Mark Twain Hall

515 South Fifth Street Columbia, MO 65201

Mark Twain Hall

Isolated from most residence halls and located on the western fringe of campus, Mark Twain residence hall may not seem like the best choice for freshmen looking for a first home at MU. Regardless, ask a former resident what they thought of the hall and you’re likely to discover a fervent loyalty to “Twain.”

Mark Twain holds Learning Communities for journalism, engineering and education majors, among others, with J-School students housed in the top three floors of the seven-floor facility. Typically, few upperclassmen, aside from peer advisers and community leaders, choose to live in Mark Twain.

Because students in the res hall are usually housed near others in the same courses and degree programs, Mark Twain can offer a great, inviting living environment for freshmen. It’s not uncommon for residents to leave their doors open during the day, and you’re likely to at least learn the names of most of the students on your floor.

Despite the fact that Mark Twain is a bit further than most residence halls from the Student Recreation Complex, the MU Student Center and other central campus staples, Twain’s own dining hall keeps its students from having to trudge in crummy weather to Plaza 900, Pavilion at Dobbs or Rollins. Mark Twain Market, the building’s dining hall, offers basic options, such as grill items, pizza, salad, cereal, etc., and operates the Huckleberry’s Express window until 10 p.m. on weekdays for food to go.

The residence hall also boasts its own outdoor swimming pool, though the cold winter air usually keeps it closed from October to April.

Laundry machines are readily available in the building’s basement at a small price, and yes, they use student charge, if you really want to send the bill to mom and dad. There are some advantages to Mark Twain’s remote location: many residents frequent the Taco Bell on Providence Road about a block away, and journalism, engineering and education students will all have classes on the west side of campus anyway. Just be prepared for long treks to most other spots on campus.