A city where classes end at the river, trails begin minutes from campus and the community feels like more than a home away from home.
Choosing a college isn’t only about finding the right academic program—it is about finding the place that you will call home. The place you will make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. The place that inspires you, challenges you, helps you grow and makes you feel at home. In Missoula, the University of Montana and greater Missoula community provide a college experience where discovery happens both on and off campus, where classes are just the beginning of the adventure and where your next chapter begins.
In the heart of western Montana at the confluence of three rivers and five mountain ranges, Missoula offers a unique blend of outdoor access and community involvement. With hundreds of miles of trail for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, easy access to world-class fishing and close proximity to winter ski slopes, Missoula makes it easy to spend the afternoon in nature after a morning on campus.
While many people come to Missoula for the scenic beauty, they quickly realize that the most beautiful thing about this place are the people who call it home. Beyond the Oval, you'll find a vibrant community where the shops are locally owned, the restaurants are award-winning, and galleries, museums and a seriously-packed events calendar create a welcoming atmosphere that embraces creativity and connection.
Missoula offers the chance for students to do more than study. Here, you will grow both personally and academically and build a college experience that is uniquely your own. College is the first chapter in the rest of your story—let’s write it together.
What keeps you here?
“There's so many opportunities and ways to grow in Missoula. The community of makers here inspires me and the adventures feel like they are around every corner.”
— Kassidy M
Your alarm goes off just before sunrise. Instead of hitting snooze, you lace up your hiking shoes and make the quick climb to the M overlooking campus. From the top, the valley stretches below and your day feels full of possibility.
After grabbing coffee from your favorite downtown café, you bike to class beneath tree-lined streets. Between lectures, friends convince you to grab lunch by the river before spending the afternoon studying on the Oval.
When classes are over for the week, you wander through the farmers market, watch surfers at Brennan's Wave, catch live music in the park or simply enjoy another Montana sunset with friends.
This isn't a vacation.
This could be your everyday life.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who's new to Missoula, what would it be?
“Try new things! Missoula is such an amazing blend of wilderness and big city life. There honestly is not much you CAN'T do in Missoula. Everyone here is so willing to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences—so why say no?”
— Kirk R
College life doesn't stop when class ends—year round, you will experience concerts, art walks, Griz game days, festivals, farmers markets, Pride celebrations, First Fridays and community events that make every season memorable. There's something for everyone. Check out all that is happening:
What's your favorite hidden gem in or around Missoula?
“Montana Snowbowl will make unforgettable memories and stories with your friends for years to come. So much packed into one place.”
— Andrew W
Whether they're helping you move in, cheering at Griz games or visiting for Parents Weekend, Missoula offers hotels, vacation rentals and cozy places to stay just minutes from campus.
Give them a great place to stay while you show off your home away from home.
College is more than choosing a campus.
It's choosing where you'll make memories, build friendships and discover who you are.
We can't wait to welcome you to Missoula.
