University of Mississippi - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Oxford is like no other place on earth. It’s a very artsy, intelligent town with a huge music and literary scene. Every year in the spring, there’s the Oxford Conference for the Book, which attracts literary scholars from all over the world and allows students another opportunity to improve themselves while gaining more knowledge outside the classroom.

Oxford thrives on its music scene, which hosts new voices from all over the country on a weekly basis. When big-name musicians come to Oxford, they don’t just hide out in their hotel rooms—they go out into the town and soak up the extraordinary atmosphere. The Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on campus is equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics and sound systems, and in the past has brought in B.B. King, Art Garfunkel, James Earl Jones, and David Cook. It’s also the site of 2008’s first presidential debate between senators Barack Obama and John McCain. Oxford may be located in a state typically thought of as backwoods and uneducated, but when you enter the city limits, you will feel its rich history. You’ll be able to experience all the literature, films, and music you can in the four or five years that you are lucky enough to reside in this little haven of a city. You will find as many options for entertainment as many big cities offer.

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Students Speak Out

OleMJ says: University of Mississippi 2013 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

The atmosphere is amazing, quaint,... The atmosphere is amazing, quaint, and artsy. There are tons of great food and shopping. There are many events in town, such as Double Decker weekend and the famous tailgating during football season. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 06, 2009 Report

OleST says: University of Mississippi 2014 Law and Legal Studies

Oxford is not very big, but it's... Oxford is not very big, but it's bigger than what I'm used to. The best thing to do is go out to eat at the good restaurants Oxford has to offer. There are many places to choose from. There are no other universities that are near UM, but Mississippi has plenty more to choose from. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 11, 2009 Report

OleKE says: University of Mississippi 2014 Communication and Journalism

The local atmosphere is pretty... The local atmosphere is pretty darn cool! Oxford is a small town, and the Courthouse Square is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries, shops, and two great bookstores. There is always live music going on at night. Just go downtown, and you'll find something. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 05, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere at Oxford is... The atmosphere at Oxford is unique. During the infamous football months, the tiny, unique town of Oxford is so full of energy and school spirit that you can literally feel it in the air. Everyone of all ages and races gets extremely involved. The Grove holds an energy that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. The pride that comes with Ole Miss Football is representative of the love the students and alumni have for the school. There’s plenty of stuff to visit. The Square is famous for Square Books, where you can see tons of famous authors’ autographs and enjoy coffee or ice cream while sitting up on the balcony that overlooks the square. The dining experience is incredible in Oxford, with places such as Bottletree Bakery, City Grocery, and the Downtown Grill. Rowan Oak and Sardis are just a couple more unique sites to check out while in Oxford. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere of the town centers... The atmosphere of the town centers around the University. During the summer months, Oxford gets a little bit of a breather before it springs back into action with the arrival of a new school year. If you’re coming to the University as a graduate student or for law school, you’ll quickly learn which local hangouts are known as ‘kiddie bars.’ Avoid these ‘kiddie bars’ like the plague if you are over 21. The Square is loaded with great shopping and great food, so start working your way around. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Oxford:
• Graceland Too! Paul McLeod and his son, Elvis Aaron Presley McLeod, have turned a residential home in Holly Springs home into a rosy-hued shrine to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The museum is open 24 hours.
• Movies are a large part of the city’s culture. The Oxford Film Festival is an annual event showcasing films from around the South. Movies including Intruder in the Dust, Big Bad Love, A Time to Kill, Home From the Hills, and The People v. Larry Flynt were filmed in Oxford.
• Every Thursday, host Jim Dees broadcasts “Thacker Mountain Radio Show” live from Off Square Books. The show, which airs on Rebel Radio 92.1 FM as well as Mississippi Public Radio, features live author readings and a wide variety of musical performances. Admission is free.
• In 2008, Oxford hosted the first presidential debate between senators Barack Obama and John McCain. The event took place at the University’s Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts and was moderated by PBS’s Jim Lehrer.
• The Double Decker Arts Festival is an annual showcase of local art, music and food. The festival, which takes place each April, is named from the town’s double decker bus, which was imported from England in 1994.

Famous People from Oxford:
• Larry Brown, writer
• Arthur Guyton, author of the Textbook of Medical Physiology
• Theora Hamblett, artist

Local Slang:
Chicken-on-a-stick – A local favorite that can be bought at Chevron, best when eaten after midnight as a snack.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Janna Jones
Hometown: Booneville, Miss.
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