OLE MISS 2007-2008
International Exchange Student Handbook
Welcome to Oxford, Mississippi! Affectionately known as Ole Miss, The University of
Mississippi is located in this beautiful town in the heart of the southeastern United States, the
perfect location to experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the American South.
We are delighted that you have chosen to study here for a semester or year, and we hope that you
grow to love Ole Miss as much as we do.
We are here to help and serve you, to help you meet your academic and personal goals while
studying abroad. Please do not hesitate to contact us prior to your arrival to Oxford, during your
studies here, and after you return to your home country.
Warm regards,
The Study Abroad Office
-2CONTACTS
Study Abroad Office
The University of Mississippi
PO Box 187
359 Martindale
University, MS 38677
tel - 662-915-1508
fax - 662-915-6798
abroad@olemiss.edu
Susan Oliphant
Director of Study Abroad
Ruth Maron (Exchange Coordinator)
Study Abroad Advisor & Instructor
rfmaron@olemiss.edu
Vanessa Cook
Study Abroad Advisor
Raney-Mills Turner
Study Abroad Admission Counselor
Velsie Pate
Administrative Assistant
Office of International Programs
Tel: 662 – 915 – 7404
Fax: 662 – 915 – 7486
ipadmiss@olemiss.edu
http://www.studyatusa.org
The Study Abroad Office would like to give a special thanks to the following students who
helped create this handbook: Vera van der Vyver, Ruan Boschoff, and Badidle Mazibuko.
Know before you go!
Located in Oxford, Mississippi, the University of Mississippi (also known as Ole Miss) is proud
of its history of academic achievement. It ranks as one of the top 10 U.S. public universities in
the nation graduating Rhodes Scholars. Founded in 1844, The University of Mississippi has over
13,000 students enrolled. The university campus is enormous and beautifully landscaped, with
many parks and athletic facilities. In a New York Times profile of Ole Miss, Chancellor Robert
Khayat said, "We are a fully integrated, open, caring, nurturing, vital community."
With just over 11,000 undergraduates, 2,276 first-time full-time freshmen, and 13,641 students
total on the Oxford campus, Ole Miss is a comfortable size. We are large enough to provide
comprehensive offerings and a full student life yet not so large as to be overwhelming. With
students from 70 foreign countries, 47 states, and all 82 Mississippi counties, you'll meet people
from all over. About 35 percent of UM's students are from somewhere other than Mississippi,
51.5% are female, and 12.1% are African-American.
Arriving to Oxford
You should fly to Memphis International Airport (MEM), the closest airport from Oxford. The
airport is 1.5 hours from Oxford, and airport pick up is offered free of charge if you arrive on the
official arrival date or the day before. If you arrive on another day you will need to organize
transportation through the Office of International Programs (cost ~ $35). If you take a taxi from
the airport to Oxford the cost will be approximately $65-100.
Before leaving home, advise your host institution coordinator of the exact date and time of your
arrival. In making travel plans, you should allow enough time for both air travel and ground
transportation in order to arrive at the host campus during regular office hours.
Please notify Ruth Maron of your flight details well in advance and we will arrange a shuttle to
meet you.
Calendar
Fall 2007)
Orientation:
Registration:
Classes Begin:
Classes End:
Examination Period:
Vacation Period(s):
Spring 2008
Orientation:
Registration:
Classes Begin:
August 15 (date subject to change)
August 16-19, 2007
August 20, 2007
December 1, 2007
December 4-8, 2007
Sept. 4 and Nov. 20-24, 2007
Between January 10 and 16, exact day to be determined
January 10 -15, 2008
January 16, 2008
-4Classes End:
Examination Period:
Vacation Period(s):
U.S. Holidays:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Good Friday & Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
May 2, 2008
May 5-9, 2008
March 10-14, 21, 2008
1st of January (university offices closed)
3rd Monday in January (university offices closed)
3rd Monday in February
late March or early April, date varies (university offices closed)
Last Monday in May
4th July (university offices closed)
1st Monday in September (university offices closed)
2nd Monday in October
11th November
4th Thursday in November (university offices closed)
24th December (university offices closed)
25th December (university offices closed)
Costs and Fees
Depending on your exchange program the costs of studying at Ole Miss will vary. Please check
with your home institution advisor as to which of the following applies to you.
