The University of Mississippi

	Do-It-Yourself “Develop a sense of self-encouragement. You’re not in high school, and no one can tell you what to do. Instead of thinking, ‘I don’t have to because no one is making me,’ think more of ‘I have to because no one will make me.’ You’ll make it a lot further when you learn to encourage yourself.” Tre Holland Sophomore Mathematics Coffeeville, Mississippi
	Transferring to Ole Miss “Transferring to Ole Miss has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! At first I was hesitant about making the decision to transfer because I thought that it would be hard to adjust to a new university, but my transition could not have gone more smoothly. Everyone at Ole Miss has been so welcoming—from the students to the faculty and staff. Ole Miss quickly became my new home, and I know that I made the right decision and that this university is where I belong.” Laney McNeer Senior Political science Grenada, Mississippi
	Don’t Skip Classes “No matter what your peers may do or think, class attendance is absolutely essential to be successful in your school work. It is unbelievably easy to get into the mind-set that it is OK to regularly skip classes. Going to class has many rewards, such as being better-prepared. Also, if the professor sees you in class, he will be more likely to help you or even bump your grade up in the end.” Julie Conkin Junior Secondary education/ art history Hernando, Mississippi
	Getting to know your professors “The faculty members at The University of Mississippi are among the leading authorities in their respective fields. You should endeavor to be one of those successful students always seen walking with instructors and professors after class. You’d be surprised how much knowledge and wisdom they will share with you when you show a genuine interest—proving that some of the most important things learned in college are not imparted to students in the classroom. When the time comes for references, honor societies, getting into graduate school, getting that competitive job placement and planning for your future, you will have the most powerful allies in the game.” Zachary Cruthirds Senior Mathematics and philosophy Gulfport, Mississippi
	Last to Leave “Being the youngest of the family can be difficult when leaving for college. Parents tend to have a hard time letting go, and you might feel that you have to follow the exact same road as an older sibling. Keep in mind that your parents have to make new adjustments just like you. Try to be understanding of their feelings. Furthermore, BE YOURSELF! College is a wonderful opportunity to grow into the person that you were born to be, and that person does not necessarily have to follow the same path as an older brother or sister.” Jim Miller Junior Biology Tupelo, Mississippi
	Making the Most of College “This is your time to really find out who you are. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Talk to people you wouldn’t usually talk to. Get involved with the numerous organizations and clubs here on campus. Really step out there, and make the best of everything—because once it’s over, it’s over! This is the time of your life!” Abby Kruse Senior Management and marketing Hernando, Mississippi
	First to Go “As the first child in my family to move off to college, I pretty much came into university life with no idea what to expect. Although I had some experience with college life prior to Ole Miss, transferring from a junior college to a university was not an easy task for my family. Besides having to prepare for classes and finding a place to live, my parents also had to accept the fact that their first child was moving out. This was no easy task, but they are adjusting to the situation, and we’re all getting into the swing of university life.” Corey Shook Senior Biology Baldwyn, Mississippi
	Last to Leave “I am the youngest of three children. I have a sister who is 13 years older than me and a brother who is nine years older than me. One thing that I have noticed is that my father has tended to be more emotional since my leaving home. Although I know that he is happy that I am attending college and trying to obtain a degree, I realize that he is now alone at home. It’s also a good idea to keep [your parents] posted on how school is coming and the changes that are taking place in your life. This will help ease their concerns and worries.” Joey Brown Junior Chemistry Macon, Mississippi
	Far from Home “I’m 688 miles away from home, but it’s OK. College is a time to learn who you are and become independent. It’s also a time to learn new things and have new experiences. A great way to do that is to go away from home. It can be scary at first, but in the end it’s worth it. I came to Ole Miss knowing one person at the entire school, and I knew nothing about the South. Since then, I have met a lot of new and interesting people, and I have learned a lot about Southern culture. That has helped broaden my knowledge and open my mind even further. Going so far away from home isn’t for everyone, but it has been the best experience of my life.” Laura Refsland Junior Political science and German Milton, Wisconsin
	Close to Home “I’m an hour and a half away from home, and I rarely go home. I do, however, enjoy the fact that I can go and get anything that I forgot anytime that I need to. I also really enjoy it when my family comes to visit, because Oxford is definitely like a whole different world.” Rachael Shook Senior Journalism Memphis, Tennessee
	Far from Home “I never thought that I would be able to go to an out-of-state college—let alone be exactly 611.76 miles away from home. I’m not going to lie, the first couple of weeks were the toughest, but it gets easier. The key to distract you from the ‘homesickness’ is to try new things and get INVOLVED. I quickly made new friends and got involved on campus. College is about finding who you are and what you like. Don’t forget that your parents/guardians are only a phone call away!” Amanda Stone Sophomore Nursing Humble, Texas
	Parents “Whether you were the first, middle or last child, most parents just can’t seem to ‘let go’ when it’s time for college. Most parents worry and call numerous times a day the first semester. Develop a respectful friendship bond with your parents. Respect lets you know that you are still the child and value your parents’ opinion. Friendship helps parents realize you’re an adult now and you can take care of yourself. Call home sometimes just to let your parents know you’re OK. Most of all, realize that they’re not calling you to bother you, but they’re calling because they care!” Tre Holland Sophomore Mathematics Coffeeville, Mississippi
	Campus Involvement “When you get involved and obtain leadership positions, you not only meet tons of other students, but you also get the opportunity to know the school faculty. With over 250 student organizations on our campus, it honestly can be hard to balance school and involvement, but you just have to find that happy medium.” Barrett Beard Junior Journalism Memphis, Tennessee
