First Time Fundamentals
Leasing 101
Resources
Safety
Transportation
Welcome to Columbia
Property Managers
Sometimes situations arise in which you need a place to stay in a short amount of time. Listed below are hotels in the Columbia area within 5 miles of campus that have been rated at a minimum of 3.5 stars by guests.
Staybridge Suites (Must be 21 to check in)
805 Keene Street, Columbia,
Missouri 65201 United States
(573) 442-8600
Candlewood Suites ( Must be 21 to check in )
1400 Creekwood Parkway,
Columbia, Missouri 65202 United States
(573) 256-0200
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Must be 21 to check in)
1402 Cinnamon Hill
Lane, Columbia, Missouri, 65201 United States
(573) 442-8034
Extended Stay America Columbia Stadium Boulevard ( Must be 21 to check in)
2000
West Business Loop 70, Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 445-6800
La Quinta Inn & Suites Columbia (Must be 18 to check in)
2500 Interstate 70
Dr SW, Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 445-1899
Drury Inn Columbia Stadium Boulevard (Must be 18 to check in
1000 Knipp St.
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 445-1800
Best Western Plus Columbia Inn ( Must be 18 to check in)
2904 Clark Ln.
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 397-6471
Comfort Suites Columbia – University Area (Must be 21 to check in)
1010 W
Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 443-0055
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Columbia, MO (Must be 21 to check in)
817 N
Keene St, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 445-8585
Wingate by Wyndham Columbia (Must be 21 to check in)
3101 Wingate Ct,
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 817-0500
Ramada by Wyndham Columbia (Must be 21 to check in)
901 Conley Rd, Columbia,
MO 65201
(573) 234-4459
Quality Inn & Suites (Must be 21 to check in)
801 N Keene St, Columbia, MO
65201
(573) 449-4422
If you would like your property to be listed as an option for students looking for temporary emergency housing or a gap stay, please contact us at Offcampus@missouri.edu or muosloffcampus1@mail.missouri.edu.
Before moving into your new rental home, make sure your belongings are protected. Renter’s insurance is available at a relatively low cost and is one of the wisest purchases an apartment resident can make.
Landlords and property owners’ property insurance will not cover your personal property. If you are still on your parent/guardian’s insurance, you may be covered by your parent’s homeowners’ insurance; check with your parents to determine what is and is not be covered in the event of a loss.
Insurance agents are listed in the yellow pages under “Insurance.” Prices vary so shop around for a good price before buying a policy. Your car insurance provider may also offer renter’s insurance to you at a discounted cost.
Property owners and landlords cannot refuse to sell, rent, sublease, or otherwise make housing unavailable based on a renter’s race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Property owners and landlords also cannot charge some individuals higher rent or falsely state that housing is not available for discriminatory reasons. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, notify any of these agencies:
City of Columbia Human Rights Commission: (573) 817-5024
City of Columbia Office of Community Services: (573) 874-7488
Missouri Human Rights Commission Jefferson City Area: (573) 751-3325
St. Louis Area: (314) 340-7590
Kansas City Area: (816) 889-5100
Sikeston Area: (573) 472-5320
Toll-Free: (877) 781-4236
US Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Discrimination Hotline:
(800) 669-9777
Rental Applications
Rental applications ask for a great deal of sensitive information, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, phone numbers for references and employers. This is why it is important that you have made a sound decision that the property for which you are filling out an application is the one you really want.
Most rental applications ask that you give permission to the property owner for the release of a credit report. Many property owners want to know if you have had trouble with payment of other items in the past. This is a standard procedure.
Caution: Some apartment complexes combine their rental application with actual lease. So it is important to read what you are signing and submitting.
A lease is a written agreement between a tenant (the person renting) and a landlord/property owner. This agreement offers both the tenant and the landlord protection of the property and well-being of tenants. When a lease is signed by both parties it becomes a binding legal contract. If you or your landlord does not fulfill all of the terms of the lease, then the person who defaults can be sued. This can cost a great deal of time and money, so be sure to do your part in fulfilling the terms of the lease.
Never sign more than one lease. You will be required to pay all rent wherever you sign. This is not a suitable way to temporarily hold a property.
Some landlord/property owners do not require a Security Deposit, which means even if you don’t pay a security deposit when you submit the lease, it is still legally binding.
Online Leases: Read Carefully!! If you sign and submit a lease online, it is still binding even if you don’t get the complexes signature. If possible sign a lease in person so that you can get a signed copy of the lease from the complex.
If you have any questions about your lease, contact Student Legal Services at (573) 882-9700 before you sign it.
