Aaron
New member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2026
- Messages
- 11
What's up, y'all. I'm a senior at a high school down near the coast, and it's finally time to get serious about where I'm going next fall. I've been accepted to both USM and Mississippi State, and I'm kind of stuck in the middle.
On paper, I like the sound of State for my major (I'm thinking Wildlife Management), but I keep hearing that the cost of living in Starkville is going up, and I'm not sure about the drive back and forth to see family. Southern Miss is closer, and I already know a bunch of people who went to Hattiesburg, but I want to make sure I'm not just picking the easy option.
My main worry is money. I've got some financial aid, but I'm going to have to take out loans no matter what. I'm trying to figure out which school gives you the best bang for your buck. Like, are scholarships easier to keep up at one place versus the other? Is it actually cheaper to live off-campus in Starkville if you have roommates?
I also want to know about the vibe. Is one more welcoming to a small-town kid who might get a little lost on a big campus? I don't need a crazy party school, just a place where I can focus on my classes but also find some friends to watch the game with.
If anyone here goes to either school (or went), I'd really appreciate some real-world advice. Not the stuff from the tour guides, but the real deal about money, the dorms, and the professors. Thanks, y'all.
On paper, I like the sound of State for my major (I'm thinking Wildlife Management), but I keep hearing that the cost of living in Starkville is going up, and I'm not sure about the drive back and forth to see family. Southern Miss is closer, and I already know a bunch of people who went to Hattiesburg, but I want to make sure I'm not just picking the easy option.
My main worry is money. I've got some financial aid, but I'm going to have to take out loans no matter what. I'm trying to figure out which school gives you the best bang for your buck. Like, are scholarships easier to keep up at one place versus the other? Is it actually cheaper to live off-campus in Starkville if you have roommates?
I also want to know about the vibe. Is one more welcoming to a small-town kid who might get a little lost on a big campus? I don't need a crazy party school, just a place where I can focus on my classes but also find some friends to watch the game with.
If anyone here goes to either school (or went), I'd really appreciate some real-world advice. Not the stuff from the tour guides, but the real deal about money, the dorms, and the professors. Thanks, y'all.