Student Housing in University, MS
Student Housing in University, MS
About Student Housing in University
Oxford/University, MS is a college town in Lafayette County, Mississippi, defined by the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). The unincorporated community of University is effectively the Ole Miss campus itself, while Oxford, the surrounding city of about 25,000 residents, provides the restaurants, shops, and housing that make the area function as a cohesive college town. Oxford's historic Square is the cultural and social center of the community, with a dense mix of local restaurants, bars, and independently owned businesses that have made Oxford one of the most celebrated college towns in the South. The area is walkable and bikeable near campus and the Square, with a lively calendar anchored by SEC football game days.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in University
North and West of Campus
Corridors along University Avenue and Molly Barr Road, with the highest concentration of student complexes and rental houses and short commutes.
Oxford Square
Within a short walk of downtown dining and nightlife, among the most desirable for upperclassmen who want a social, walkable environment.
South Oxford
Along Old Taylor Road, a slightly quieter setting close to campus and the Square.
Outskirts of Oxford
Newer suburban-style complexes with often lower rents and plentiful parking.
Getting Around University as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around University.
Public Transit
The Oxford-University Transit (OUT) system provides free bus service connecting the Ole Miss campus to the Oxford Square and surrounding neighborhoods. OUT is the primary transit option for students without a car, with routes covering the main student corridors between campus and town. Service runs during the academic year on a published schedule, with more limited coverage during breaks and summers. Students relying on OUT should review the route map and schedule, as frequency is lower than transit in larger metro areas.
Walking and Biking
The Ole Miss campus is well-suited for walking and biking, with paths and sidewalks connecting academic buildings and residential areas toward the edge closest to the Square. The route from campus to the Oxford Square is approximately one mile and is a popular walk or bike ride for students who live nearby. Oxford's broader street network is generally bikeable, with relatively flat topography making cycling more practical than in hillier college cities. Some areas outside the core campus and Square corridor lack dedicated bike infrastructure.
Parking
Oxford provides ample parking in surface lots throughout the city, and most off-campus apartments and rental houses include dedicated parking spaces. The Ole Miss campus has student parking permits available through the university's parking services office, with lots at varying distances from academic buildings. Downtown Oxford and the Square have street parking and surface lots, though spaces near the Square on busy evenings and game days can be limited. A car is helpful for students living further from campus or needing access to services outside the immediate campus and Square corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in University
Common questions from students searching for housing.
University, MS is the unincorporated community that is effectively the Ole Miss campus itself, while Oxford is the surrounding incorporated city where most off-campus students live. For practical purposes, students treat them as a single integrated college community, with the Oxford Square serving as the social and commercial center for both.
Oxford is considered affordable relative to many SEC college towns. One-bedroom apartments typically rent for $800 to $1,200 per month, and shared units commonly work out to $600 to $900 per person. The market is competitive near campus and the Square but becomes more affordable further out.
The OUT free bus system connects campus to the Square and main student areas, making it sufficient for basic transportation needs along the main routes. Service is limited in frequency and coverage compared to transit in larger cities, so students relying on OUT should choose housing along the primary corridors.
September or October of the year before your planned move-in is the ideal time to begin. The Oxford rental market near campus and the Square moves quickly, with the best units often leased by November or December. Starting early gives students the most options and the best chance of securing a preferred location.
Oxford is widely regarded as one of the best college towns in the South, known for its historic Square, strong literary heritage tied to William Faulkner, and an independent restaurant and bar scene that punches above its size. Ole Miss football game days and The Grove tailgating tradition bring the town to life in a way considered one of the signature experiences of SEC athletics.
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