I'm a freshman from Leonardtown, Maryland, and this is a blog of my thoughts, experiences, and new things I learn as I study at Ole Miss. I may be a fish out of water, but for now I call Mississippi home.

Posts Tagged: freshman

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I feel like saying “finals” is self-explanatory XD

It’s so crazy that my first year of college is over. It feels like yesterday that I was pulling onto campus with my parents and unpacking what I could bring of my Maryland life into my dorm room. So much has changed since that first August. I made wonderful friends and sisters in Phi Lamb who I know will be my bridesmaids. I started dating a wonderful Southern boy named Nick and I learned a lot about myself as a person. My parents are now divorced. I experienced Ole Miss football from the stands with the rest of the marching band. I ended a four year relationship. I got A’s in college courses, changed my major like 3 times, and learned exactly how much stress I could handle. I learned how to talk to professors and how to study and how quickly Starbucks will drain my bank account. I feel different, wiser. I will miss everyone and everything in Oxford deeply over the summer, and at the same time I’m ready to relax for a bit in my hometown. I was going to type “go home,” but it didn’t feel right. Maryland is where I’m from, but Oxford is where I live. 

I love you guys. I never thought I’d have this many people who care about what I have to say with any degree of consistency. Thanks for sharing my first year experience with me.

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It’s that time of year again- college application time. Hordes of anxious almost-high school graduates are sending off application after application to various universities, and I feel it is my duty as college freshman (technically, sophomore) to throw my two cents into the discussion. For everyone who is considering applying to the University of Mississippi, I’d like to analyze the school a little.

Cons: (the cons appear longer because I felt the need to elaborate more)

I guess that statistically, if you’re thinking about applying to Ole Miss, you’re interested in Greek life. Greeks have an insanely strong presence at Ole Miss, and their constant shouting and running around and meeting in places in large groups wearing the same t-shirt and throwing up all over your dorm hallways after formals can be super annoying. If Greek life is your thing, good for you. If it’s not, you’d better be prepared to be inundated with it anyway.

Our football team blows chunks. Games are still fun and I’m still proud of my school, but sometimes it’s like work to cheer for our Rebs.

The exclusionary/fake attitude (skip this section if you’re petite, blonde, and from the South)I found my place, sure, but being a 6’0 tall, size 18 brunette from Maryland who likes video games and indie music made life a little difficult in the beginning. Sometimes if you don’t fit the pageant queen mold, people don’t give you the time of day, and there’s an air of fakeness. Many times I’ve had an encounter with someone in my dorm, only to walk away and realize “Wait. She was just totally being a bitch to me.” THAT BEING SAID, there are many genuinely nice people- you just aren’t sure who’s nice and who’s fake at first glance.

Dealing with other douchebag schools in the SEC. I’ve got special insight into this topic, being a member of the marching band. On the offending list for super-douchey schools are Bama, Arkansas, State, and most of all freaking LSU. Their fans are the WORST. It was the first time an old lady got in my face and yelled at me.

Pros:

The campus is absolutely breathtaking. Walking around campus on a crisp fall afternoon while the sun streams through the trees is stunning. Pretty sure Newsweek says we’re #1 most beautiful, too.

The gameday experience is incomparable. We’ve got the best tailgating in the country and the Grove is one of a kind.

The academics are really solid, despite the reputation as a party school.

The townthe food (even the campus food ain’t so bad), and the shopping.

The cost, even as an out-of-stater, is a great deal.

It’s not Mississippi State.

Hotty toddy.

also, this happens.

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Well Mississippi, I’m back in Maryland for winter break. 

First semester was stressful, but I made it. I passed algebra and got solid grades in the rest of my classes, met a ton of amazing people, and experienced a lot of new things. I even got to see snow on the Lyceum. Now I’m home for Christmas and I get to relax before I’m back for spring semester. 

Thanks Ole Miss.