ISEP Students
You will receive tuition, housing and meal benefits (full meal plan at Johnson Commons) at no
cost. You should budget for textbooks, the student health center visit, personal expenses, travel
expenses, and any special class fees.
Bilateral Exchange Students
- tuition only exchanges
You will receive tuition benefits at no cost. You should budget for housing and meals, health
insurance, textbooks, the student health center visit, personal expenses, travel expenses, and any
special class fees.
- tuition, housing and meals exchanges
You will receive tuition, housing and meal benefits (full meal plan at Johnson Commons or the
equivalent $ amount for off-campus dining) at no cost. You should budget for health insurance,
textbooks, the student health center visit, personal expenses, travel expenses, and any special
class fees.
Fulbright FLTAs
You will receive tuition benefits at no cost. You may receive housing and/or meal benefits
depending on your terms. You should budget for textbooks, the student health center visit,
personal expenses, travel expenses, and any special class fees.
MA Initiative Students
You will receive tuition and health insurance benefits at no cost and a graduate assistantship of
$800 / month for the 9 month semester. Please note that your assistantship will be paid in two
installments each month and federal & state taxes may be applied. You should budget for
housing and meal expenses, textbooks, the student health center visit, personal expenses, travel
expenses, and any special class fees.
Semester Costs (based on 2006-2007 AY fees and are subject to change)
 Housing on campus - $1530 -1710
 Housing off-campus at Campus Walk - $410 per month
 Meals on campus - $980 (14 meals / week)
 Health Insurance - $380 - fall semester, $540 - spring semester
 Student Health Center Visit - $66
 Textbooks - $500-650
 Personal & On-site Travel Expenses - $100 / week
 Special Class fees (apply to classes with labs, art supplies etc) - $20-45
 Calling Cards (varies by country and number of minutes) - $5-20
How to Access your Money
We encourage you to open a free student checking account to which you can deposit money; you
can also withdraw cash from this account at one of the ATMs located on campus or in town.
There are also banks in town where you can exchange money or travelers checks.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT OLE MISS
Orientation Week
Orientation programs are offered each semester for new international students. These programs
include an official welcome to the University, basic immigration regulations, an explanation of
the US academic system and other matters important to new international students. The
orientation sessions are mandatory for new international students.
This week starts off with check in at your dormitories, the new international student orientation
programs, welcome dinner, and an excursion to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. This
week is also a time to take care of the following:
 student health center visit
 presentation of visa documents to Office of International Programs
 sign up for a P.O. Box
 obtain Ole Miss ID card
 sign up for an on-campus meal plan (optional)


-6sign up for an on-campus housing contract (optional)
registration for courses and changes to pre-registered courses
Weather and Clothing at Ole Miss
Average Temps (Fahrenheit)
January - 20-50
April - 60-80
July - 90-100
September - 70-80
November - 40-60
Clothing
Ole Miss students dress casually to attend class: jeans, T-shirts, shorts, sweaters. But they also
dress up for special occasions: football games in the Grove, formals & other parties. The key to
packing: bring a variety of clothes for a variety of temperatures. You will need a winter coat and
you may also need shorts and sleeveless shirts. Also a must: athletic gear for the Turner
Activities Center... for while playing tennis...or to go on one of Ole Miss Outdoors’ many trips.
Classes
Course Selection and Registration:
Information about courses offerings of academic departments may be found online at:
https://secure.olemiss.edu/services/course_index.html
Search by subject or course number. While studying at Ole Miss you must enroll in at least 12
semester hours if you are an undergraduate student and 9 semester hours if you are a graduate
student. While most departments’ courses are open for enrollment the School of Law, School of
Medicine, and some graduate level courses are not available for exchange students to
matriculate.
It is important to recognize the class level for which you will be allowed to register. The
following is a rough guide to they type of levels you can expect: 100 – 300 class level is for
freshman (1st year) or sophomores (2nd year); 300-400 class level is for juniors (3rd year); and
400 -500 class level is for seniors (4th year). While classes are often open to all years, exchange
students will usually be expected to take 300-400 level classes. Check with your home university
and Ole Miss Academic Advisor to be sure that you register for the right level.
