A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

A Student’s Guide to Exploring Downtown Springfield (Fall 2026, Week 8)

by

One of my favorite ways to unwind after a long week is going out with friends. Since it is so close to campus, Downtown Springfield is our ultimate go-to spot—it’s super convenient, full of energy, and packed with incredible options. Over the last few years, I’ve explored as much of the neighborhood as I can, and it never gets old. Whether you’re looking for a low-key weekend morning or a night out with your crew, here is how you can make the most of downtown. 

Local Restaurants & Eats 

One of my absolute favorite things to do downtown is get a bite to eat. I’ve tried quite a few spots, and honestly, not one has disappointed. The range of cuisines, price points and dining experiences packed into just a few walkable blocks is incredible. No matter what vibe or budget I’m feeling, there is always a great option. 

  • Breakfast & Coffee: When you need a slow morning or a study break, downtown has fantastic local diners serving classic breakfast comfort food. If you just need a quiet table and a quality espresso, there are several cozy coffee shops right near the square that are perfect for catching up on homework. 
  • Casual & Global Cuisines: The variety of food downtown is unmatched. On any given night, you can easily find places for fresh sushi, authentic street tacos, or traditional Thai dishes. 
  • Relaxed Dining & Sweets: For something quick and casual, there are great spots with outdoor patio seating for nice weather, as well as classic dessert shops near campus to satisfy late-night sweet cravings. 

Entertainment & Things to Do 

When school and life get overwhelming, taking a break for some entertainment is a must. Downtown Springfield makes it easy to step away from the textbooks and just have fun without having to travel far. 

  • Arcades & Interactive Fun: If you want an interactive night out, there are retro arcades downtown where a small cover charge lets you play classic 80s arcade games and pinball all night long. 
  • Movies & Arts: Downtown is home to one of my favorite movie theaters. It’s close to campus, has a great selection of movies and has comfortable heated recliners for a comfortable experience. The area also hosts local comedy shows, improv performances and gallery strolls. 
  • Live Music & Sports: The downtown area comes alive on the weekends with live entertainment. You can catch major touring acts at historic performance venues, listen to local bands at small venues, or head to a local sports lounge to watch the big game with friends. 

Takeaways 

Whether you’ve been at Missouri State for years or are just starting your first semester, Downtown Springfield has a way of feeling like a home away from home. Next time you need a study break, a great meal, or a weekend out with friends, take the short walk from campus and see what you discover; you might just find your new favorite spot! 

Drop a comment below and let me know what downtown Springfield spots I should check out next! 

~Eternity Lawson  

(Bio: I am a third year Agriculture Communications Student here at MSU. Fun Fact about me is that I love watching movies, especially musicals.)

Upholding Tradition (Fall 2023, Week 9)

by

Welcome back after fall break Missouri State students! It is Homecoming week, a tradition Missouri State University has had for over 100 years. This year’s Homecoming theme is “To Maroon and Back” and the Homecoming committee has worked hard to prepare the week’s festivities. The tradition of Homecoming brings the campus and community together all week long with the crowning at the Saturday football game concluding the celebration. 

 

Who can Participate in Homecoming?

Missouri State University is very inclusive when it comes to Homecoming as every student has the opportunity to participate throughout the week. If watching the Missouri State athletic teams is what interests you the most, a list of sports games is available on the alumni page of Missouri State University’s website. My favorite event to attend is the parade Saturday morning of Homecoming. Everyone is invited to the parade to watch king and queen candidates,  bands from surrounding high schools, and floats and parade entries make their way through campus.  

 

Why is Homecoming and Tradition Important?

Coming to college you most likely have the desire to feel seen and a part of something bigger than yourself. Tradition provides an opportunity to get involved and invested in your college campus. If you find that tradition is something that you value consider joining the Tradition Council. Beyond traditions, there are other ways to find where you belong on campus and the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) is here to help. CAST’s Peer Mentors are happy to help work with MSU students to find campus organizations and other ways to get involved on campus.

 

Takeaways

Homecoming is a well-known and positive experience for many current and previous students at Missouri State University. It is a time to bring everyone together and find joy in tradition. I highly encourage everyone to attend all that they can during the week and discover something new about the Missouri State campus.

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, a junior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I grew up on a farm.)

Sharing Springfield Experiences (Spring 2022, Week 10)

by

The semester is really starting to fly by the more I think about it because it is already close to April.  

During this semester I have challenged myself to try new things and to destress away from campus to save myself from burnout. I have learned throughout my time at Missouri State that taking time for yourself is important for your mental health, peace of mind, and overall happiness. I had to learn that there must be a separation between school and work, especially if you are someone who values spending time by yourself or with friends. I have recently visited a few places in Springfield that I have never been to, so I wanted to tell you all about my experiences.   

I have a close friend that I met at Missouri State in my sophomore year art class, and we have been friends since then. I have visited some unfamiliar places in Springfield with my friend and we have been able to share the experience of going to various places with each other.   

Springfield Experiences  

Coffee Shops 

Coffee shops are a great place to go to relax and Springfield has lots of great coffee places, including several within walking distance or near Bear Line access. My new favorite coffee shop near campus is where a lot of students or Springfield residents can come in and relax. This isn’t just any ordinary coffee shop because they also sell tea, malts, and sweet treats like brownies. There is a warm and welcoming ambiance when you first walk in because it takes place inside of a house-like structure and the people that work there are nice. I highly recommend getting a chocolate brownie and an iced white mocha coffee, which has become my personal favorite. This particular coffee shop has three levels, so I can sit on any level to hang out with friends or just relax. I can spend time together with my friend for hours in a coffee shop and will be trying some new coffee spots whenever I get the chance, especially with finals approaching.   

Chinese Restaurants 

I think finding a good, affordable restaurant that you enjoy and can visit when you need a break from on-campus dining is an important self-care step. Personally, I crave Chinese food on occasion but after being in Springfield for so long, I have found it hard to find good Chinese food and not just some sushi rolls. I went on the hunt a few weekends back to try to find a Chinese food place that was affordable and had some good options. My friend had given me some recommendations since she had tried a few places, so after hearing about her experience, I went to a buffet-style restaurant close to campus. This restaurant was less than ten minutes away from campus and had food options for just about anything from chicken to sushi rolls; they even had a dessert section. I enjoyed the open floor plan so that I could see not only the buffet but also the other people coming in to eat as well. I was really happy with the food choices and the fact that they serviced your drink when you needed a refill. I paid less than twenty dollars and was given a complimentary fortune cookie when I paid my bill. Overall, I was happy with my experience at this affordable restaurant and will visit again whenever my craving hits.   

Takeaways for this week  

After being a student for so long, it can get tiring to the point that you start to question your career path or the major that you chose, so I am always finding outlets to keep myself going. It is important to remember that your life is not just about your education but what you make it. Get out, try some new things, and discover what Springfield has to offer whenever you get the chance. Hopefully, hearing about my experiences and the places that I visited has encouraged you to explore and find your own favorite coffee shops, restaurants, or other spots to relax or enjoy a break from campus.   

 

~Alexandria 

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a senior business major at Missouri State University.)