To drive or not to drive? That is the question! Considering whether to allow your child to have a car their freshman year is really not an out of the ordinary consideration! Believe it or not, there are still students who today do not bring a car to school. Obviously this is a personal choice for each family, but being familiar with Oxford, sure helps you understand the limitations that not having a car presents, or perhaps the opportunity for growth for your beloved.
Ole Miss has the writing on the wall about becoming a completely walking campus. So, many provisions have already started taking place to set up campus for this. When this will happen, who knows!? But its neat to see the growth!
“Options” when it comes to getting around
The transportation options are most certainly plentiful on and off campus. The City O.U.T. (Oxford University Transportation) bus system has many routes that can take you almost everywhere. For a list of all the bus lines and stops visit this page. Hours are:
Monday thru Friday - 10 Area Routes and 2 Campus Park-n-Ride Express Routes. Saturdays - 3 Area Routes (Blue, Red and Purple). Thursday thru Saturday – Evening Safe Ride Route University students and staff ride free with valid Ole Miss ID.
Additionally, we have many great cab companies that can easily pick up and drop off. Side note: No type of cabs (motorized or non) are allowed on campus at specific restricted areas, during game days, the same as any other normal (motorized car.)
The University offers some really neat sharing opportunities too. Rebel Pedals Bike Rentals, Ole Miss Bike Share- Gotcha Bikes. They even have their own bike shop! And if you wind up REALLY needing a car, check out their ZipCars! Last thing: there are shuttle services are available to get your child safely to the airport for those holiday breaks from the Ole Miss Outreach Office. We also have a forum right here at POM where you can post Ride Share offerings and needs amongst other parents!
Eating
The Student Union and dining halls provide numerous options that fit almost all dietary needs. Your student can also visit the P.O.D. markets around campus for a variety of snacks and groceries. This includes toiletries and household necessities, which can be purchased with Express money on their Ole Miss Student ID.
We have a great delivery service for many restaurants here in town, as well as companies who will even do the grocery shopping for you!
Sickness and Health
And again, Ole Miss offers its own Student Health Center and Pharmacy. Or if you’d rather great local pharmacies like Chaney’s and G&M , theywill deliver their meds to them. How about that for the good ole’ days!?
An on-campus gym and pool are available at the Turner Center (but wait for the new gym coming soon. Its going to be amaze!)
But having a car…..
We’ve heard many parents speak about not allowing their kids to take a car to school until they get more acclimated. Hats off to you! But if you feel your student is ready to tackle I-55 or Highway 7, there’s another article coming for you.
Up next: How to navigate the roundabouts. Yes, there is a real science.
Car Maintenance in Oxford
PS. Parking permit open this month here at the Ole Miss Parking website. Be sure to take note because they will sell out!