In a majority of cases, full-time students are required to have co-signers. In the state of Missouri a co- signer is someone who signs the lease in addition to the student. This means that the co-signer agrees to:
Have the landlord check his/her credit
Guarantee that the tenant complies with the rental agreement
Guarantee the payment of rent
By having a co-signer on the lease, a property owner has the ability to collect
payment if you default on your rental payments. Most students have a parent or
guardian as a co-signer. However, it can be anyone who is willing and earns in
excess of 5-6 times the amount of the monthly rent of the property.
Do not sign the lease until you have confirmed that your Co-Signer/Guarantor has agreed to sign your lease, if you sign the lease and they back out, you are still legally bound by the legal document.
Some landlords require a deposit at the time of signing the lease and others waive the security deposit. This deposit is money that the landlord collects as security against property damage, unclean conditions, and unpaid rent. The amount may vary, but it cannot exceed two month’s rent in the state of Missouri.
Within 30 days from the date the lease ends, the landlord is required to either return your full security deposit or give you a written list of reasons why part or all the security deposit was withheld.
It is important for the tenant to make it known to the landlord where they will be staying during the 30 days after the lease ends, so the security deposit can be sent to the appropriate location. The landlord may retain all or any portion of the deposit to cover any damages or charges for which you are liable under the lease. The landlord may also retain all or any portion of the deposit if you break the lease agreement.
If you are not required to pay a security deposit, any charges as listed in the lease, damages, and unpaid rent will be billed after you have moved-out and a walk-thru of the property has been done by the property owner.
A landlord may not evict without a court order. The landlord may begin eviction proceedings if a tenant:
Damages property Fails to pay rent Violates the terms of the lease Injures the lessor or another tenant Allows drug-related criminal activity on the premises Fails to vacate at the end of the lease term Gambles illegally on the property Subleasing/Re-let If for any reason you want to move out of a current location before the end of your lease, you must first have a sublease, re-let agreement or continue to pay the rent and other monetary arrangements made when you first signed the lease. If you do not pay for the entire leasing period then you could face a lawsuit.
A subleaser is someone who agrees to lease your current property from you. This means that you can still be held responsible for any damages or problems that may occur during the remainder of the lease.
A re-let agreement is someone who takes over your lease from you. This means that your lease is cancelled and a new lease is drawn up between the property and the person who is taking over your lease. You will only be held responsible for any damages or problems that occurred during your rental period.
Visit OrgSyncto safely advertise your apartment or house for sublease or explore sublease options!
The City of Columbia has a number of regulations in place meant to protect the quality of life for you and others who call our city home. Becoming familiar with these rules can help you and your neighbors.
By Leigh Kottwitz, Manager of Neighborhood Services
Your rights as a student living off-campus
You have the right to live in a rental unit with a current Certificate of Compliance issued by the City of Columbia. The certificate is evidence that the unit has been registered with the City and inspected for safety and maintenance. You can ask your landlord to see the current certificate or contact the City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Service to verify the unit’s compliance.
If you have a property maintenance issue that is not being addressed in a timely manner by your landlord, you have the right to file a tenant complaint with the City. After you have filed the complaint, a city inspector will visit your unit, document any issues and give your landlord a deadline to make the repairs. Always talk with your landlord first and give them an opportunity to fix the problem, and don’t withhold rent due to a maintenance issue.
Citizen Rental Complaint Form and Consent to Enter Property
Your responsibilities:
Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities
Property Owner Rights and Responsibilities:
August through May only
Short Lease Fee: $50/month
T: (573) 443-3121
www.barzell.com
3-12 month lease options (Furnished)
6 month lease options, 9 month lease
options (Unfurnished)
Short Lease Fee: Contact for more Information
T:
(573) 445-1613
broadwaycommunitiescomo.com
5 & 10 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $75/month for 10 month lease
$100/month
for 5 month lease
T: (573) 443-2950
www.campuslodgecolumbia.com
5 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $150/month for 5 month lease
T:
(573) 397-6056
www.campusviewmo.com
6 & 10 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $20/month for 10 month lease
$50/month
for 6 month lease
T: (573) 256-5700
www.livecbeechcomo.com
January through July only
Short Lease Fee: contact for current pricing
T:
(573) 234-4205
crosscreekvillasofcolumbia.com
January through July only
Short Lease Fee: contact for current pricing
T:
(573) 818-2042
www.districtflatscolumbia.com
6 month lease option (limited number available)
Short Lease Fee: $125/month
T: (573) 214-2323
www.domainatcolumbia.com
5 & 10 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $75/month for a 10 month lease
$150/month for a 5 month lease
T: (573) 284-0743
www.thedencolumbia.com
Month to month lease option
Executive Unit (month to month): $1570-1770/month
fully furnished
T: (573) 474-4399
www.linksatcolumbia.apartments
6 & 10 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $100/month for 6 month lease
$0/month
for 10 month lease
T: (855) 660-8356
www.thelyfeatmissouri.com
Short Lease Options at Landlord Discretion
T: (626) 394-6298
lyoncrestproperties.com
3-12 month leasing options at all five locations:
Boulder
Springs Columbia
Columbia
Crossing
Courtyard
Apartments
Heather
Ridge
Tiger
Village
Short Lease Fee: Contact for more information
T: (573)
443-4000
millsapartments.com
5 & 10 Month Lease Options
Short Term Lease Fee: Contact for more information
T: (573) 228-9016
www.livethepointe.com
5 & 10 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $75/month for 10 month lease
$125/month
for 5 month lease
T: (573) 256-7344
www.reserveatcolumbia.com
6 month lease option
Short Lease Fee: call for more information
T: (573)
561-5440
www.riseon9th.com
6 month lease options
Short Lease Fee: $100/month
T: (573) 260-1616.