 Number of classes typical student takes per term: 4-5

Number of hours per week typical student spends in class: 12-15

Number of weeks per term: 16
While the SAO will attempt to pre-register you for courses, your course registration will be
finalized upon arrival to The University of Mississippi. Once you have arrived to campus and
completed the necessary steps for registration, you may drop and add classes online. Online
registration for classes and registration deadlines available at
http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/registrar/
Academic Expectations and the Classroom:
The class set-up might be very different from your home country. Classes are small (maximum
20 students in most of my classes), so expect a lot of interaction. This also means that your
Professor will know you by name, and call on you to answer questions. They will expect you to
turn in homework, and to write daily quizzes. They will also know if you are absent! Most
classes have a maximum number of absences allowed (usually 2 lectures), after which your
grade will drop by a letter (from an A to a B, for instance). Be sure to read the study guide and
know what is expected of you. We can not stress this enough!
Compared to classrooms in other some other countries, United States classrooms tend to be
informal. However, there are some very important basic rules in the classrooms that you should
be aware of:
 Arrive on time for class. Professors do not take lateness lightly.
 Remember to go to class prepared. Be sure to do all your reading and homework.
 A sense of competition underlies the informality of classes.
 Be sure to read critically and formulate your own opinions.
 Your participation in class will almost always be a determinant of your grade. Don’t be
afraid to voice your opinions, even if they differ from your classmates or professor.
 Be aware that you will not only be expected to memorize information, but rather to think
on your own, draw your own conclusions, and defend your positions.
 Always be respectful of others’ opinions and expect to be respected for your opinions
also.
 If you encounter any study problems, communicate with your professors immediately.
 Be sure to hand in all of your homework and assignments on time. There are strict
guidelines about late assignments, which will often include dropping a letter grade per
day.
 Evaluations are made by your professors throughout the entire semester. Final tests are
not the only determinant of your grade. Instead, expect a midterm test, quizzes, class
participation grade and extra credit grades to add to your final grades.
Something that you might find a little strange is that A4 pages are shorter in America than in
some other parts of the world. Therefore, don’t bring files or folders from your own country, as
they won’t be the right size. School supplies are inexpensive in America. However, feel free to
bring your own scientific calculator and other things that you prefer to use.
Grades and the GPA
What could also be surprising to you is the grading system. The GPA stands for Grade Point
Average. A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is the GPA for all courses taken
throughout the degree program, which is a different system from what you may be used to in
your home country. Be aware that every course will influence your GPA.
At Ole Miss, 100-90% is an A-grade, or excellent; B-grade is 89-80%, good; C-grade is 79-70%,
average; D-grade is 69-65%, below average; and a Fail (F-grade) is 65-0%. If you do everything
that is required of you, as outlined by your class syllabus, you will have great success in your
classes. Testing is also pretty straight forward. Even 400-level classes still have multiple choice
and short answer questions, with almost no essay questions.
-8-
HOUSING
The Study Abroad Office (SAO) will pre- arrange housing in on-campus dormitories or offcampus, student shared apartments. If you wish to live in an off-campus apartment you must
confirm this with the SAO at least one month before the semester starts in order to be guaranteed
a spot off-campus. If you do not confirm your housing preference prior to arrival the SAO will
automatically arrange housing on-campus for you. No matter where you choose to live, you will
be provided linens (towel, pillow case, pillow, blanket and sheets) to use for the duration of your
exchange program.
Option 1: Off-Campus Apartments – arranged by Study Abroad Office
Campus Walk
Campus Walk offers a variety of living arrangements to suit
any lifestyle, as well as a variety of amenities such as a stateof-the-art fitness center, complete game/recreation center and
so much more. Campus Walk offers furnished, 4 bedroom/4
bathroom apartments.
Campus Walk is a 20-25 minute walk from Ole Miss campus.
