After a very bumpy flight from Belfast to New York, a not so friendly welcome in customs followed by another uncomfortable flight from New York to Memphis, Kelly and I finally arrived extremely tired but safe and sound in Mississippi. (However this was after we first went to the wrong hotel and had to catch another bus to the correct one!) The combination of excitement, anticipation and fatigue from travelling resulted in a comfortable night’s sleep to help prepare us for out final part of our journey (1 hour bus ride) to the University of Mississippi in Oxford.
The following day we were welcomed at the University of Mississippi by the International Outreach Team who helped us get settled in through providing lunch and volunteer students to help show us to our rooms. After receiving our keys, we were able to spend the rest of the day unpacking and setting up our rooms. I am sharing an apartment with one American and two Korean students and it has been interesting having so many different cultures under one roof. One of my roommates was kind enough to take us on our first trip to Wal-Mart later on the evening of our arrival. It was funny to watch our excitement at finally being in Wal-Mart. We were like two small children receiving their presents at Christmas time!
The first few days here included, settling in, sorting out any unfinished business with regards to finance and medical insurance and meeting all the other international students. It surprised me at there are students here from at least 24 other countries. On Thursday night, all the international students got together for a dinner called the ‘meet and greet.’ This was a great way to meet other students and also our global ambassadors. The global ambassador’s role is to answer any questions we might have and assist us in registering for our classes. I found this a great benefit and it is a comfort knowing there is a friendly face around campus if we were ever to have any problems. Knowing now, how difficult it is to try and adjust to a new culture and way of living has developed my understanding of those international students who come to Stranmillis every year. It has made me appreciate just how easy it is to feel uncomfortable and scared in a new country and I can now empathise with those who travel far from home.
At the dinner my taste buds were definitely challenged as I got the opportunity to try and taste a wide range of popular foods here in the South. My favourite had to be the fried chicken which the South is famous for. In keeping with food, Kelly and I have also had the experience of going to different restaurants and there were a number of things that surprised us. We discovered that you must always tip the employees, as it makes up the majority of their pay. Whereas in comparison to back home any tip that we would receive would be a bonus! Secondly the sizes of the portions here in Mississippi are huge. The majority of the time I have to take the remainder of my food home in a box as I can not even finish the first helping!
The ‘southern hospitality’ that people associate with this area has made it easier for us to adjust to life here as people are willing to help out as much as possible. I have already met some amazing people and look forward to making more life-long friendships throughout my weeks here in ‘Ole Miss.’
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