www.therowatmo.com
10 month lease option with 3 & 6 month options at landlord discretion
Short
Lease Fee: Call for more information
T: (573) 443-3798
www.uplace.com
The Renters’ Guide to Outfitting Your Energy Budget
Columbia area natural gas service is provided by AmerenUE. Apply via telephone: 1 (800) 552-7583.
Where you live in Columbia will depend on which provider will serve you.
If your area is served by the city of Columbia, apply at the City-County Building, 725 E. Broadway or online at como.gov/utilities/ucs. For more information call (573) 874-7380.
If your area is served by Boone Electric Cooperative, apply in person at 1413 Rangeline. For more information contact (573) 449-4181.
View tips on energy conservation from the City of Columbia!
The City of Columbia and the public water districts are the water providers for Columbia. The provider that will serve you is dependent on the location of your residence. If your area is served by a public water district, your landlord can tell you which district to contact.
Curbside trash pick-up is provided for residents once a week by the city. To find out which day trash is collected in your neighborhood, call (573) 874-6291. You are automatically billed for trash collection when you open your water and electric account with the city.
If you live outside the city limits, you must contact private companies for trash collection.
The City of Columbia provides curbside collection for recyclables along with the trash service. Many apartment complexes also provide a recycling bin on a rotational basis. Call Columbia Public Works Department at (573) 874-6291 or your apartment complex manager for more information.
Welcome to the neighborhood! As MU students living off-campus, it can be difficult to acclimate to life away from home and out of the residence halls. Here are a few tips you can use to help your new neighborhood feel a little more like home:
When you move in, there are some things you need to do first!
Do you know what to do and look for during the move- in process?
Do you have a working camera and place to securely store pictures?
Do you know what to do if you have concerns on walk-through day?
Do you know how to set up your utilities?
Download the Move-In Checklist for a list of suggested supplies you may need.
Keep the following ordinances in mind.
“Nuisance Party” ordinance 16-301 and 16-302
What makes a party a
nuisance party?
Nuisance party is a social gathering of ten (10) or more people on residential property that results in any of the following occurring at the site of the gathering, on neighboring property or on an adjacent public street:
It shall be unlawful for any person having the right to possession of any residential premises, whether individually or jointly with others, to cause or permit a social gathering on the premises to become a nuisance party.
This ordinance requires your landlord to disclose the zoning for the unit you are renting either through the lease or by signing a separate disclosure. The zoning laws regulate how many people can live in your unit and violating the zoning law can land you in front of a judge. Over occupancy leads to greater traffic, trash, noise and possibly safety issues for occupants. The general rule of thumb is no more than four unrelated occupants may live together in a unit but know that there are some areas where only three unrelated occupants can live together. If there are related occupants living together where occupancy may exceed the allowed limits, please feel free to ask if you will be in compliance with our codes.
Keeping these ordinances in mind while residing in Columbia will keep police officers from knocking on your door and it will keep you from appearing in Municipal Court. For a complete list of ordinances visit www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Code_of_Ordinances_PDF
Welcome to the neighborhood! As MU students living off-campus, it can be difficult to acclimate to life away from home and out of the residence halls. Here are a few tips you can use to help your new neighborhood feel a little more like home:
Model the behavior you would like to see from others.You don’t want to be woken up in the middle of the night if you have a test at 8:00 the next morning. The same is true for your neighbors – they might have work or class in the morning, be elderly, or have small children.
Adopt a positive and solution-driven approach to resolving conflicts. Whether you’re facing a conflict with a neighbor or butting heads with your roommate, following this simple tip will help you find a constructive and practical way to address the problem. Need help handling a conflict? Contact Off-Campus Student Services at (573) 882-1753 to schedule a consultation.
Take time to learn more about a background or culture you are not familiar with to expand your own perspective and interpersonal skills. MU and the City of Columbia have hugely diverse populations. Take time to get to know your neighbors and find some shared interests. Fostering friendships and positive neighborhood relations enhances our overall health and may lead to new experiences or networking opportunities you didn’t expect!
