New Students Information Center (Under construction)

Here is some general information for new students. Herein you can find general information on the Columbia area such as utility information, directions, groceries, and need-to-know info for new students in the department.

International Students Specific Resources ← Redirects to the International Center. A great resource for all students new to the States. It has information on housing, transportation, visas, etc. Everything a student new to the states needs to know, and if not they are happy to answer any questions you might have.

Preparation for school

Orientation

Please email the Secretary of PAGSA so they can schedule someone to give you the tour of the department and campus. This will hopefully help to familiarize new students with important locations on campus such as the Cashier’s Office, Registrar, International Center, Library, the bookstore, etc. as well as resources available to you on campus and through the department.

Qualifying Exam

The qualifying exam is usually give in two parts (one each weekend before classes start) in August and January depending on the number of people who need or wish to take the exam. The first exam is mandatory for all new students. The first time the Qual is attempted it is a “free shot” meaning that if you do not pass it does not count against you on your record, and if you pass it the first time you gain the full benefits of passing the exam.

The qualifying exam is typically split into two three hour sessions. Each session covers three of the six sections offered. The usual topics are Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics, Mathematical Methods, and a Special Problems section in the specialties of the department.

Registration

Can be completed online through STAR (a tn3270 terminal soon to be transitioned to a PeopleSoft system). All classes numbered greater than 7000 count as graduate credit. 7000 – 7999 are basic graduate / advanced undergraduate courses. 8000 – 8999 are graduate courses. 9000+ are usually reserved for Doctoral Candidate Thesis Research (9090).

Graduate School Catalog

The MU Graduate Catalog can be found here. It outlines all the rules and regulations for graduate students and is your primary source of information on the policies of the Graduate School.

Get to Columbia

Via highway: get off I-70
Via air: The nearest airports are STL and MCI. You may take MOexpress.com shuttle to Columbia. Shuttle price is around $40
Google Maps: The physics department is just north of the corner of East Rollins St. and South College Avenue (north of the Bond Life Science Center) as seen here.

Living in Columbia

Utilities

Utilities vary from residence to residence, however some common ones are Water & Sewer provided by Columbia City Utilities. Gas is usually provided by AmerenUE.

Groceries

There are numerous grocers in town. The largest and most general purpose are the Wal-Marts (3 super-centers), the Gerb’s (2 stores), and some privately held small stores scattered about. There are also several specialty grocers who deal in ethnic specialties from across the globe. Most of these can be found in the area bounded by East Broadway to the north, campus to the south, and between South Providence and South College. This area is usually called “The District”.

Dining and Entertainment

The District has many fine restaurants, coffee houses, and a few clubs. Some of the best places are the Cherry Street Artisan, Heidelberg, Shakespeare’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, Flatbranch Brewery, and many many more.

Also, on campus activities, performances, cultural events, etc. are listed at stufftodo.missouri.edu.