Contact: 662-513-0061
http://www2.collegeparkweb.com/ws/html/campuswalkapa
rtments/default.htm
Option 2: On-Campus Housing
On-campus housing is in student dormitories in shared rooms. Private rooms are also
available, but at a higher rate. Dormitory rooms provide furniture including a single bed,
dresser, desk, chair, closet space, and you will be provided linens by the SAO. Bathrooms are
shared (14 students / bathroom). Students cannot break housing contracts once they sign for the
semester or year. For more information visit the Housing Office website:
Option 3: Off-Campus, independently arranged
If you choose to live off-campus other than at Campus Walk you can find information on
housing off-campus in the local newspaper, The Oxford Eagle, that provides rental information
in the classified ads. The student government (ASB) publishes a booklet of information about
rental houses and apartments in Oxford. This booklet is available at the Office of International
Programs or at the ASB office. If you choose to live somewhere other than Campus Walk or on
campus, finding a lease for less than six months is difficult and usually a year-long lease is the
norm. Be advised that you will not be able to terminate your lease easily, and without financial
consequences. For this reason, it is common to sublease apartments during the summer months.
Be sure to request a written lease from your landlord, which should include: a description of
property and total number of people allowed to live in property; specific occupancy dates;
subletting allowance; deposit requirements; monthly rent amount and due date; utilities included
in rent or paid separately?; security deposit amount; could your rent increase without notice?;
and responsibility of maintenance repairs.
Rental costs depend on the distance to campus, environment, number of roommates, and
facilities. The average monthly rent of an apartment in Oxford is between $250-500 US. Offcampus housing offers more privacy and convenience than on-campus housing.
Sample listings:
1) The Mark:
Contact number: 662-234-8718
2) Oxford Square Town House:
Contact number: 662-234-5234
3) Sterling University Terrace: (offers a free bus service to campus)
Contact number: 662-281-1335
4) University Arbors:
Contact number: 662-234-0170
Meals
On-Campus
Johnson Commons: While there are several other food courts on campus, the Commons offers
all-you-care-to-eat dining. This facility offers a variety of cutting edge American entrees,
ethnically-inspired foods, vegetarian selections and lots more...
Meal Plans at the Commons:
Unlimited $980
10 Meals/Week $934
7 Meals/Week $794
5 Meals/Week$737
Hours:
Open M-F , 7 am - 7 pm and for brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
Off-Campus Dining
If you decide to take meals off-campus there are numerous restaurants (from fast food to
gourmet) in Oxford as well as several grocery stores.
Approximate costs for meals off-campus:
breakfast: $5-7
coffee: $1-$2
lunch: $5-10
- 10 dinner: $7-15
FACILITIES & SERVICES ON-CAMPUS
Computer Labs & Information Technology
Most professors will require you to word-process your essays and only under extreme
circumstances will they accept anything hand-written. As a result, the University of Mississippi
offers computer centers on campus, open between 8-12 hours per day(depending on the time of
year). During exam time or towards the end of the semester, the computer centers may become
congested, so plan ahead.
The Office of Information Technology (http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/it) provides a number of
services to help you get connected:
 An account on the campus email and individual web page server
 Technical Support, 8am 0 5pm each weekday
 NIC Cards at the IT Helpdesk
 Access to public computing labs. (See http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/it/labs)
Students can connect to the Internet, use popular office suite software, and send email from the
Weir Hall Labs. The Weir Hall Labs and Galtney Computer Center have been renovated,
resulting in state-of-the-art public computing facilities for Ole Miss students.
Recreation
The Department of Campus Recreation, located in the Turner Center, provides positive
recreational opportunities that promote fun, social interaction, student leadership, competition,
instruction, health and fitness.
Programs include Ole Miss Outdoors (hiking, climbing, rafting, spelunking), intramural sports
(football, soccer, rugby, volleyball etc.) and club sports (martial arts, fencing, badminton etc.).
Read more at: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/campus_recreation/
Student Health and Health Insurance
The University of Mississippi requires that all international students have adequate medical and
accident insurance coverage. If your program does not cover the cost of insurance (see Costs
section) you must purchase the University of Mississippi Office of International Programs health
insurance policy. If you are not an ISEP or IIE-sponsored student, enrollment into the insurance
policy is automatic for anyone on F-1, J-1, J-2, and H-4 Visas as well as people with pending
Permanent Residency. The cost for medical coverage is included on the bursar bill for most
students. For the spring of 2007, it is estimated that insurance will cost $76 per month for
students.
It cannot be stressed enough that you are required to have health insurance for the entire length
of your visit. If you willfully fail to maintain your health insurance benefits for the full period of
your stay in the US, you can be deported and the University of Mississippi must, by law,
discontinue your enrolment.
