As two Ole Miss seniors, we felt we had a duty to share what little wisdom we might have with the incoming freshman class on how to succeed your first year. You’re going to learn a lot this year, and it won’t all come from class. There are some things we can’t tell you either, things you’ll have to find for yourself. For now, here are a few tidbits to help start your freshman year off on the right foot.
- Don’t feel bad if you don’t do anything on the freshman bucket list, or if you don’t do them all. While I would highly recommend a trip to William Faulkner’s grave, don’t risk a minor in possession charge just to take a shot in the literary great’s honor. Sneaking on to the J.D. Williams Library roof is impossible now (a change that went into effect our freshman year, 2013) and the tunnels are near-impossible to find. But you can still let someone show you the Doorknob to the Universe on a starry night.
- Parking sucks, but parking tickets are the worst. Freshmen are lucky, because living on campus means you are within a reasonable walking distance to all your classes, the gym, the Square, everything. So take the bus–it’s a lifesaver, it’s free, and you won’t lose your parking spot.
- Know how to drive around a roundabout. It’s actually very simple. For those who don’t know, here’s the run-down:
- As you near the roundabout, plan where you are headed and what lane to enter.
- Slow down
- Check for pedestrians (ALWAYS yield to pedestrians)
- Find a safe gap from entry into the roundabout. You must yield to ongoing traffic, but you don’t need to fully stop if you can enter safely. Stopping will elicit honks from the frustrated drivers behind you.
- Enter the roundabout, then exit the roundabout.
- Be realistic about early morning classes. If you take an 8 a.m. be aware you will have to wake up before 7:50 a.m. to get there on time. But morning classes are not as bad as you think; you’ll get done with class a lot sooner in the day, or can break up your schedule so you have more time to get stuff done in the afternoon.
- Know how to drive around the Square. The Square, like campus, is one of the areas in Oxford where it is most important to yield to and WATCH for pedestrians. We know parking is rough, but try to keep it together. Also, we know it’s tempting to make endless loops around the courthouse, but it is against the law to make more than 99 circles, so either keep count or simply choose a new pastime.
- Oxford Goodwill is your best source for kitschy home items, date party and swap gear, and great sweaters for the fall and winter. (Check out the men’s section now, before all the good stuff gets snatched up.)
- Go exploring. There are great venues to check out and hidden day-trips surrounding Oxford. Sardis, Water Valley, and Wall Doxey State Park are all about 30 minutes away and provide a calming escape or an exciting adventure. Water Valley has some great restaurants like the Crawdad Hole and B.T.C. Old-Country Store, as well as Yalobusha Brewery, where they regularly host live music and tours. Sardis is the best for beautiful sunrises and picturesque sunsets. A number of students have taken to “mud-riding” at Sardis.
- Don’t be scared to explore Oxford by yourself. Some of my best days have been solo walks at Ole Miss Trails, quiet contemplations at the University Museum or Southside Gallery, or peaceful ambles with a notebook or camera at Faulkner’s Rowan Oak.
- Be careful in Oxford. Oxford is very safe and for the most part walkable, but public drunk is a real thing and the sidewalks eventually come to an end. Go ahead and subtract your car from any equation that involves alcohol. It is never acceptable for a person who has been drinking to get behind the wheel, and Oxford Police are regularly stationed around town at night. Always plan your safe way home before going out, even if that means fleshing out $10 for a cab ride. Safe is always better than sorry. Also, don’t walk alone, especially if you’ve never made the journey before. Always use the buddy system on the Square.
- Don’t use all your Flex before exam week. Trust us: you’ll need it when your budget edges on $10 a week and midterms and exams are close. That being said, if you are hungry, eat. You’re not doing yourself any favors skipping meals.
- Oxford has great food. Try all you can, but pace yourself and don’t blow your budget. Taking in the culture and beauty Oxford holds is largely doable for free. But when it comes to cuisine, it can be easy to blow your budget on the fantastic food in Oxford. However, we recommend trying a little bit of everything. You’re only going to be here for so many years, so eat around town. In Oxford you can find just about any kind of dish.
- GO TO CLASS. Don’t count on your exam grade at the end of the semester. If you haven’t been going to class all semester, don’t expect to be able to learn everything in time for the exam, especially if the exam will be cumulative. Start strong. Be attentive in class and get homework done while you’re bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. It’ll be worth it when you’re pulling your hair out in the library around midterms.
- Go to sporting events. Not only are they super fun, but there’s nothing quite like dressing up in red or blue, gathering up your friends and supporting the Rebs. Plus, it means a lot to your fellow students when you cheer them on. Most home games are free with a student ID, the Athletics Department is doing a great job of sprucing up the facilities, and it’s just a fun way to show your school spirit.
- Health is important. Don’t count on yourself to choose the healthiest option when it comes to campus food. Take advantage of the Turner Center, which is free to use with a student ID and provides a number of exercise classes. You can also visit one of the beautiful parks and trails surrounding the university, like Pat Lamar Park. If you feel ill, take advantage of the health center, but make sure to arrive early or make an appointment, because the wait can get very long during cold and flu season.
- Mental health is important too. Freshman year can be tough. It’s a different experience for everyone, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to make time for yourself. Do things you enjoy, stay in touch with the people you love, and don’t over-commit yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious or just want to clear your head, the counseling center is an excellent resource.
- Actually talk to your professors. They will be your greatest resource when it comes to recommendations and planning for your future. Also, they come in clutch when you’re struggling in a class. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Call your parents, and not just because you need money or something sent to you. We know you’re busy, but sometimes you don’t know you need to hear their voice. Plus, it helps them accept you’re growing up if they hear from you regularly.
- Do activities. There are so many! Just go to one meeting, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to go back.
- You don’t have to marry the first people with whom you become friends. Some of the people you meet at the start of the year, you won’t be as close to by winter break. Some of the friends you make freshman year will be in your wedding. Meet the people on your hall, be friendly in class and always have a homework buddy.
- Be yourself. My biggest regret my freshman year was worrying what other people thought of me. People are not going to remember you for how many greek shirts you wore or what parties you attended. People will remember how you made them laugh, that you were always up for lunch after your 11 a.m. or when you invited them to your Grove tent. You’re about to embark on the greatest journey of your life, so make sure your embrace it.
