The Essential Guide to Living Near the University of Missouri

Attending Classes or Working at Mizzou? Here’s What You Need to Know About Apartment Living in Columbia, MO

Beyond the Amenities, Columbia, MO Has All Kinds of Dining & Community Events for Students & Young Professionals


From Homecoming festivities to the iconic Francis Quadrangle, you’ll never forget your Mizzou experience. It doesn’t matter what you’re studying: veterinary medicine, journalism, or engineering science; living around campus comes with all kinds of bright opportunities. As a student, undergraduate or graduate, you’ll have access to various community events, dining options, outdoor activities, and more!


At The Lofts of Columbia, we offer phenomenal apartments near Stadium Boulevard and in the middle of the downtown area. We know the perfect spots for all your favorite hobbies, interests, and tastes, so you can make memories and discover everything Columbia, MO has to offer. Learn more about the best places to visit and map out your journey with The University of Missouri. 

With the right apartment location near Mizzou, you don’t have to rush to your classes


When building your academic schedule, it’s important to consider where these classes will be located and how far they will be from your apartment. If you aren’t bringing a car to campus, this is especially crucial. If you are driving in the Columbia area, you should also take note of parking lot and structure locations. 


From 9th Street to East Campus, different areas can offer a world of benefits to different students. Many buildings for a specific major will be in proximity to each other; for example, the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, Mizzou Small Animal Hospital, and Veterinary Diagnostic Lab are all in one unified location. 


In addition to academics, the university offers up to
700 organizations, more than 60 clubs and intramural sports, and prolific Greek life opportunities where you can build your community and relationships. 


By choosing the best apartment for your college experience in Columbia, MO, it will be much easier to make it to class on time. No more forever-long walks. No more late attendance and grabbing notes from the person next to you. 

More on Academics

Easily reach your favorite dining spots on campus & in downtown Columbia, MO

When you’re not cooking from your apartment kitchen, you’ll want to know where to find a delicious meal. As a student with a dining plan, you’ll have access to endless unique options across campus: grab-and-go markets, cheeseburgers, pasta dishes, sandwiches, Asian fusion cuisine, and so much more. Whether you sit in the dining halls or pick up an order to take it back, you can enjoy having a range of choices.


If you want to venture out and take a stroll downtown, you’ll find some of Columbia, MO’s highest-rated restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and more in
The District When living near the university, trust you’ll never be short on good food with everything you want, from sushi restaurants to Mexican grills to tasty Italian sandwich shops. 


On top of the restaurant variety, you will also find quality-made dishes across the downtown Columbia, MO area. Seasonal menus, farm-to-table ingredients, and dietary-inclusive options are available at many local places, and all of them are worth trying! Whether you’re welcoming guests in town or going out with friends, your inner foodie can make their dreams come true.

Campus Dining

From entertainment to activism, there’s an event for everyone in downtown Columbia, MO

Downtown Columbia, MO hosts a ton of events, big and small, every month. From intimate concerts to humongous film festivals, there’s something for everyone when you live downtown. The biggest and most recognizable is the True/False Film Festival. This huge weekend-long event takes place annually during the first weekend of March and brings big names to Columbia. From famous directors and actors to up-and-coming creators from the heart of Missouri, the crowd is varied, and the energy is great. Catch a film, see a concert, and see who you can spot walking around downtown. 


Every spring, you can enjoy downtown’s Earth Day Festival. Learn more about how you can make a positive impact on your local environment and shop from local artisans at their booths. In December, downtown Columbia celebrates the start of the Christmas season with Living Windows, a truly theatrical event. The storefronts downtown feature performing arts in their windows, making downtown really come alive. The best part? Because you live downtown, you don’t have to compete with everyone for parking! 

To find more to do downtown, check out The District’s event calendar and plan your next outing!

Find Events Downtown

H4: Whether you’re going to sporting events in Columbia, MO, or exploring recreational options, living near the University of Missouri is perfect for an active sports-enthusiast

Are you a hardcore fan of college sports? Do you enjoy working out or walking along beautiful nature trails? If you like all of the above, you’re in luck at Mizzou. Whether you’re going with roommates, friends, or family, there are plenty of sporting events and venues to attend, including Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. When game day comes, it will be easy to walk from your apartment to the next basketball, football, or softball game. Students can even receive perks on tickets and other offers. 


At the
MizzouRec center, students and paying members can have access to all kinds of clubs, fitness groups, and gyms. The facilities also offer lap swimming, saunas, personal training, and other features. If you want some fresh air away from campus, there are several nearby trails and parks in Columbia, MO that are perfect for walking or biking. 


While you’re here, you never have to stay bored inside with nothing to do. Discover tons of fitness options, scenic areas, and sports entertainment just minutes away from your room! 

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H4: Build community & enjoy yourself by keeping up with Columbia, MO’s regular events


Columbia, MO is known for being a college town, and while there are many campus landmarks, the entire city provides plenty of events to the public. In The District downtown, you can have fun at live music venues, art galleries, yoga classes, bookstores, movie theaters, and so much more. These community-building events are available to you no matter what time of year it is, whether keeping warm in the winter or cooling off in the summer.


Across town, you’ll also find boutiques, shopping centers, festivals, a
farmer’s market, and endless other unique places to explore, learn a new skill, or meet new faces. Something is always happening in Columbia, MO, so keep an eye out for chances to make memories!

Events Near the University

H4: Apply to The Lofts of Columbia & find the right apartment near Mizzou as a college student, graduate student, or young professional 


Want to make the best path for your university experience? Move in with The Lofts of Columbia! Our apartment complexes, The Lofts at The Manor and The Manor House, include impeccable features that enrich the day-to-day lives of Columbia, MO’s students and young professionals. Learn more about our apartments near the University of Missouri and be close to all your favorite locations.