This health insurance policy does not cover dental or optical health unless for emergency
treatment and pain relief. A routine teeth cleaning can cost around $50-$70 whilst a root canal
can cost up to $1000. Therefore, wherever possible take care of any vision or dental problems
before you leave for the US. Otherwise, supplementary dental and optical health plans can be
purchased on the internet.
As well as doctors and nurses, the following staff may treat you at your health center:
Physician’s Assistant (works under the supervision of a doctor but can perform certain medical
procedures that were once considered the sole preserve of a doctor) and Nurse Practitioner
(provides primary health-care services at a lower cost than physicians).
Your first choice for non-emergency health care in Oxford will be the Student Health Services
Center located on campus at the V.B. Harrison building. Student Health Services is open
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. No clinical services are available during weekends
and holiday periods. They have a staff of three physicians, two nurse practitioners, a staff
psychiatrist, registered nurses, and lab and X-ray personnel to assist you. Most services are
provided on a walk-in basis. You may request a specific provider when you sign in. Office visits
are free for current students. Small charges are made for lab work, X-rays, equipment, supplies,
etc. These are posted on your Bursar bill unless paid at the time of service. The Student Health
Center’s phone number is 662-15-7274.
If you need care at a time that the Student Health Center is closed you will need to consider what
alternative health provider can best meet your needs. It is more cost effective to choose one of
the two clinics listed below than the much more expensive Baptist memorial hospital if your
emergency is not severe or life threatening.
Oxford has two clinics that you can use if the University Student Health Services is closed.
These two clinics provide affordable health care. Helpful information for the clinics is listed
below.
Acute Care and Family Clinic of Oxford
Open 7 days a week
Walk-ins welcome
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Services: Minor Emergencies, annual physical exam, acute & chronic health conditions,
women’s health conditions, high blood pressure/diabetes.
Location: 2200 South Lamar, Suite A, Oxford. Telephone: 662-234-1977
Urgent Care Clinic of Oxford
Open 7 days a week
Walk-ins welcome
- 12 Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: General practice medicine, screening, laboratory tests, physical examinations, X-ray.
Location: 1487 Belk Blvd., Oxford. Telephone: 662-234-1090
In case of emergency: Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi
Location: 2301 South Lamar, Oxford
Emergency room: 662-232-8175
The US has a western philosophy regarding the treatment of illness and is based on the private
enterprise model where the costs are determined by market economics. There is no National
Health Service as in parts of Europe, but instead the US operates on a fee per-service payment
system which depends on your ability to pay using your own money or with the help of a health
insurance policy.
Medical expenses in the United States are notoriously high as the emphasis is on technology and
providing the most advanced treatments. Costs vary from clinic to clinic and region to region.
For example, a visit to a doctor will cost approximately $30-$60 before any medication is
prescribed. Treatment for a broken arm requiring a one-night stay in the hospital can cost
between $1,500 and $2,000. A chest X-ray costs approximately $80 and a visit to the casualty
department, or Emergency Room, as it is known in the US, can cost you over $200 before
treatment.
Counseling Center
The University Student Development Center at the Wellness Center offers students and their
families free personal counseling. In the United States, we believe in talking about our problems
to others, especially professionals, who can help us, and it is not considered a sign of weakness.
If you find that you are having problems you cannot work through by yourself, please consider
seeing a counselor at the University Counseling Center. The Counseling Center offers personal
and group counseling. Counseling records are completely confidential and will in no way affect
your stay at the University of in the United States. Such records are released only with your
written permission. You may reach the center by calling 662-915-3784.
Career Center
The Career Center provides a wide variety of programs for all students from their freshman year
through graduation. The services are offered to help students select a major, develop career
goals, identify potential job opportunities (including internships), and learn job search and
marketing strategies. For more information on these services, please call the Career Center at
662-915-7174.
Social Life
Awesome Dudes Fraternity:
Created in October of 2006 by international exchange students and students from the U.S.,
Awesome Dudes is dedicated to the formation of friendships between U.S. and international
students. Awesome Dudes has no membership dues and no requirements for membership. As
an exchange students studying abroad at Ole Miss Awesome Dudes would like to extend a
personal invitation to you to join their fraternity. You may even join before you arrive to Ole
Miss.
