The best writers from across the country converge on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus every year. Affectionately known as Mizzou, this big school in the middle of the show-me state offers one of the best journalism schools in the country. That’s why you’ll notice a lot of foreign accents on campus. Students head to mid-Missouri from all over the world. And it’s not just for Journalism. Mizzou is renowned for its medical school and veterinary medicine programs among others.
Location
MU is the largest employer in Columbia, Missouri, located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis. Money Magazine, Mens Journal, and MSN.com voted Columbia, Missouri one of the best places to live based on quality of life.
History
The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River and the first state university in Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Territory.
Statistics
- MU offers more than 265 degree programs including 30 online degree options.
- Nearly one third of the freshman were in the top 10 percent of their high school classes.
- 28,000 students attend Mizzou each year from every state and 100 countries.
- In state annual tuition is $8170.00
Freshman Housing
It’s not like it used to be, when a computer picked where you’ll spend the next nine months. Now, you pick your housing based on your interests. FIG’s or freshman interest groups are a way for students who share the same interest to navigate college life together. Groups of 15-20 freshmen get assigned to the same residence hall. They enroll together in three of the same courses as well as one class that teaches students college coping skills.
Student Life
The Greek system is strong at Mizzou, but not so dominant that you feel alienated if you don’t join. With so many clubs and organizations, students who find a niche adjust to campus life very quickly. You’ll find the campus pretty desolate on Saturday afternoons in the fall, as everyone heads to the the Mizzou Tigers’ football game! The Heidelburg Restaurant on 9th Street is a favorite haunt and students rank the food at Mizzou as better than many of the other Missouri schools.
Transportation
St. Louis parents worried about getting their students to and from campus were relieved when the Missouri Shuttle began in February, 2007. Jim Eschen, parent of two MU students, got tired of the frequent road trips and launched the service. The shuttle travels I-70 several times per weekend. Call 1-877-528-7387 for more information.
Once you’re at MU, you really don’t need a car. For Mizzou students, the freshman 15 usually works the opposite way as they lose weight from walking across campus all day long.
What you didn’t know
The University of Missouri is designated as a botanical garden. The 1,358 acre main campus is home to 5.000 trees and 650 varietes of plants.
Sources: The University of Missouri-Columbia, U.S. News and World Report College Guide, Missourishuttle.com