Always remember to say please and thank you. Kindness has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial recipient. Treating others with respect and consideration can be as simple as being polite, no matter the setting. Set an example and be the best Tiger you can be!
Before leaving for winter break, ensure your place is ready for the winter. Here are some tips so you can rest easy knowing that your housing will be safe from the cold over break.
Rock the vote.
Missouri has no residency requirements for voter registration, but voters must:
You must re-register if you have changed your name or moved. To register, obtain absentee ballots or determine your ward or precinct, contact the Office of Elections and Voter Registration, Boone County Government Center, 801 East Walnut, Room 236, (573) 886-4375. Forms can also be accessed online at www.showmeboone.com.
Need to get your drivers license and register your vehicle? We’ve got you covered.
Within 30 days of establishing residency, drivers need to obtain a Missouri operator’s license. The Missouri Department of Revenue is the agency that has responsibility for, among other things, registration of motor vehicles and issuing driver licenses. You can find out what is required to apply for a Missouri driver license as well as search for a nearby location by zip code here. Information about registering a motor vehicle in Missouri is available here.
It is best to know exactly what you can afford before you contact any landlord. This way you will be able to limit your search and save time and money.
Many mistakes are made when students begin to look at housing options without putting much thought into preparing a budget. Download this sample budget sheet to guide your decisions. Other resources to take advantage of as you create your budget are:
Student Financial Aid: financialaid.missouri.edu
Office
for Financial Success: www.ofsmizzou.org
Utilize the City of Columbia’s Historical Electric and Water Usage to explore the average cost current tenants are paying for utilities in Columbia. You can search by geographical map or specific addresses for rental properties.
In My Area: Find providers and compare prices for Internet, Cable TV and other home services available in your specific area. This service is at no cost to students and includes free relocation consultations.
When you move out, make sure to clean the place thoroughly. Clean the oven, refrigerator, bathroom, etc. If you do not do this, the landlord may deduct money from your security deposit. The key is to make sure the apartment/house is in as good, if not better, condition as when you first moved in. Keep these tips in mind too:
Safety should be an important issue to think about when looking for off-campus housing. Go to the property during both daytime and evening hours to view the lighting and safety practices. Consider the following things when viewing a prospective apartment or house:
Take these steps to protect any vehicle:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas. Proper installation, operation, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances in the home are the most important factor in reducing the risk of CO poisoning. Purchase a CO detector in order to protect yourself from poisoning. Detectors can be found in stores that have home improvement departments.
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
Being a host or organizer is an awesome responsibility. In addition to having fun, you can be a successful host by being aware of potential hazards and taking precautions to minimize your risk level.
For more information, visit the City of Columbia Police Department website.
All retailers selling beer kegs must register the keg and affix a seal on the keg at the time of sale. The retailer will log the purchaser’s name, address, and the acknowledgement of proper use and care of the keg. If a keg is confiscated by police at a party at which underage persons have consumed alcohol, the purchaser of the keg can be identified-and arrested or fined-for supplying alcohol to underage persons. If a keg is returned with an ID tag defaced or missing, the deposit fee required at the time of sale is forfeited.
Follow these tips when you need to care for a drunk person.
Go COMO offers a semester pass to students for only $100 per semester, which gives them 5 months of unlimited ridership on any and all routes for only $20 a month.
The free Go COMO Mobile App on Apple and Android devices now makes tracking and catching a bus anywhere in the city as easy as looking at your smartphone. The GPS tracking lets you know exactly where every bus is in real-time.
For maps, schedules and other fare information visit gocomotransit.com.
Most apartment complexes which cater primarily to students offer a shuttle to campus.
On average these shuttles pick up and drop off every 30 minutes. Some shuttles operate for more than one apartment complex; therefore pick up and drop off may take longer than 30 minutes. We recommend that you check with your apartment complex regarding late night shuttles.