Office of International Programs Activities
Students are requested to help share information about their culture to the University and Oxford
community. In the Spring of 2000, an event called ‘World Fest’ was held. It was organized by
international and domestic students and The Office of International Programs. Sports and games
from around the world were played in the section of campus called The Grove, during the
afternoon. In the evening, the Grove stage was used for performances from International and US
students. The event was a huge success, and it has continued to grow each year. In the spring of
2006, we held the seventh annual WorldFest.
The International Student Associations sponsor dinners and programs to educate others about
their cultures as well as host social events for students. The Associated Student Body provides
funds for these types of clubs. The ethnic clubs presently active on campus are:
Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars
http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/facss/
India Association
http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/ia/ia.html
International Student Organization
http://olemiss.edu/orgs/iso/
Malaysian Student Association
http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/msa/
Korean Student Association
http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/ksa
Muslim Student Association
http://home.olemiss.edu/~muslimsa/
African Caribbean Student Association
http://olemiss.edu/orgs/sumacs/
Taiwanese Student Organization
http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/tsa/
The Planet Partners Program began in January 1999. This program seeks to acquaint
international students of Ole Miss with residents of the Oxford community on a regular basis
throughout the year. The only requirement is for the American to host an international student to
meet at least once a month during the academic year. As the friendship develops, meetings may
be more frequent. This program is a simple way for international students to not only make a
new friend but also experience more of United States culture with and American resident or
family of Oxford. Interested persons should come by the Office of International Programs for a
- 14 brochure and an application, or you may check the Ole Miss Globe
(http://www.globe.olemiss.edu) for Planet Partners information and events.
OXFORD & BEYOND
Oxford, Mississippi
Known for its picturesque 19th century town square, Oxford sits in the midst of the rolling, treecovered hills of northern Mississippi. America's national newspaper, USA Today, chose Oxford
as one of the top six college towns in America, calling it the "New South Arts Mecca." Although
small in size, Oxford and the surrounding region offers a cosmopolitan blend of music, literature,
and the arts along with a relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, mild climate, a safe, scenic
environment, racial and religious tolerance, and some of the state's best schools and hospitals.
The University is also proud to maintain one of the finest collections of the works of Nobel
Prize-winning author William Faulkner. The University preserves Faulkner's home, Rowan Oak,
as a literary shrine for all to visit.
Oxford is a historic and beautiful town. Be sure to allow time in your travel schedule to spend
some time enjoying what Oxford has to offer. The “Oxford Travels” brochure will provide you
with more information.
The “Historic Walking Tour” of the University of Mississippi and its antebellum buildings is a
pleasurable activity for all. It is said that “Ole Miss finds a place in the hearts of those who know
her story”. For more information of this special walk through our town’s history, please visit the
Oxford Tourism Council at 107 Courthouse Square (in the historic Downtown Square) or at
http://www.touroxfordms.com
Oxford is a great community, one of USA Today's top six college towns. The city blends small
town safety and friendliness with the best of a large metropolitan area: cultural events, major
conference athletics, a lively arts and writing community, and a classic but updated town square
that caters to the needs of students.
Transportation in Oxford
Oxford, like many other small towns in America, does not offer a public transport system, except
on weekends. This bus service is called the “Rebel Ride Bus” and provides transportation from
the dormitories on campus to Wal-Mart (grocery store), Goody’s (clothing store) and the Malco
movie theatre on Saturday evenings. There is no charge for this service. Trips begin at 6:00pm
and the bus route repeats every hour until the final stop at 11:00pm. The Office of International
Programs also offer a once-weekly shuttle to Wal-Mart, which last about one hour and thirty
minutes. Call 662-915-7404 to check their schedule and sign up. Space on these shuttles is
limited.
Although you will be able to walk between classes and most locations on campus, it will be wise
to invest in some other form of transportation. There are several bicycle shops in Oxford, and
you may also find an inexpensive bicycle at Wal-Mart. You may also want to consider the
purchase of a motor vehicle. International students often come together to share the cost and
usage of a car. Americans have cars since before their sixteenth birthdays, and will therefore be
surprised to hear that you don’t have one. Often, such students are more than willing to offer
rides once you explain your predicament.
If you are thinking about buying a car, you should consult the “Blue Book” (available at most
banks and libraries, as well as online) which gives you the standard values of used and new cars.
