Update June: The days are numbered

Hello dear readers,

What has happened since the last time? Time flew by because of my exams. All organizational aspects regarding my visa are now completed.

Next was my accommodation. Just when I wanted to book my apartment, the University Trails' website was down. After several emails, I finally received the contract. About 30 pages!! Everything is really regulated... Unbelievable... From the use of the pool, to the gym and tanning bed, to the interior of the apartment. There was even a price list for specific damages. Or a specific regulation on how long someone can sleep in your room continuously and in a month. And how and if packages are accepted. And so on and so forth... After finally reading and submitting everything, it was time to wait again... They are definitely not the fastest...

But help in the form of Hannah was not far away. Not only did we receive 2 long emails with FAQs, she also created a Facebook group for the exchange of internationals among themselves and with their "Global Ambassadors", as well as contacted my accommodation and put pressure on them. Many questions about various topics are already being asked in the group. In this context, a message to the readers here: If you have any questions, shoot! Through the Facebook page, you can already get in touch with several people. Out of about 40 people, nearly half are from Germany, one even from Starnberg. The world is just small :)

We now also have a schedule for the first two weeks. IT IS PACKED! Something different every day. But before the start of classes, we have 4 free days :) Let's see what I do then :) I'll attach the schedule for you!

I have now decided to buy a meal plan. Finally, I also understood what all of this is... It's highly complicated, the whole system. For those of you who are going to Ole Miss after me (if it turns out differently on site, there will of course be an update): Plus 1 means that you get one meal every day. This MUST be taken, otherwise it expires. You have a wide choice of restaurants on campus. For example, with the Rebel 50, you can go whenever you want. Then there are add-ons: The Eco Kit includes various reusable cups (photo will follow), then there is an add-on that allows you to get a total of 10 meals one week before the start of classes (makes sense for me, arrival on 09/08 and start of classes on 08/21). Finally, there is a beverage card that entitles you to get coffee and other drinks from various vending machines throughout the semester. Currently, I'm planning to book all three add-ons.

Next interesting topic: Bike rental. It is possible to rent a bike for the entire semester at Ole Miss for only $25, which makes transportation much easier. I will report back on whether it's worth it or not.

I believe that's all the news from Ole Miss for now. For the time afterwards, I have booked hostels for Boston and New York. Who knows how busy it is shortly before Christmas... I booked through Hostelworld. The only things missing now are the flight from Memphis to Boston and the bus from Boston to New York.

As reported, I received the BW scholarship. For this, a half-day seminar is offered to provide the most important information. This seminar took place on 06/24 and lasted the whole morning. In total, 15 people participated. The seminar gave us the opportunity to exchange ideas with other scholarship holders and get tips and tricks for the individual countries. Practically for me, about 2/3 are also going to the USA. In the morning, there were several presentations about the BW Foundation and the Ostwürttemberg region. Afterwards, there was group work on various topics that could be discussed abroad. This ranged from our home universities (4 were represented) to leisure activities and a "typical day in Germany". After presenting the results, there was a short training session in the afternoon on intercultural competences. That was really interesting and highly recommended. It gives you a different perspective on other cultures and areas of the world. All in all, a very interesting event with super cool people :)

Following this, you will find an interesting link about why Ole Miss is so great. Enjoy the promo :) https://www.society19.com/20-reasons-ole-miss-best-school-earth/

Best regards and see you soon

Franz

WHAT WILL WE DO THIS FALL SEMESTER?

Some of these events are still tentative, but will hopefully give you a good idea of what to expect and what kinds of events we have planned for you.

August 9th: Arrival Day

August 10th

Tuberculosis testing (will give you a specific appointment time)

IASA Campus Tours/Walmart Trips/Scavenger Hunt

August 11th

Orientation with Study Abroad 8:00am-10:00am

Advising Appointments (tentative and we will give you a specific appointment time)

Campus Culture and ice cream event at 3:30 (tentatively)

7:00 pm IASA walks to Square

August 12th

Free trip to Memphis, Tennessee (all day)

(National Civil Rights Museum, Wolfchase Galleria, Farmer’s Market)

August 13th

Movie Night with Housing

August 14th

1:00pm-5:00pm Orientation with all international students

Aug. 15-16:

Academic Advising sessions (tentative and we will give you a specific appointment)

August 24th -

5:00-7:00 pm Welcome Dinner at The Lyric with global ambassadors

August 28th – “Bar” Crawl with Housing

August 31st – Self Defense Class with Housing

September 6th – M Book Jeopardy with Housing

September 9th – Grove Tent/Tailgating event for Ole Miss football game

September 16th – Rowan Oak/University Museum trip (tentative)

September 26th – Tie die t-shirts with Housing event

September 29th – October 1st – Trip to Nashville, Tennessee

We expect the cost to be about $350 and we will ask for you to sign up for this excursion at orientation.

October 11th or 17th – Movie Night with Housing

October 25th or 26th – Trivia Night with Housing

TBA November – NBA Game Trip in Memphis

TBA November 30/December 1 – Farewell Dinner

December 9: Departure Day

Ole Miss football games: Sept 2 (South Alabama), Sept 9 (TN-Martin), Oct 14 (Vanderbilt), Oct 21 (LSU), Oct 28 (Arkansas), Nov 11 (LA-Lafayette), Nov 18 (Texas A&M)