Why live on campus?
College is more than classes; it’s a time to grow, connect, and discover who you are. For many students, it’s the first time living away from home. At SEMO, we take that seriously. That’s why we create a living environment that supports your academic success and personal growth every step of the way.
Living on campus means:
- Being part of a vibrant, supportive community
- Easy access to campus resources and events
- More opportunities to get involved and stay engaged
- Hall Director and Resident Assistant support
It’s not just where you live, it’s where you launch.
Residency Requirement
At SEMO, living on campus isn’t just a requirement; it’s a game-changer. Students who live in our residence halls are more connected, more involved, and more likely to thrive. That’s why full-time Southeast students are required to live on campus for their first four semesters.
Because at SEMO, your journey doesn’t just begin in the classroom, it begins where you live.
Find Your Fearless.
Special Accommodations
If you require housing accommodations, complete the Request for Services Form through Accessibility Services. Our team will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
Terms to Know
- RA – Resident Assistant
- HD – Hall Director
- Single – Room for one person (1 bed, 2 desks, 2 chairs)
- Double – Room for two people (2 beds, 2 desks, 2 chairs)
- Contract Buyout – Paying to cancel the remainder of your housing contract
- Prorated – Paying only for the time you lived in the room
- Board – Meal plan
- Deposit – Upfront payment held for future use (damages, cancellations, etc.)
- Deferred Deposit – Delayed deposit charged to your student account based on your SAI score
- SAI Score – Student Aid Index (from your FAFSA)
- FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Applying for housing at SEMO is simple and 100% online once you’ve been admitted. Choose the style that fits your life:
- Traditional community-style housing
- Suite-style housing (our most popular option)
Rooms are available in single (Towers East and South select rooms) or double occupancy.
Tip: The sooner you submit your housing contract, the higher your priority in the room assignment process.
Need details? Visit the Room Assignment Page to learn more about how assignments work.
International Education and Services will be your primary contact for all admission and arrival details at SEMO. To make your transition smooth, we strongly encourage you to complete your housing contract before arrival. This ensures your room assignment is ready when you get here.
Tip: The sooner you submit your housing contract, the higher your priority in the room assignment process.
Need details? Visit the Room Assignment Page to learn more about how assignments work.
Application Process
Applying for housing is simple and can be completed online once you’ve been admitted.
You have two payment options for your housing deposit:
- Electronic check
- Credit/debit card
If using a credit/debit card, you’ll need a billing address. Some country codes may not be accepted.
Use this address for billing:
1000 Towers Circle, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(This does not affect where your credit card statement is sent.)
If you’re a current SEMO student, you can complete your housing contract starting in October.
Tip: The sooner you submit your housing contract, the higher your priority in the room assignment process.
Need details? Visit the Room Assignment Page to learn more about how assignments work.
Housing Contract Instructions
Your housing contract is completed through MySEMO:
- Log in to https://my.semo.edu
- Search “Housing Portal”
- Select StarRez Housing Portal
- On mobile: tap the three lines in the top corner
- On desktop: click “Apply for Housing” in the red banner
- Choose your application period and click “Continue.”
- Click “Start Application”
Application Periods
- Spring 2026 (Jan–May) – Open Now
- Summer 2026 (May–Aug) – Opens Mar 2026
- Fall 2026/Spring 2027 (Aug–May) – Open Now
Need Fall 2025/Spring 2026 housing? Contact the Office of Residence Life.
Room Assignment Info
The housing contract for Fall 2026/Spring 2027 is now open. Apply early for the best chance to get your preferences!
Things to Know:
- You must be officially admitted to submit a contract.
- Room assignments are prioritized by application completion date.
- You can request specific housing types and roommates.
- SEMO does not place freshmen and upperclassmen together unless requested. Email Residence Life to request an exception.
One University Plaza, MS 0055
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701