What I Wish I Had Known

Entering your first year of college can be incredibly overwhelming. The thought of leaving home

for a college campus produces many questions, and you may not know who to ask to find the

answers. Whether you’re the first sibling to leave the nest or the first future Ole Miss Rebel in

the family, we’re here with answers to common questions that incoming freshmen and parents

may have.

DORM NECESSITIES

The first topic of discussion usually prompts a lot of questions: dorm living. What should you bring? What do you need? Shower caddies and shower flip-flops are crucial, especially if you plan on living in a community- style dorm. I also found my bathrobe to be one of my favorite articles of clothing! I loved using a full-length mirror that hung over the door to get ready in the morning or before going out for a night on the Square. I also think a printer is really nice to have in the room. It’s a lot more convenient to print in your room than walk all the way to the library or Weir Hall. I will admit; I never used my iron or ironing board once while living in the dorm. That’s

something that could’ve been left at home.

CAR

Another thing that incoming freshmen and parents debate is the decision to bring a vehicle to

college or not. After asking a wide variety of current Ole Miss students, I have come to the

general consensus that if you live within five hours of Oxford, it is worth bringing your car to

school for freshman year. If you live further, it doesn’t seem to be worth the hassle of driving the

distance to Ole Miss. As a freshman, most resources you need will be walking-distance from the

dorms.

MEALS

The Ole Miss Meal Plan Policy states, “all freshmen assessed for housing are required to

purchase a semester meal plan BOTH Fall and Spring semesters of their freshmen year,

regardless of Greek affiliation.” All freshmen are automatically signed up for the ‘Rebel All

Access Plus 1’, where students may choose between a Weekly 14 or Weekly 12 plan during the

first three weeks of the semester. If you are planning on going through panhellenic recruitment as a freshman, I recommend vouching for the Weekly 12 plan, assuming that you will a sorority or fraternity house to rely on for meals. If you do not plan on rushing, consider the Weekly 14 plan because you will rely on your meal plan more and will spend more time in the Student Union and Rebel Market.

TRANSPORTATION

Looking back to my time as a freshman, I wish I had known about the campus bus system

sooner. I came to Ole Miss from Pennsylvania without my car, so I either relied on Uber or

friends with vehicles. The campus bus route transports students to popular places such as

Walmart and the Square, free of charge. Knowing this would have saved me a lot of time and

money trying to get to places off campus!

CAMPUS RESOURCES

I also wish I was made a little more aware of the numerous free resources offered to students

on campus. The university counseling center is free of charge for ten individual sessions per

academic year, which is something many students and parents do not know. The student services building on campus also offers students cost-free assistance with building a resume, mock interviews and information about current job opportunities.

Although moving to college can be a scary transition, Ole Miss is a family that looks out for each

other and you will feel at home in no time! Also, you can reach out to us at Parents of Ole Miss

anytime if you have a question!