The Domain
Monday-Friday
Starts
at 7:00 am
Reaches campus at 7:15
Intervals: 15 minutes to campus, 15
minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 9:45 pm
Contact property for late
night shuttle times
The Den
Monday – Friday (pick up at
Strickland)
Starts at 7:00 AM
Returns to The Den every 30 minutes
Last
pick up on campus 8:15 PM
Late Night shuttle runs Thursday – Saturday (pick
up at Memorial)
Starts at 10:15 PM
Returns to The Den every 30 minutes
Last pick up on Memorial 2:00 AM
The Reserve
Monday-Friday
Starts
at 7:00 am
Reaches campus: 7:15 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to campus, 15
minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 9:45 pm
Contact property for late
night shuttle times
Saturday/Sunday
Starts at 12:00 pm
Reaches
campus: 12:20 pm
Reaches Walmart: 12:40 pm
Intervals: 20 minutes to
campus, 20 minutes to Walmart, 20 minutes back
Elevate231
Monday-Friday
Starts at
7:00 am
Reaches campus: 7:15 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to campus, 15
minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 6:45 pm
Contact property for late
night shuttle times
Grindstone Canyon
Monday-Friday
Starts at 7:00 am
Reaches campus: 7:20 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to
campus, 15 minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 7:50 pm
Contact property
for late night shuttle times
Grayson Cottages
Monday-Friday
Starts at 7:05 am
Reaches campus: 7:20 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to
campus, 15 minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 7:50 pm
Contact Property
for late night shuttle times
Brookside Properties
https://www.liveatbrookside.com/townhomes/bus
Campus LodgeShuttle 1
Monday-Friday
Starts at 7:10 am
Reaches campus: 7:20 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to
campus, 15 minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 9:50pm
Shuttle 2
Monday-Friday
Starts at 6:55 am
Reaches campus: 7:05 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to
campus, 15 minutes back
Last pick up on campus: 6:35pm
Contact property
for weekend shuttle times
The Links at Columbia
Monday-Friday
Starts at 6:55 am
Reaches campus at 7:40 am
Intervals:
The
Links Shuttle
Last pick up on campus: 5:40 pm
The Lyfe
Starts at 7:00 am
Reaches campus at 7:15 am
Intervals: 15 minutes to campus, 15 minutes
back
Last pick up on campus: 6:45 pm
If your property would like to have a shuttle schedule posted please contact us at offcampus@missouri.edu with a copy of your schedule.
Tiger Line, Mizzou’s student shuttle service, runs seven days a week during the fall and winter semesters and is available to all Mizzou students. The shuttle system is paid by Mizzou student fees, so there is no additional cost when you board the shuttle.
The Tiger Line day routes run in approximately 10- 15 minute intervals from 6am to 8pm, Monday through Friday. It stops at the following commuter parking lots: AV14 (Trowbridge Livestock Area), SG4 (Hearnes Commuter Parking Area) and RP10 (located east of the Research Reactor).
The night routes run in approximately 30-minute intervals and are available 8pm to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 11pm.
Tiger Line buses are equipped with GPS and can be tracked in real time using the Go Mizzou smartphone app for IOS and Android.
More information about Tiger Line can be found here or on Go COMO.
If you plan on commuting to campus by car… familiarize yourself with Parking & Transportation Services. On their site you can apply for a parking assignment, find a calendar with important dates and a helpful map of parking options on campus. When in doubt, just contact Parking & Transportation!
The University provides on-campus daytime parking for a fee via the Online Tiger Park Portal (http://mu.nupark.com/portal). Parking lots and garages are generally reserved for those with assigned parking passes, with the exception of outside the Virginia Avenue Garage and within Hitt Street Garage which also have metered spaces.
Meters are available to students for 60 cents per hour and are located in areas convenient to classrooms. Some meters on campus are intended for use by visitors with a rate of $1.00 per hour. Hitt Street Garage has 1,000 metered spaces that can be paid with either cash or debit/credit card. All other meters on campus accept American nickels, dimes, quarters or Cashkey.
For full details on MU Parking & Transportation Services, visit parking.missouri.edu
Go COMO offers a semester pass to students for only $100 per semester, which gives them 5 months of unlimited ridership on any and all routes for only $20 a month.
The free Go COMO Mobile App on Apple and Android devices now makes tracking and catching a bus anywhere in the city as easy as looking at your smartphone. The GPS tracking lets you know exactly where every bus is in real-time.
For maps, schedules and other fare information visit gocomotransit.com.
You and your roommates are liable for one another in the event that one roommate cannot pay their portion of the bill. All bills (rent, utilities, cable and internet) for the unit are split between you and your roommates.
Houses
Unlike a joint lease, your name is the only one that goes on the lease and you are responsible for only your portion of the rent and utilities. If a roommate moves out, you are still only liable for your portion.
It is best to know exactly what you can afford before you contact any landlord. This way you will be able to limit your search and save time and money.
Many mistakes are made when students begin to look at housing options without putting much thought into preparing a budget. Download this sample budget sheet to guide your decisions. Other resources to take advantage of as you create your budget are:
Student Financial Aid: financialaid.missouri.edu
Office for Financial Success: www.ofsmizzou.org
Utilize the City of Columbia’s Historical Electric and Water Usage to explore the average cost current tenants are paying for utilities in Columbia. You can search by geographical map or specific addresses for rental properties.
In My Area: Find providers and compare prices for Internet, Cable TV and other home services available in your specific area. This service is at no cost to students and includes free relocation consultations.
The vast majority of students choose to live with roommates during their time off campus!
Download the Roommate Matching Questions for a list of suggested questions you may need. You can also use our Roommate Contract to help create clear communication with your roommate. No two roommate relationships are the same, so here’s the Roommate Contract in a Word document version so you all can revise it to fit your individual needs.
