When people think of the University of Mississippi, the words “party,” “Greek life,” “tailgating” and “bars” come to mind. Partying has been a notorious part of UM’s culture for years. Students from all over the United States attest to the school’s rollicking reputation; some enroll in UM because it is known as a “party school.”
UM is ranked among the top 15 party schools in the country, along with schools like Tulane University, the University of Alabama and Howard University, according to Niche. The school ranking and review website uses student reviews and nightlife statistics to rank colleges based on the vibrance and diversity of their party scenes. Also according to Niche (and common perception), UM is the No. 1 party school in Mississippi.
UM’s home, the city of Oxford, contributes to its lively reputation. Countless festivals, cultural events and music and performance venues give cause to social gathering.
Freshman exercise science major Amelia McKinley from Ridgeland, Miss., said that before she came to Ole Miss, she knew it was a party school.
“I heard stories that people would go there and ‘go crazy’ and that partying would take control of people’s lives,” McKinley said. “The question, ‘Are you going out tonight?’ is one of the most common questions that I get, (more so) than ‘How are you?’”
From McKinley’s perspective, partying carries social significance for students at UM.
“I think partying is big in Oxford because it is known as the home of the school that has ‘never lost a party.’ I think, socially, if you don’t party or go out, you tend to be left out, and it can be harder to meet people,” McKinley said. “I tend to have a good time and know my limits, but I’ve seen so many who don’t. I’d say I go out at least once a week, and that’s not considered a lot.”
Before attending UM, Pearl, Miss. native Christiana Davis, a freshman double major in communication sciences and disorders and special education, was not as aware of the school’s party culture as some other students.
“I didn’t really know much about the party culture until I got here, honestly. I knew it was a big football school, but I didn’t know it was also a big party and Greek life school,” Davis said.
For Davis, partying is something she enjoys from time to time. However, she always makes sure her priorities are in order.
“I go out very occasionally, but I also treat it as an incentive. So if I don’t have all of my homework done before a party or before going out, I don’t go because at the end of the day, I’m here for school, not to party 24/7,” Davis said.
She also believes that some students may take partying too seriously.
“I think some students should relax on (partying) a bit,” Davis said. “Like, babe, it’s Tuesday and you have an 8 a.m. The bar will still be there this weekend. I promise.”
Most of the bars on the Square, where students often gather to drink and socialize, are exclusive to people who are 21 or older — the legal drinking age. However, many underage age students purchase and use fake IDs to sneak into 21-plus establishments and drink.
A junior student at the university purchased a fake ID and asked to remain anonymous. Being caught with a fake ID is illegal in Mississippi, with maximum sentences of $500 or six months in jail.
“(Obtaining a fake ID) is fairly easy. It’s just expensive. If you don’t order with a large group, they can be hundreds of dollars,” the student said. “I got mine from a website. I placed an order with a group of kids in my dorm and got it for about $60.”
One motivation for using fake IDs is FOMO — otherwise known as the fear of missing out.
“Initially, I got it to be able to go out to bars and socialize because I hated being left out. It can be hit or miss these days, but it works most of the time,” the student said. “Now, I usually just use it if I’m entertaining friends or buying nicotine.”
