If you choose
to pack lightly, or are unable to ship everything you will need, there are
many area retailers from which you can purchase anything you choose not to
transport or ship. The City of Columbia offers bus
service to local stores and malls, and there is also a taxi service available
in Columbia.
University Student Apartments are rented unfurnished except
for major appliances (not including microwaves and dishwashers). There are
several furniture retailers in Columbia; however, residents should not be concerned
if they are not able to purchase brand new furniture and appliances.
Used items can often be found through newspaper
ads, the Red Pages (a local publication not affiliated with the University),
resale shops and at several thrift stores in the area. It is also not uncommon
for flyers to be posted by people selling various items prior to a move
they are planning.
Furniture
- Bed, mattress
- Chest of drawers, mirror
- Dining table and chairs
- Living room furniture (recliner, couch, coffee table, entertainment
center)
- Bookshelves
- Desk, chair
Other necessary items
- Social Security card, Student Visa, Passport and/or other official identification
and paperwork.
- Bedspread or comforter, blankets, bedding.
- Pillows & pillowcases
- Towels and washcloths
- Season-appropriate clothing
Winters get COLD in Missouri—we often have snow—so you will need a medium
coat, a heavy coat or parka, boots or waterproof shoes with good traction,
gloves, and a hat or scarf. On especially cold days, some people also wear
long underwear.
If you are not accustomed to dressing for colder weather, it is a good idea
to wear layers of clothing that can be easily removed during the day. A T-shirt
with a larger shirt over it is often more comfortable than a heavy sweater.
Hats are also essential as much of your body heat escapes through your head.
Summers also get hot in Missouri (after mid-May), so sleeveless shirts, tanks
and dresses and sandals are appropriate.
- Clothes hangers
- Alarm clock or clock-radio with battery
- Telephone (land-line)
- Surge strips or surge protectors. Choose units with a 15
amp circuit-breaker and safety reset switch.
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
- Towels, washcloths
- Backpack or bookbag
- School supplies (pens, notebooks, paper)
- Umbrella, rain gear
- Cleaning supplies
- Broom, vacuum
- Dishware, dish soap
- Cooking appliances (coffee maker, rice steamer, blender,
etc.)
- Cooking utensils (knives, cutting boards, spoons)
- Pots, pans
Self-Care items
- First aid kit (including bandages, alcohol, etc.)
- Prescriptions, prescription medication
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (Advil™, Naprosyn™, Motrin™,
ibuprofen)
- Fever reducer (Tylenol™, acetaminophen)
- Decongestant (Sudafed™, pseudoephedrine)
- Cough suppressant (with dextromet horphan)
- Thermometer
- Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids™)
- Topical antibiotic cream (Neosporin™, Bacitracin™)
- Current insurance card or two-sided copy from parents' plan covering
student
- Wastebaskets and trash bags
Items that may be useful
- Bathrobe
- Hair dryer, hair care products and supplies
- Over-the-nozzle shower rack, toothbrush holder, soap holder
- Laundry basket, iron, quarters
(some hall laundromats offer an ID-charge option for machines)
- Detergent and fabric softener
- Doormat, small rugs
- Desk supplies (stapler, folders, etc.)
- Under-bed storage drawers or caddies
- Residents may not require an academic planner as they will
be provided with an MU Tiger Guide.
- Dictionary, thesaurus
- Bicycle and U-lock
- Box or table fan
- Sewing kit
- Toolbox
- Checkbook, debit card (Several banks in the area offer accounts
designed for college students and young adults)
- Extension cords
- Stereo
- Flashlight and batteries
- Cellular phone, land-line phone
- Personal computer
- Pictures, posters and other decorative items
At the beginning of fall and winter semesters, a large poster
sale takes place outside of Brady Commons or in the Memorial Union. (Only
use approved adhesives such as 3M Command adhesives and 3M Command adhesive
hangers to hang decorative items.)
- Desk/floor lamps
- Microwave
- Window air-conditioner (requires medical need, prior approval and installation
by ResLife staff for a fee.)
- Television, VCR/DVD player
- Video game console
- Curtains
Not recommended
- Unapproved materials for hanging including Scotch™,
duct, electrical or masking tape; gum-type adhesives; tacks, nails and
staples; anything else that may damage walls.
SUBJECT TO CONFISCATION/REPRIMAND
- Pets (having a pet requires approval)
- Weapons
- Portable dishwashers and/or portable clothes washers and
dryers
Updated May 11, 2005
Produced by the Department of Residential Life, Copyright 2001, 2004, 2005
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