You will be required to purchase car insurance and register your car with the Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) in MS. To register your car, you will need the title (which will have been
signed over to you), a bill of sale from the seller, a valid driver’s license (in order to obtain one
in MS you are required to show your birth certificate), and proof of insurance coverage.
Registration fees for vehicles can be up to $150.
Operating a Motor Vehicle
When possible, it is best to apply for an International Driver’s License within your home country
prior to departure. This license cannot be obtained when you have arrived in the US and you will
therefore not be able to drive without an American driver’s license. The Department of Motor
Vehicles requires international applicants to provide an English Translation of their birth
certificate when applying for a Drivers License. The translation document should be on proper
letterhead that identifies the official who has completed the translation. The document must be
notarized as a certified copy.
You must also come by the Office of International Programs (331 Martindale, 662-915-7404) to
pick up a form to take with you to the department of motor vehicles. This form is completed by
a member of the staff to verify that you are affiliated with the University of Mississippi.
Americans drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit in cities and congested areas is
usually 15-35 mph; the speed limit on highways is usually 55-65mph. In most states, including
MS, motorists are permitted to turn right on red once they have come to a full stop and checked
for traffic. Turning right on red is not permitted at some intersections and will be clearly
indicated.
If you see a police car with flashing lights behind you, pull over to the side of the road and come
to a complete stop. Once you have stopped do not get out of the car unless instructed to do so
and do not lunge toward the glove compartment since the police may think you are reaching for a
weapon. Stay in your car and wait for the police to come to you. If you are polite and cooperative, the experience will be less painful. You are responsible for answering to all charges
and paying all tickets. Police officers will often make random checks to make sure that all
drivers are insured.
If you were to get in an accident, report the incident to the nearest police station immediately,
especially if it involves a personal injury or property damage. Do not leave the scene of an
accident until the police arrive.
Shopping
Shopping in the Us is “self-service” and the prices are not negotiable in most instances. This
means there is no bargaining. Prices may vary from one store to another, so it is usually best to
- 16 shop around before purchasing. The exception to the rule on bargaining is when purchasing an
automobile or used furniture. The sticker price is usually not the required price.
Purchases made at a sale price usually cannot be returned or exchanged. Be very careful when
buying items on sale since you may not be able to return them. Many Oxford clothing stores
have 33%-50% off their merchandise after Christmas and in July.
In the United States, most stores are specialized to carry food and related items (grocery store),
or drugs and toiletries (drug store), clothing and shoes, hardware, plants, records, appliances or
furniture. Department or discount stores do not specialize in a particular item but carry a wide
variety of merchandise. The quality of merchandise is sometimes lower in a discount store than
in department stores, but not always. The purchase of linens, towels, and toiletries are often
substantially cheaper in price at a discount store.
Business hours for most shops in America are usually from 9am to 6-9pm. Retail shops or stores
do not close over lunch and will often remain open for longer hours. There are grocery stores
(like Wal-Mart) open 24 hours, 7 days a week, even in rural areas!
Wal-Mart & Kroger
Grocery stores vary in their prices. It is usually best to shop at several grocery stores to decide
which has the best prices on the items you normally purchase. Testing food before purchasing in
the grocery store is not allowed!
Kroger (on University Avenue) and Wal-Mart (on Jackson Avenue) are the two largest grocery
stores in Oxford. In addition to food items, Wal-Mart also sells general living supplies and
clothing. Most anything you need can be purchased at one of these stores. If you wish to
purchase something not available in the Oxford grocery stores, you may speak with the managers
about ordering it for you.
Travel outside Oxford
There are several ways to travel within the United States. The easiest way to cover vast terrain is
by plane. Many websites offer cheap airfares and special deals to destinations in America and its
neighboring countries. Try the “supersearch” option on www.travelzoo.com, or look at
www.airtran.com, www.cheaptickets.com, www.priceline.com, www.delta.com and
www.southwest.com. You can find a good deal to fly to New York City and back for less than
$300, San Francisco for less than $400, or take a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas for about $700.
Just keep your eyes open for specials! You may want to sign up for a weekly deal update from a
company like www.travelzoo.com, or www.shermanstravel.com.
