Community & Connection
Campus Life
Life in Springfield, on-campus housing, dining, and support services for international students.
Overview
Campus life at Drury combines a close-knit community with the resources of Springfield, Missouri. You'll find residence halls and apartment-style housing, dining, Living Learning Communities, and support services, all within walking distance of classes and the Ozarks outdoors.
About Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, in the American Midwest on historic Route 66, is the big small town that has it all: a strong economy, healthcare, excellent schools, a safe and temperate climate, and an active arts and entertainment scene. From the Springfield Cardinals baseball team to Jordan Valley Park and the indoor skating facility, both within walking distance of campus, there is always something to do after class.
The Ozarks of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas offer pristine streams, rivers, and lakes for canoeing, fishing, and boating within minutes of campus. The Buffalo National River watershed, with hiking, fishing, and scenic vistas, is within two hours. Drury's commitment to sustainability connects to this setting; faculty often use the Ozarks as a living laboratory.
Drury was founded by Congregationalists in 1873 to help heal the wounds of the Civil War; the first students included women and Native Americans. Historic campus buildings like Stone Chapel (the region's oldest stone building) and Springfield Hall (a center of student life since 1909) remain integral to campus.
About SpringfieldHousing Options
Full-time day students are required to live on campus unless they meet specific exemption criteria. Housing includes residence halls for first- and second-year students, apartment-style options in Springfield's historic Midtown, and fraternity houses. All campus housing includes mini-blinds, laundry access, internet, and utilities.
Residence Halls
Most freshmen and sophomores live in Lydy Suites, Sunderland Hall, or Wallace Hall, staffed by a Hall Director or Graduate Assistant and Resident Assistants. Sunderland offers suite-style living with private bedrooms and is home to Living Learning and Themed Living Communities.
Housing OptionsApartment-Style Housing
College Park, Jefferson Park, Manley Hall, Midtown, Summit Park, and University Suites offer independent living within walking distance of campus. Eligibility typically requires having graduated from high school at least one full year before the anticipated move-in date.
Housing OptionsLiving on Campus
Move-in checklist
Plan for move-in with essentials: XL twin sheets, toiletries, school supplies, storage solutions, laundry and cleaning supplies, and approved small appliances (e.g. microfridge is provided; only 3M Command adhesives for hanging). Coordinate with your roommate on shared items like rugs and TVs. Certain items are prohibited: candles, extension cords, unapproved cooking appliances, and pets other than fish.
Moving on Campus checklistLiving Learning & Themed Communities
First-year students can apply to live in Living Learning Communities (LLCs) or Themed Living Communities (TLCs) in Sunderland Hall. LLCs are tied to an academic class (e.g. The Arts, Pre-Health Sciences); TLCs are interest-based and linked to student organizations (e.g. Fanatics, Get in the Game, Panther Pulse). Applications and housing contract are required by the published deadline.
LLCs & TLCsApplying for Campus Housing
All students must complete a housing contract or have an exemption on file. First-year students may apply to live in Lydy Suites, Sunderland Hall (LLC only), or Wallace Hall. Contracts and deposit submitted by May 1 (fall) or December 1 (spring) receive assignments in early June or mid-December. Assignments are sent to the student's Drury email. To live off campus, you must meet exemption criteria and submit a Housing Exemption form.
- Contact Admission for a campus tour
- Apply for LLC/TLC by the deadline if interested
- Complete required forms in MyDrury
- Check housing FAQs and policies
- Coordinate with your roommate before move-in
Dining
Drury's dining is provided by Fresh Ideas. Meal plans include block meals at the Commons and Panther Bucks for other campus locations. Special dietary needs can be accommodated in coordination with Fresh Ideas and Accessibility and Disability Support Services.
Fresh Ideas Dining at DruryAccessibility & Disability Support Services
Drury is committed to providing an inclusive environment for students with disabilities, with equal access to academics and campus life in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA. Accommodations are determined individually in consultation with the Director of Accessibility and Disability Services. Students can request accommodations by completing the Request for Accommodations form.
Accessibility and Disability ServicesPolicies & FAQs
Residence life is governed by community standards covering alcohol, drugs, guests, noise and quiet hours, prohibited items, animals, and safety. For full details, see the Housing policies and the Community Standards Handbook. Common questions about move-in, assignments, meal plans, parking, and safety are answered in the housing FAQs.
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