<p>Hi. I am new to this forum, looking for insight into student life at Ole Miss. I have read here (and in other online discussions/reviews) that Ole Miss has a very prejudice, intolerant student population that only exists for Greek life and partying. However, it is hard to believe that this is all that Ole Miss has to offer and that there are not happy, successful students that do not fit the stereotype. We have visited and it is a charming campus with a "normal" looking student population. Can anyone chime in that can provide any positive inputs besides the school being great for Greek life or partying? My son will most likely attend Ole Miss in 2015. He would very much like to attend a liberal arts school and we (parents) are looking for a best cost choice. He is more of an artsy/hipster-type, athletic, somewhat liberal, very intellectual, and not into partying - not what I have heard most students are like there. He is not judgemental and enjoys a diverse group of friends. While Ole Miss offers some very interesting academic options (Forensic Chemistry/English Double Major/Cinema (minor), there doesn't appear to be a social fit. However, we are hoping within a student population of 17,000 or so, he will find some students with like interests. Many times only postings/reviews (for anything) are made by those with extreme reactions (dissatisfaction or satisfaction) and those that are happy don't feel a need to post. Does anyone with first-hand experience have any encouraging words to share about Ole Miss? Thank you.</p>
<p>Quick question-- are you considering Ole Miss because it is an in-state institution and therefore would be more affordable? </p>
<p>Remember take what you read with a grain of salt. My son also is an athletic lacrosse player etc, wants to be a rock star!, but also realizes the importance of a degree. Of all the schools down south Ole Miss was the most welcoming and fitted a major to his needs instead of just telling him to go undecided. We are from Columbus OH and there are around 10 kids from various high schools headed there this fall. We are a big Greek family so he is definitely going through rush. He will be fine. Any school has the party kids, think back on your time in undergrad. Of all the people I have spoken to, current students and recent grads, not one has any complaints about Oxford or the university, and hate leaving after they graduate. For us Ole miss in only 5 grand more then in state Miami University and Ohio State, so that was a no brainer to get a much more rounded experience with a greater cross section of the student body. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>cg123, thank you for your reply! No, we do not live in Mississippi but our son is eligible for scholarship money. We are looking for a smaller (less than 20,000 students) university that is liberal arts oriented.</p>
<p>upperalington, thank you for your reply! It sounds like your son is a pretty free-spirit as well. When we visited the campus last fall our son fell in love with the place. I’ve just been a little nervous about him finding any other kids with like interests… he just isn’t the typical Southern stereotype. It is reassuring to hear from others like you that there will indeed be a diverse student population.</p>
<p>My daughter is not a typical Ole Miss student but she has taken advantage of outstanding courses in her academic interests and gotten involved in everything but Greek life. Pm me if you’d like specifics. </p>
<p>Hi! I’m looking into Ole Miss, I have loved the campus and the town since I was little. I am having the same problem your son is having. Looks like we’re about the same age, I graduate HS in 2015. I am also not in the stereotype for Southern schools. Kinda hipster, a geek, etc. The only thing holding me back is the rumors of preppy, intolerant kids there.</p>
<p>Thank you, Apollo6. We visited the campus again during the “Get Ready for Ole Miss” event and I was pleasantly surprised at the diverse population of kids visiting. My son is convinced that Ole Miss is the perfect school for him and is quite certain he can find lots to get involved in, as well. </p>