The majority of the USA is car dependent, with freeways, highways and one-ways. In many
states, public transportation is poor and limited. Traveling by car is therefore a good option. You
may want to look into rental cars, or it may even be financially viable to purchase a car for your
‘road trip’ and then resell it upon the end of your travels. By law, you must be 21 years of age to
rent a car, and in some states it may be as high as 25 years. Rental rates will vary by length of
rental and type of car. There may be additional charges for extra mileage. Rental companies are
normally located at airports, train stations and near major cities. State laws require rental
companies to provide a minimum amount of third party insurance, which you may purchase
through them.
AMTRAK, America’s National Railroad Passenger Corporation, offers an extensive network
covering approximately 500 cities. AMTRAK offers regional and national “USA Rail Passes” to
permanent residents of foreign countries. These passes are valid for either a 15 or 30-day period,
and must be purchased BEFORE arrival in the US. Prices vary depending on time of travel. Visit
the AMTRAK website at www.amtrak.com for further information. While in the US, you may
purchase individual one-way (single) or round-trip (return) tickets at the station of departure.
Recorded timetables are available 24-hours a day by calling (within the US) 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Bus travel is the least expensive means of public transportation. Bus depots (stations) are not
always centrally located, and often times are in the older parts of town which tend to be
“unsavory.” Please e cautious of wandering around these areas, and try to travel in groups.
Tickets are purchased upon arrival at the depot or on the Greyhound Bus Company website:
www.grehound.com. This company offers an “AMERIPASS” for both their own services and
other participating bus lines. You must purchase this pass before arrival in the US. They also
offer passes in conjunction with hostel accommodation and offer a pass for Canada.
When you reach your destination, expect to stay in a Hostel (backpackers) for about $20-$30 per
night (www.hostels.com). If you can get a group of friends together, you will also be able to
sleep in a Hotel (with 2 double beds) for an average of $70 per night. Look for deals online at
www.hotwire.com or www.hotels.com. Invest in a good travel book, like “Let’s Go America” or
“Lonely Planet.” These will provide you with many more great travel tips!
Safety and Security in Oxford
Oxford is a town with a very low crime rate, and the entire community is dedicated to keeping
the town safe. There are various US law enforcement agencies (campus, municipal, state, and
federal), all with different uniforms and their own jurisdiction. Campus police are real police
officers and must be respected. It is important to remember that you must be twenty-one years
old to buy or drink alcoholic beverages in the United States. In Oxford, as in most regions of the
US, you will be asked to produce picture identification to prove that you are above the legal
drinking age. Many bars will only accept a driver’s license or state identification card, obtainable
from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Passports are sometimes not an accepted form of ID. It
is also not the safest option to carry your passport with you, as it will be tedious to replace if you
should misplace it. Please also remember to keep the white, I-94 paper in your passport; do not
lose this paper!
Preparing to Leave Ole Miss
We hate to mention it, but your months at Ole Miss will pass quicker than you think. In order to
make sure that everything is in order before you return to your home country and institution
please use the following checklist as a guide:

- 18 Verify that UM Bursar Account balance is 0. Bring a printed copy of your Bursar
Account balance to the SAO.

Close your P.O. Box and leave your new address with the SAO

Complete a transcript request form. Transcripts will be issued in late May (spring
semester) and late December (fall semester). Please note that your transcript will not be
issued by Ole Miss unless your Bursar Account is 0 and you have no holds on your
account.

Check out with your dormitory representative or off-campus housing leasing office.

Complete the online evaluation of your program.
Pre-Arrival Form
Please return this completed form to the Study Abroad Office via email or fax at least one
month before you plan on arriving to the United States.
Study Abroad Office
abroad@olemiss.edu
rfmaron@olemiss.edu
TEL 662 915 1508
FAX 662 915 6798
Name_______________________________________________________
Home Institution______________________________________________
Home Country________________________________________________
Degree / Program of Study at Home Institution______________________
____________________________________________________________
Date of Birth____________Email____________________@___________
Physical Address______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Phone_______________Fax____________________
Housing Preference (Circle one)
on-campus dormitories
off-campus apartments at Campus Walk
Arrival Information
Airline & Flight #_______________________________________
Time & Date___________________________________________
Special Conditions / Needs______________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Prescription Medications________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Courses you want to take at Ole Miss (please list the title of the course or course number)
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Any other information that we should know to help make your study abroad experience at Ole
Miss even better?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________