	Making New Friends “Making new friends in college is very easy and fun to do. Being yourself is a great start, along with having a positive attitude. Be outgoing! Talk to as many people as you can—they could become your best friends. Also always remember that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going up and talking to someone.” Arman Miri Sophomore Engineering Clinton, Mississippi
	Living on Campus “I lived in the residence hall just like every freshman is required to do, and I had a wonderful time. I am now a sophomore at Ole Miss and I decided that living on campus was so much more convenient that it was silly to try to find an apartment. I think that it is very important for freshmen to live on campus to get to know what college life is really about and to meet as many new people as possible.” Meghan A. Scott Junior Liberal Arts Lucedale, Mississippi
	J.D. Williams Library “I encourage you to go to the real library… the one on campus! It’s a quiet, relaxing place to get all your studying done. There is a Writing Center upstairs full of graduate students who are trained to help students in any kind of written assignment. The best part is that it’s free! Take full advantage of the resources here on campus. There is even a coffee shop!” Abby Kruse Senior Management and marketing Hernando, Mississippi
	Making New Friends “With so many people on one campus, it is easy to find new friends. You can find new friends by joining interest groups such as the student spirit committee or ASB, or simply by introducing yourself to your neighbor in the dorm. My brothers always told me to carry an umbrella in my backpack, because, if you see someone stuck in the rain, it’s a great opportunity to make a new friend.” Julie Conkin Junior Secondary education/art history Hernando, Mississippi
	Time Management “Good time-management skills can help you get the most out of every area of college. One of the best things to do is to always keep track of things in a planner. Use your class syllabi to put due dates and test dates in your planner. Things can pile up if you aren’t careful, but planning ahead always helps to prevent any major problems and allows you to spend more time doing the things you really enjoy.” Lauren Furr Junior Communicative disorders Pontotoc/Pass Christian, Mississippi
	Eating on Campus “Eating on campus is great. I prefer the Union Food Court over Johnson Commons mainly because of its location. My favorite foods at the Commons are the stir-fry, turkey wraps, quesadillas and roast beef. You pay a flat rate for all the food you can eat [at Johnson Commons]. At the Union, you have to try the sushi, pasta bar or the HomeZone. At the Union you pay for each item individually. “ Walker Agnew Jr. Junior Real estate/finance Houston, Texas
	Living in Oxford “Moving from the Atlanta area to Oxford was a big change, but this town opens its arms to everyone. I instantly felt a part of the Oxford community, and being in such a welcoming place helped ease the initial homesickness. Oxford is very easy to get around, and with much less traffic than Atlanta! One of the most unique things Oxford has to offer is its history. William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, is a great place to visit.“ Kailyn Aertker Junior Accounting Marietta, Georgia
	Greek Life “Greek life really gives you a sense of community on campus. It is a super way to get out there and serve the community. Don’t join a chapter just for the sake of joining a Greek organization. Join one because you want to be there and you like the members who are already in the chapter. The houses also serve 14 meals a week, so you’ll never go hungry!” Walker Agnew Jr. Junior Real estate/finance Houston, Texas
	Greek Life “Going through recruitment is a choice students need to make on their own. When I made the decision to rush, I never knew how much I would gain from that experience. Being part of a Greek affiliation encourages academic development and community involvement, and can make the transition from high school to college easier.” Kailyn Aertker Junior Accounting Marietta, Georgia
	I’m not Greek “Find out who you want to be and who you are before you join a group that has general assumptions about its members. You are going to discover a lot about yourself in your first semester, and you want to leave that space open for opportunity and growth. True friends and family will respect your decision.” Bryant Gregory Sophomore Pharmacognosy Greenwood, Mississippi
	It’s OK to Ask for Help “If you want to know where the movies or the best restaurants are in Oxford, there is a simple solution. You must ask questions if you want answers! Remember this: If you are afraid to ask for help, no one will know that you need help. If you are struggling in a class, do not be afraid to seek tutoring. Fliers are always posted in your residence hall and around campus. Know that you are not the only student struggling with a class, but not asking for help will guarantee a continual struggle. So just ASK!!!” Sommer Wallace Junior Psychology and religion McComb, Mississippi
	Campus Life “Being a freshman, you might be a little nervous about what college has to offer, or you might be homesick. Getting involved takes your mind off stress from school and gives you time to relax and enjoy an event you love. Getting involved around campus is not only fun, but it is beneficial. It looks good on a RESUME! So you have fun, meet new people and enjoy the perks of a great resume.” Sederia Gray Sophomore Journalism/Spanish Starkville, Mississippi
	Diverse Friendships “Create friendships with people different from you! College is one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences in a person’s life—and not only because of what you study, where you live and what you do. I came to college knowing only a handful of people, but willing to accept anyone who wanted to be my friend. I’ve been fortunate to have friends who are from all walks of life. They vary in age, race, gender and hometown. College is about learning and growing as a person, and there is no better way to become even greater than to embrace and seek diverse friendships!” Iesha Warmack Senior Criminal justice/political science Flowood, Mississippi
	Spiritual Growth “I was exceptionally pleased to find myself growing spiritually immediately after coming to Ole Miss. Some might not perceive Ole Miss as a spiritual school, but the diverse academic body challenged me to form my own belief system. Being away from home causes me to turn to a higher being to support me through challenges and hardships when I am outside of my comfort zone.” Alyssa Thomas Junior Management and marketing Ocean Springs, Mississippi