Life as a Bear

Finding your home on campus

Missouri State is known for having a compact, attractive and safe campus. You will get around easily thanks to a smart layout, bike paths and free shuttles.

Living on campus

More than 4,000 students live on campus during the school year, creating a vibrant environment for living and learning.

Residence halls

We have 10 awesome residence halls, each with its own personality. Your options range from two- and three-person rooms with community bathrooms to suite-style living with a shared living space and bathroom. When you live in a hall you’ll have everything you need, from furniture and Internet access to study areas and fitness centers.

Living-learning communities

MSU offers seven unique living environments that build community among students with similar interests, like future health care professionals or those interested in fitness and wellness. These living-learning communities (LLCs) enhance your college experience by connecting you with other students, faculty members and campus resources.

Eating on campus

Whether you need a quick snack between classes or a hearty breakfast to start your day, you will find something to fight your hunger on campus.

Dining centers

You can choose from three dining centers. Each offers something different every day, and no matter your dietary needs you will come away full. You can even check each center’s menu online before choosing where to eat.

PSU vendors

Craving some waffle fries or a fresh smoothie? The food court in Plaster Student Union is a great spot to relax with friends and grab a bite to eat at one of the great options:

  • Chick-fil-A
  • Freddy's
  • Subway
  • Queen City Soul Kitchen
  • Panda Express
  • Starbucks
  • Union Club

Want to learn more about the vendors in PSU, including hours of operation, websites and retail services? See our PSU Vendors page!

Meal plans

If you live in the residence halls, you will sign up for a meal plan when you sign up for housing. But, our meal plans aren’t just for residence hall students. Commuters can purchase BoomerMeals to be used at any dining location, including the PSU.

Staying healthy

Magers Health and Wellness Center has doctors, nurses and pharmacists on staff dedicated to providing medical care for you. Your prepaid student health fee covers the cost of your basic office visits.

You also get reduced charges for laboratory tests, X-rays, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, appointments with specialists and more.

Safety

Safety is a priority at Missouri State. We have a city police substation on campus. We also have well-lit walkways, safety phones throughout campus, cameras in parking lots and swipe-card access to the residence halls.

Emergency alert system

You can sign up for the Missouri State Alert, a system that’s used to contact students, faculty, staff and even parents in the event of an emergency or school closing due to bad weather.

Safe travel

Our free Bear Line shuttle provides a convenient, safe way to travel across campus. Shuttle routes run throughout the week, including stops at downtown locations.

Also, the University Safety office offers an on-campus walking service during darkness called Safe Walk. With a simple phone call, an officer will arrive to walk you to your car, residence hall or other campus location.

Find your spot on campus

Get your study on

Meyer Library is the campus hub for information. It has books, magazines, study rooms and computer labs on several levels. There are comfy chairs where you can curl up to read — and if you get too drowsy, you can pick up a caffeine boost from the Starbucks kiosk.

Need help with homework or a paper? Stop by the Bear CLAW on the first floor of the library to work with a student tutor, have a study session or meet with a writing consultant.

Hang out with friends

Plaster Student Union – aka the PSU – is the “living room” of campus. The PSU includes a movie theater, television lounges, a food court, convenience store, bank, post office and the Level 1 Game Center, a fun hangout with a bowling alley, billiards and table tennis.