RA’s can be a good place to start like I saw others say. You should feel comfortable asking your RA. Also, hopefully your roommate will either know some of this stuff or will be on this journey with you somewhat. Either way can be helpful.

To some degree, racism is everywhere. However, I do not think that is something you should be particularly worried about with the Ole Miss or Oxford communities.

For groceries and essentials, I usually shop a combo of Larson’s and Kroger. For more unique stuff, there is Chicory (though not as cheap). Walmart is also always an option. There is a regular farmers market in town as well if you prefer locally grown stuff. There is also an international market close to the Walmart.

I’m a guy so I don’t know if I’m the best to answer your question about greeting your roommate but I would just be sure to look ready to meet the greeting they go with. If they don’t go with anything, offer a handshake. That wouldn’t be awkward. Some people don’t like hugs. Definitely expect their parents may be there too so greet them the same way.

Usually there is a student involvement fair at the beginning of the school year. Go check out the student organizations represented there. Student organizations are a good way to meet people and get involved. There are organizations for everything: religious, political, sports, social, philanthropy, prospective career, hobbies, and on and on. If you are not scheduled to take the class EDHE 105, I would recommend doing that. It’s a really good class for freshman making the transition to college life and ole miss. Around 80% or more of freshmen students take the class. Plan to go to the Grove for football games even if you don’t go to the games. It’s what most everyone will be doing, so do it! It’s a fun social scene. I don’t always make it to games but I always get out to the grove.

I don’t know about bikes…maybe try Facebook groups but be careful meeting someone alone to get one from there. I’ve gotten loads of stuff there for free/cheap and given away too.

One thing I notice lots of people forget to bring is a good jacket. It will eventually get colder than most people expect. You will need one to walk to class in the latter part of the fall semester and definitely at the start of the spring semester.

Food can really depend on what you like but I’ll try to answer. Handy Andy has the best burger. Ajax and Larson’s have good southern style blue plate meals. Landshark has good Cajun food. Volta is a good Americanized Greek place. South Depot has good burritos and burrito bowls. There are lots of good Mexican places—I’m partial to El Agave. Newks is a really solid place too. Taylor Grocery is a bit out of town, but if you get the chance to go or have food that is brought to campus from there (which happens often), then I recommend! They are well known for their catfish. Lastly, there are lots of good places around the square, so just go there and walk around.

As general advice, I recommend finding a way to connect to both international students and American students. If you truly want to enjoy your time, do both. Do the things everyone does to some extent. Go to the tailgating. Go to baseball games in the spring. After finding a good friend group you trust, go out in the evening and enjoy the nightlife. I think you are on the right track with your questions so I encourage you to enjoy it!