As the spring semester wraps up, many out-of-state students are preparing to stay in Columbia over the summer to achieve residency. The difference between out-of-state tuition and in-state tuition is huge. Here are some things you will need as well as a few tips if you’re spending summer in Columbia:
Your packet of residency information can be turned in on the first day of fall classes if you have reached the $2,000 income requirement. If you have not met that, you have until Sept. 15 to make the $2,000.
While in Columbia, even when you reach the $2,000 mark, you must continue working through the summer.
You will need to turn in copies of your lease or sublease, your driver’s licence, your voter registration card and your parents’ federal income tax form saying they do not claim you as a dependent. If your parents are divorced, they are both required to submit this form.
If you decide to leave Missouri for any of the 14 days that you are allotted to be out of the state, make sure you get documentation for that, so the university knows when you left Missouri and when you returned. Being away from family for three months can be difficult, so you and your family can plan weekends in Missouri rather than heading home.
Branson is a huge tourist town in southern Missouri and could be a fun option for a family weekend. If you want to go somewhere bigger, try St. Louis or Kansas City, and if you want to be near the water, Osage Beach is the perfect vacation spot.
Every two to three days, if you’re not working, you will need to make a bank transaction. Some options for doing this without breaking the bank include splitting up your grocery list, filling up your gas tank half way or treating yourself to a Sonic or Starbucks drink. As long as you can prove that you were in Missouri on the days that you were not working, you will be good to go.
Three months away from home may seem to drag on forever, but it will save you $15,000 per year in tuition. These three months will change the rest of your time here at Mizzou for the better.
_Edited by Alexandra Sharp | asharp@themaneater.com_
