Frequently Asked Questions

When should I arrive at the University of Mississippi?

Check the calendars for the official arrival day for each semester. If you arrive earlier than the official arrival date you may not be able to move into your dormitory room on campus; if you plan on arriving a few days early please consult the University of Mississippi exchange coordinator to verify whether or not you can move in to your on-campus housing or whether you will need to secure a hotel room in Oxford.

How do I get to Oxford, Mississippi?

When planning your international travel, be sure to schedule flights so that you arrive at the University of Mississippi between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the arrival date. Before leaving home, advise your host institution of the exact date and time of your arrival.

Flights should be arranged to arrive at the Memphis International Airport in Memphis, Tennessee (TN). This is the closest airport to the UM campus, about a 90-minute drive. The only recommended means of travel to campus from the airport is the University Shuttle. If you fly in on the set arrival date, this shuttle service is free. If you arrive on another date, the cost of the shuttle is $85. View the Calendar page for Official Arrival day dates.

When your flight arrangements have been made, please forward a copy of your flight details to us at exchange@olemiss.edu so that we can have a shuttle waiting to meet you.

What kind of transportation in Oxford and to the airport in Memphis is available?

IN OXFORD

Oxford offers a public transportation system called Get O.U.T. [Oxford University Transit]. There is a Blue and Red route, and the route and schedule is included in your welcome packet.

Rebel Ride – This bus service provides transportation from the dormitories on campus to Wal–Mart (grocery store), Goody’s (clothing store), and the Malco (movie theater) on Saturday evenings. Trips begin at 6 pm and the bus route repeats every hour until the final stop at 11 pm. This is also a free service provided by the University and a schedule is provided during orientation.

Office of International Programs Shuttle – International Programs also offers a shuttle once a week to Wal–Mart which allows international students about an hour and 30 minutes to shop. Space on these shuttles is limited so call 915-7404 to check their schedule or sign up for a trip.

Bicycles – Many UM students and staff bike to campus. If you would like to purchase a bicycle to use during your time at Ole Miss you have several options. During Orientation Week shuttles will be available to take you to the following locations to purchase a bicycle:

  • Wal-Mart offers generic brand bikes that will be suitable for short commutes to and from class.
  • Active Oxford, located on North Lamar, is the place for the avid cyclist. They specialize in new road bikes and mountain bikes, as well as used bikes.
  • Oxford Bicycle Company, on Jackson Avenue, also sells new and used road bikes and mountain bikes

Taxis – Unlike larger cities where you can hail a cab at most corners, Oxford taxis are strictly on–call providers. The companies listed below have only small fleets but will provide service as quickly and efficiently as possible:

  • Angel Taxi: (662) 715-9382
  • Mississippi Delta Transportation: (662) 822-8726
  • Oxford City Cab: (662) 234-2250

TO / FROM MEMPHIS

The University of Mississippi Conference Services offers a shuttle service to and from Memphis International Airport. If you want to book a shuttle please contact Conference Services by phone (662–915–7015). The cost is approximately $60 per person for the one–way trip; please consult with Conference Services for the most current cost.

Transportation from the Memphis International Airport to / from campus is provided free of charge at the beginning of the semester and at the end of the semester.

What will we do during orientation week?

Orientation for new international students provides information regarding academics and student life. The session lasts all day and there will be several meetings throughout the welcome week and semester to assist students with courses and student life. Orientation week also includes a campus tour, a welcome dinner, and a day trip to Memphis, TN.

Can I take intensive English courses while abroad?

Intensive language courses are offered during the academic year. Students who do not have a sufficiently high level of English proficiency may enroll full time in the Intensive Language Program during the semester. Courses are offered at the beginning and intermediate levels, and the schedule corresponds with the University’s academic calendar. For more information on language courses, check out the Intensive English Program.

If campus is closed, what do I do during holidays and vacations?

Most dormitories and dining facilities are closed during summer and winter break. Dormitories, on-campus dining, and administrative offices are also closed during holidays and mid-semester breaks. Students who plan to stay a full year or who need accommodation during mid-semester breaks should contact the Study Abroad Office at the University of Mississippi at exchange@olemiss.edu to make arrangements.

How much money should I budget for my semester in Mississippi?

Tuition fees are included as part of your exchange benefits. Depending on the exchange agreement between your university and the University of Mississippi, you may be responsible for all of your personal expenses including: housing, meals, books, local transportation, special class fees, and personal entertainment and spending money. Depending on personal spending habits, your monetary needs will vary. Check out the Fees and Finances page for some cost of living estimates.

How many credit hours do I need to take and how are University of Mississippi classes set up?

While your home institution sets the policy regarding the award of credit for coursework completed on an exchange you will need to enroll in a minimum of 12 U.S. credits each semester. You are responsible for knowing your home institution’s policies and procedures regarding course requirements. At the University of Mississippi, students are issued a syllabus at the beginning of each class. The final grade for the course is based on class participation and attendance, daily assignments, test, papers, class presentations, and examinations. The weight of each task and how it is incorporated into the final overall grade is at the discretion of the professor. All classes are required to hold a final exam, whether it be an in-class test or a paper due during exam week. More information on course offerings and requirements can be found on the Courses and Calendar (hyperlink to page) page. Students typically take 5 classes per term and spend 15 hours per week in class. There are 16 class weeks in each term. Graduate level courses (numbered 600 and higher) are not available to international exchange students.

What is the “student health service visit” and what do I do about health insurance while in the United States?

All incoming exchange students (except for ISEP) are required to purchase health insurance through the University of Mississippi at a cost of $85 per month. In order to register for courses upon arrival, students must present a proof of MMR vaccinations and take a TB test on site. The TB test costs $80 and is part of the required “student health service visit.” The TB test cost is not included in ISEP benefits and must be paid to the University by every exchange student.

How do I get my final transcript sent to my home university?

Students studying in the fall semester should expect their UM transcript to arrive at their home university in January. Spring semester and full-year students should expect their UM transcripts in late May. An official transcript will automatically sent to your home university international office advisor at the end of the semester.

What types of housing options are available?

There are two main housing options for exchange students spending a semester or year at the University of Mississippi: on-campus dorms or off-campus apartments. The Study Abroad Office will help arrange housing on-campus prior to your arrival. If you choose to live in an off-campus apartment, you must make those arrangements independently. All exchange students accepted by UM will be given the opportunity to complete an on-campus housing form. This will guarantee housing in the University dorms when you arrive in Oxford. Once you have checked in, you will be asked to sign a housing contract. This is a legal binding contract and therefore must be abided by and respected for the duration of the academic year.

On-campus housing is in student dormitories in shared rooms. Private rooms are sometimes also available, but in limited numbers and at a higher rate. Furniture provided in the rooms includes a single bed, a dresser, a desk, a chair, closet space, and linens provided by the Study Abroad Office. Bathrooms are shared with an average of 14 students per bathroom. Halls are single-sex and bathrooms typically have six toilets, six shower stalls, and six sinks. Check out Student Housing and Resident Life for more information.

Finding off-campus housing may be difficult from abroad, and you’ll need to have something secured by the first week of classes, or you’ll be required to pay for a dorm room regardless. Rental costs for apartments depend on the distance from campus, environment, number of roommates, and amenities. The average monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment in Oxford is between $400 and $700. Check out the Housing page for more information.