Campus Dining Services at Mizzou offers 30 restaurants, cafés and Mizzou Markets all across campus. CDS offers off-campus students a specific dining plan that meets the needs of busy schedule. For more information about Campus Dining visit dining.missouri.edu and under dining plans, select Off-Campus.
Cooking at home allows you the freedom and ability to purchase your own food. However, it will mean that you need additional planning when preparing your meals.
Adopting a pet in college is a big deal, and there’s a lot that is required when caring for a pet. Here’s a list of things you may want to consider before making the decision to bring an animal into your life.
Whether it’s a dog, cat, fish, lizard or otherwise, it’s important to put some thought into whether you’re really ready for a pet and why you want one. Whether it’s for companionship or a workout buddy, take some time to think about it.
No matter what type of animal you choose to bring home, they all require attention and care. Take time to consider what type of animal best fits your schedule. If you’re away for a majority of the day, a dog may not be the best fit, whereas a goldfish or more independent animal may be a better fit for you.
Most apartment complexes have restrictions on the breed, size, and types of animals they allow on the property, and some landlords don’t allow them at all. Be sure to check with your landlord before you bring an animal home to make sure they’re allowed on the premises.
Keeping the people you live with up to speed is always a good idea. Is your roommate okay with having an animal in the apartment/house? Are they allergic to any kind of animal? Do they have an animal that will get along with others? Always make sure your roommates are okay with having an animal before making the decision.
Owning a pet can get expensive. Whether its vet visits for vaccinations and other medical maladies, bedding, toys, food or grooming, the costs add up. On top of those costs, it’s also important that you consider whether your landlord requires a pet deposit or damage fees to be covered when moving out as these can become a relatively expensive barrier when thinking about owning a pet. These are good things to think about before you make the decision to adopt.
Are you away from home on a consistent basis? Do you go on frequent trips or live out of state? Do you travel for work? If you do, you may need to find a reliable kennel, pet sitter, or friend to care for your animal when you’re away. All of these are things to consider when adopting and may help you decide what kind of pet may best suit your lifestyle.
If you’ve never had your own animal before, fostering provides a great opportunity to see what it would be like without making a lifelong commitment to an animal. After fostering a cat or a dog for a while, you might decide on one type of animal over another. Columbia and the surrounding area have a number of organizations that offer the ability to foster, and are always looking for help.
After considering all of these factors, are you still ready to adopt? If so, here is a list of local animal shelters and rescues that offer adoption or a foster option.
The City of Columbia and the University of Missouri are always working together to create a harmonious relation between long-term residents of Columbia and students at MU. Each year we distribute Welcome Kits and explore opportunities for social gatherings to promote a neighborhood environment that is respectful to everyone. Everyone can help in this effort by getting to know your neighbors and respecting local laws.
Are you new to Columbia? Check out the city’s website for information about setting up utilities, bus routes, city laws and ordinances, parks and recreational activities, and more!
Out and about in Columbia. Get to know these parks and nature areas in Columbia, or “CoMo”, for a great time in some fresh air.
Rock Bridge Park provides several attractions: the half-mile Devil’s Icebox boardwalk, Connor’s Cave and an actual rock bridge. You can either explore the park on your own or take a guided tour. The 2,273-acre park encompasses 15 miles of trails, which are open to hikers, horseback riders and cyclists.
Located between campus and downtown, Peace Park is the ideal setting for a study break. The open, grassy area provides great space for a game of Frisbee or a picnic. Take your PB&J and head down to Peace Park for a delightful lunch destination.
Columbia’s major trail boasts 8.9 miles: 4.7 miles in the city and 4.2 miles in Boone County. It’s perfect for your morning jog, afternoon hike or evening walk. If you are really ambitious, you can take the MKT all the way to the Katy Trail. The Katy Trail is a 225 mile trail that has been converted from an old railway into a wonderful scenic route. Currently the trail extends from Clinton to St. Charles along the Missouri River. Take a day trip or a week-long cruise through Missouri.
Stephen’s Lake Park features a beautiful 11-acre lake circled by a 0.6-mile trail for walking, running or biking. You can also fish on the east side of the boardwalk, boat in the lake go for a swim or plan in the spraygrounds.
COSMO Park is known to be Columbia’s largest park. It is one of the most extensive parks around the area, loaded with different activities for you to partake in. It is full of many large fields used for soccer, football, lacrosse, gold, baseball, and softball. There are many different leagues that form each year through the Columbia Parks and Rec system. It also includes an impressive network of mountain biking and hiking trails. Also, COSMO is one of the only parks in the city that has a skate park used for tournaments and recreation throughout the year.
