain open during breaks?

Hammons House, Hutchens House, Monroe Apartments, Scholars House and Sunvilla Tower will remain open during winter and spring breaks.

May I change my assignment?

Students who wish to transfer to another room or residence hall may submit a room change request in My Missouri State. Requests are granted on a first come, first served basis as space becomes available.

  • Click on the Profile tab
  • Select the Room Change Request link in the Housing channel under Assignment Information

Please note: at certain times of the year, the room change request process may be taken offline for administrative purposes. Room changes cannot be made during those times.

Are meals included with my residence hall assignment?

Meal plans are included in the housing contract rates and are required for all residence halls. Residents must also purchase a Boomer Meals plan.

May I change my meal plan?

Residents may change meal plans in My Missouri State:

  • Click on the Profile tab
  • Select the Residential Management System link in the Housing channel under Changing Your Contract

Decreasing meal plans is allowed before the semester begins or during the first three (3) weeks of a semester only. At any time, residents may increase meal plans.

What safety measures are in place in the facilities?

We have several layers of security in our residence halls and apartments. The first layer is our residents themselves. We encourage all residents to take an active part in providing security on their floors as well as in their building by addressing any unusual activity they encounter. If residents are not comfortable asking strangers about what they are doing on their floor, they need to contact an RA or their front desk about the individual or situation. All guests should be approved by all roommates and should be carrying a picture ID on them at all times. Guests need to be registered at the front desk, so all guests in a building may be accounted for in case of an emergency. Also, we would encourage residents to make sure to secure their room or apartment even when occupied.

Second, we have a card access system to make sure that residents can access their building 24 hours a day. This card access system prevents people from just walking into our facilities from off the street. All exterior doors in our facilities are locked at 7 p.m., and residents must use their access card to gain entrance to their residence halls. After 10 p.m., IDs are checked as well, and all guests must be registered and escorted into the building. This system, though, needs help as well; residents must confront people trying to “tailgate” into the building. This means that persons not in possession of an appropriate access card should not be permitted to enter the building without a host. Residents need to close doors behind them securely or make the person walk around to the front of the building to make sure they are registered as a guest and escorted by their host.

All of our facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with someone at the front desk, and RAs and staff are available to address concerns if they arise. The campus is patrolled by our own department of safety and transportation as well as the Springfield Police who are assigned to the Missouri State substation.

Are my personal belongings insured?

Because the University cannot be held accountable for loss, damage or theft of any student's personal property, all students are highly encouraged to purchase "renter's insurance" or to verify adequate coverage on their parent's family insurance. For more information regarding residence hall personal property insurance, please visit National Student Services, Inc., Progressive, or College Student Insurance. These companies provide competitive personal property insurance coverage for residence hall students.

Where will I find a campus map?

Campus maps, including the interactive Bear Line shuttle map, are available online

What computer technology is available?

Fully equipped, 24-hour computer labs are provided in the traditional residence halls. These computer labs provide the latest in hardware and software technology, including Internet access, word processing and spreadsheet packages, and laser printing. Of course, residents of all residence halls benefit from network modules provided in each living unit. Residents with their own personal computer and Ethernet card may utilize these network connections to access the Internet and laser printers.

Wireless Network Access

Each residence hall is completely wireless. Many academic facilities have wireless hotspots as well. To gain access to the wireless network, a wireless network card that supports 802.11b or 802.11g is required. Instructions for connecting to University access points are available at: http://resnet.missouristate.edu/wireless/.

If debating whether to purchase a wired or wireless network card, it is suggested that a wired card be used as all residence hall rooms provide high speed network service through our wired network. If you have a second device, such as a laptop, you may wish to consider the many benefits of wireless technology. For more information, please contact the ResNet Help Desk at 417-836-6100.

Network cards and cables are available for purchase at the Missouri State Bookstore.

What is ResNet?

ResNet refers to the residence hall network — the computer technology, resources and support provided in the residence halls. Should a student need assistance with connecting their computer to the network or have computer related problems throughout the year, there are ResCons (ResNet Consultants) available in the halls to assist in getting the problem resolved. Any resident with a computer-related question should contact the ResNet Help Desk at 417-836-6100.

Is cable television service available?

Digital cable hook-ups and extended basic service are provided in each residence hall living unit. In order to receive all channels on TVs made before 2008, you must obtain a digital adapter from Mediacom Cable. You may contract for additional cable services through Mediacom at the regular rate.

What is furnished in my room?

Each traditional residence hall living unit contains the following items:

  • 80" extra-long, twin-size bed
  • Dresser drawer space
  • Bookshelf and closet space
  • Drapes
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

You may bring a carpet or scatter rugs for the tile floors. Sunvilla Tower, Kentwood Hall, and the bedrooms in Scholars House and Wells House (suites only) are carpeted. Visit the homepage of each residence hall for more information including specific room information, room dimensions and virtual tours.

What is the size of the beds?

Mattresses are extra-long, twin-size (36"x80"). The Residence Hall Association has partnered with residence hall linens to provide our students with a convenient, affordable way to purchase extra-long sheets and bedding items, as well as other campus-living necessities. Proceeds from this program go to RHA and are used for programming in the residence halls. Please visit the RHA website.

No lofts or risers are permitted in any residence hall as the beds may be bunked.

What is the Residence Hall Association (RHA) activity fee included in the housing contract rates?

This fee is distributed through RHA to each residence hall for the implementation of social, educational and hall enrichment programs and activities. Please visit the Residence Hall Association page for more information.

Where will I be able to do my laundry?

Laundry facilities are located in each residence hall at no additional charge.

Where will I be able to park my car?

Each student must purchase a parking permit from the department of safety and transportation in order to utilize on-campus parking. Students are issued permits for parking lots closest to their residence hall as space permits.

Who is responsible for cleaning my room?

Students are responsible for cleaning their own room, suite or apartment. Vacuum cleaners are available for check-out at the reception desk of each residence hall.

Where may I learn more about residence life policies?

Our publication, Guide to Residence Hall Living, will provide you with specific information concerning your rights and responsibilities as a resident of university housing.

Where is the residence life office located?

View our contact information.