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Truman State University is Missouri's flagship liberal arts and sciences university, a public institution in Kirksville in rural northeast Missouri. With around 5,000 to 6,000 students, Truman is known for rigorous academics, a strong honors culture, and competitive admissions relative to other Missouri public schools. The campus sits near the center of Kirksville along Normal Avenue, and the college-town atmosphere is shaped almost entirely by the university. Truman offers strong programs in biology, business, communication, and education, and sends a high share of graduates to professional and graduate schools.
Truman State University requires all first-year students to live in university residence halls for their first year. Freshmen must submit a housing application and are assigned to one of Truman's on-campus residential communities. Exceptions are granted for students who live with a parent or legal guardian within a defined commuting distance.
Students who have completed at least one year at Truman are generally eligible to move off campus. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors make up the majority of the private rental market in Kirksville near campus. Students must formally notify the housing office if they plan to live off campus after their first year.
The off-campus rental market in Kirksville moves early given the limited housing supply in a small city. Students should begin searching in November or December for the following fall to get the best apartments near campus on Normal Avenue and in central Kirksville. Waiting until spring semester means fewer desirable units are available close to campus.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Truman State University before signing a lease.
Students who start their search in November or December for the following August find the widest selection of quality off-campus housing near Truman's campus. Landlords in Kirksville often list their best properties before the winter break, knowing demand is high and the market is small. Signing early also lets students coordinate with roommates and split costs on larger houses near Normal Avenue.
January through March is the peak signing season for fall occupancy, when most returning Truman students lock in leases. Available units near campus shrink quickly during this window, and desirable properties on or near Normal Avenue typically go first. Students searching after March may need to look farther from the main academic buildings or accept higher prices for remaining units.
Students who miss the early window can still find housing in Kirksville, though options will be farther from campus or in older buildings. Subletting is relatively common at Truman when students study abroad or leave for internships, and those listings often appear in spring and summer. Checking Truman's off-campus housing board and local Facebook groups can surface last-minute units that are not listed on major rental platforms.
Directly adjacent to campus, with houses and duplexes popular with upperclassmen for their walkability.
Older but affordable rental houses, many longtime student rentals.
Slightly more residential options a short bike ride from the main academic buildings. Kirksville is small enough that nearly all housing is a 10-minute walk or bike from class.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Yes, first-year students are required to live in Truman's residence halls unless they qualify for a commuter exemption by living with a parent or guardian nearby. The university's on-campus housing includes several residential communities with dining access. Students who plan to commute must apply for an exemption through the housing office before the deadline.