Wander through the 230+ acres of natural Missouri landscape. Grindstone Nature Area is full of informal trails leading to wonderful landscapes of Creeks, limestone cliffs, and open grasslands. This is a great park to take a picnic or a long, relaxing hike.
What Would Happen If… For more information on the following and other violations, please contact the Columbia Police Department.
It doesn’t matter if you are caught by University Police, Columbia Police, or Alcohol and Tobacco Control: illegal consumption, possession, or distribution of alcohol by a minor is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you may be fined up to $1000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year. In addition to fines, you will need to pay court costs and attorney fees. If you are a student and your violation occurs on campus, parental notification could take effect if you are under 21.
Any person who is less than 21 years of age, who uses a reproduced, modified, or altered license for the purpose of purchasing, asking for, or in any way receiving any intoxicating liquor can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Effective August 28th, 2005, Missouri law states that if the police have reason to suspect that you have been drinking and you are under 21, they can charge you with “minor in possession by consumption”. This means that even if you are not holding the alcohol container, but have consumed alcohol, you can be charged with an MIP. Additionally, any person who possesses an open container of alcohol on any street, sidewalk or city parking facility could be charged with a misdemeanor.
The legal BAC limit for DWI is .08. Those under 21 could be found guilty of a Zero Tolerance violation if their BAC is above .02. Consequences could include: fines, license revocation, classes, community service, and jail time, as well as misdemeanor or felony charges on one’s record. Visit conduct.missouri.edu for more information on University policies.
In Missouri, anyone under 21 years old and operating a motor vehicle with either alcohol or illegal drugs in their possession can have their driver’s license revoked for 90 days. The Abuse and Lose law also requires that your license be revoked for 90 days if you commit any of the following offenses: any alcohol related traffic offense; possessing or using an illegal drug; altering a driver’s license; trying to use someone else’s driver’s license. Second and subsequent offenses result in a one year license suspension.
Music that disturbs others or that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet or more is prohibited between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am. You could be charged with a misdemeanor and be fined up to $1,000. Any music from a vehicle that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet is prohibited at any time. Yelling and shouting that disturbs others is illegal at any time.
As of October, 2012, it is illegal to own or shoot off fireworks in the City of Columbia. Any person possessing or discharging fireworks within the city limits shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
A nuisance party is defined on page 44 Columbia police officers are authorized to order those attending a nuisance party to disperse. It is unlawful for any person who does not live at the site of the nuisance party to fail or refuse to leave the premise immediately after being told to leave by a Columbia police officer.
Penalties can range $500 (first time offense) to $4,000 (second time offense). Jail time is also a possibility.
Any person found urinating in public can be charged with a misdemeanor.
I receive stolen property?
It is illegal to receive stolen property. It is illegal to steal street signs or
to
receive stolen street signs. Any person caught could be arrested and charged
with a
misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value.
Properties must be kept clear of excessive trash. Yards of all homes must be kept clear of inappropriate items such as tires, appliances, furniture, etc. Leaving trash in your yard could result in a special pick-up fee of $50 or more. Also, do not keep your indoor furniture such as couches and arm chairs on your porch or in your lawn. More information about trash collection can be found on page 46
Any person found trespassing on a private lot can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Vehicles cannot be parked at any time on grass or yellow lines, or with the left
side
of the vehicles to the curb.
Vehicles cannot block, be parked on or across sidewalks or driveways.
Parking your vehicle in a public place for longer than 24 hours and leaving a
wrecked or dismantled vehicle on a public street or private property is
prohibited.
It is illegal to operate unlicensed vehicles (this includes expired license
plates
and vehicles with no license plates).
Did you know… that you can get trash and recycling bags for free through the City of Columbia’s voucher system?
Vouchers are mailed out to residents every April, August, and December. Didn’t receive your vouchers? Contact WasteZero, Inc. at 800-866-3954 or online at www.wastezero.com/Columbia to request vouchers in the mail. Vouchers can then be redeemed for trash and recycling bags at most grocery stores in town, including Gerbes Supermarkets, Hy-Vee, Schnuck’s Supermarket, Moser’s Discount Foods, Patricia’s IGA, Westlake Ace Hardware, and Menard’s.
Curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. most weekdays. It is a violation of City Ordinance to place trash at the curb prior to 4:00 p.m. the night before your trash pickup day.
You can visit the Public Works Department – Solid Waste Division at www.GoColumbiaMO.com to find a map of trash and recycling collection days.
All trash should be secured in disposable bags (like the free ones you got with your voucher!) or bundles, not exceeding 50 pounds. Columbia does NOT currently use a city-wide can system, so bags should be removed from trashcans and placed on the curb for collection. No can (plastic or metal containers) will be emptied by trash collectors.
Please be mindful of sharp or dangerous items in your trash. Each year several Public Works employees are injured by broken glass, needles, and other items. Please wrap these items carefully, or place them in a puncture-resistant container before placing them in your trash bag. You could even leave a note on the bag to help prevent injury.
Blue (comingled) recycling bags are used to collect only the following items: Glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, metal food cans, #1-#7 plastic containers. Columbia is able to recycle #1-#7 plastics at this time. Recycling bags should also be limited to 50 pounds and placed out alongside your trash bags on your appropriate trash day, or dropped off at a recycling drop-off center.
Fiber materials (corrugated cardboard, chipboard, boxboard, paper, newspaper, magazines, phone books, etc.) can also be recycled by placing them curbside in a cardboard box or paper bag, next to trash bags and blue recycling bags, or by dropping them in a recycling drop-off center. Locations for these centers can be found at the GoColumbiaMO website. Everyone who has their trash and recycling collected by Public Works, be it curbside or in an on-site dumpster, is charged for trash collection. You can see this charge on your monthly utilities bill from the city
You can arrange pickup of oversized items by contacting the Solid Waste Department at 573-874-6291 or by filling out an online request form at the GoColumbiaMO website.
Some items deemed hazardous to the environment cannot be collected with regular trash. Many of these items may even be common household items, like motor oil or antifreeze containers, caulk, pesticides, paint, batteries, medications and some household cleaners. Learn how you can properly dispose of these items, and see a complete list, by visiting www.GoColumbiaMO.com and searching for “Household Hazardous Waste Collection”.
Physically challenged customers may arrange for special pickup at no additional
cost.
Customers in need of such assistance must submit a letter from a physician
explaining their circumstances.
Following these simple rules can help you avoid receiving fines of $50 or
higher.
This information, and more, can be found online at www.GoColumbiaMO.com
The Office of Off-Campus Student Services at the University of Missouri would like to say thanks for your efforts to keep our students safe as they reside within your property. Throughout the course of the academic year, we strive to provide you with opportunities to connect directly with the student body by participating in our Housing Fairs, advertising in our Off-Campus Living Magazine, GoMizzou App, and website; just to name a few. Consequently, with these opportunities come responsibilities on your part.
Our office has found it necessary to implement a “three strikes” practice. The following are the guidelines for this practice and we reserve the right to make adjustments as deemed necessary. Sanctions will be issued to:
If your property receives three strikes, you would no longer be able to participate in the following marketing opportunities for one calendar year:
Division of Student Affairs:
Thank you for helping our students have a great experience while living off-campus.
The Office of Off-Campus Student Services offers an annual educational training session for property managers and landlords. The purpose of this training is to enhance the relationship between lessors and lessees with a focus on creating safe and welcoming off-campus communities. It is our goal to address topics that will assist property owners and front line staff in dealing with situations that may arise throughout the year. Topics will be reassessed each year, but may include community building, mental health, resident safety, conflict resolution, alcohol awareness, and campus support services. Typically, this training is held in late April or early May.
Off-Campus Student Services offers opportunities for property owners and managers and community resources to connect with Mizzou students through a variety of options. 2020-2021 advertising options will be available in April. For more information please contact Off-Campus Student Services at (573) 882-1753 or offcampus@missouri.edu.
Gold, Silver, and A La Carte options described below
Full page (8″ wide x 10.50″ long) magazine advertisement
GoMizzou App
2
Tables at each of the November and February Housing Fairs
Inclusion in
amenity comparison list in magazine
TOTAL: $3,250 (savings of $200)
Half page (8″ wide x 5.13″ long) magazine advertisement
GoMizzou App
1
Table at each of the November and February Housing Fair
Inclusion in amenity
comparison list in magazine
TOTAL: $2,000 (savings of $150)
Magazine Options:
Full page (8″ x 10.50″) ad- $1800
Half (8″ x 5.13″)
page ad- $1000
1/3 (8″ x 3.34″) page ad- $800
1/4 (8″ x 2.44″) page ad-
$600
1/8 (8″ x 1.10″) page ad- $400
Inside back cover- $2000
Outside
Back cover- $3000
Additional full page- $1800
Inclusion in amenity
comparison list in magazine – $150
½ Table – $150 (choice of shared with another vendor or small bar top table)
1
Table – $300
2 Tables $600
Event sponsorship – $300
Events available for sponsorship include workshops and breakfast stops. Selection of events by sponsors will be done in the order of request date. There will be a limited number of sponsorship opportunities, so not all requests may result in an opportunity. Sponsors will receive a refund if they are not granted an event or if the event does not occur.
Property would be listed as event sponsor in marketing materials, allowed to provide printed materials for attendees to pick-up at event and provide a 5 minute informational talk by a representative about the property(ies). The property would not be allowed to collect of information from participants or complete applications or leases at the event. Each company would be permitted to sponsor one event per academic year.