Culture
The English Language Institute offers students fun and exciting activities during the session. Some of these include:
Conversation Partner Program
What’s Involved?
- Meet weekly with an international student.
- Practice conversational English in a friendly, relaxed environment.
- Share cultural experiences and make new friends!
Why Join?
- Enhance your communication skills.
- Gain cross-cultural insights and broaden your worldview.
- Add valuable experience to your resume.
- Enjoy a fun and rewarding experience!
Who Can Participate?
- MSU faculty and staff, and students who are native English speakers!
- No teaching experience necessary—just a friendly attitude!
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers a free Conversation Partners Program to all ELI students as well as all members of the MSU community that focuses on English conversation skills and cultural exchange one hour per week for the fall or spring semester.
If you are interested in participating, please complete this Conversation Partners Program Application.
For questions about the program, contact the ELI staff.
Services
Transportation
Information for getting around campus and Starkville during your study.
Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit (S.M.A.R.T.) Shuttles
The MSU Shuttle Service is operated by Parking Services with campus bus routes that run continually Monday-Friday. In addition to campus routes, the MSU Shuttle Service has a night and Saturday route for access to off-campus dining, shopping, and businesses. Students, staff, faculty members, and campus guests may all use the shuttles free of charge. For more information on transportation, please visit http://www.smart.msstate.edu/.
Mississippi Driver's License
How to apply for a Mississippi driver's license as a non-citizen.
Mississippi Highway Patrol
987 Highway 82 East
(662) 323-5316
Non-U.S. Citizen Information
- Requirements to obtain a one-year Mississippi driver's license:
- Completed application (available at the Highway Patrol office)
- Valid passport
- I-94 arrival/departure card
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Proof of residence (MSU housing agreement or private lease agreement)
- Official copy of birth certificate translated by a university employee
- $10 cash
- Non-U.S. citizens will receive a Mississippi driver's license valid for one year.
- Foreign nationals driving in the U.S. may obtain a valid international driver's license from their country of origin before they come to the U.S., they may rent a car and drive before they get their U.S. driver's license.
- Please note: Mississippi requires liability insurance. It is illegal to drive in the state of Mississippi without auto insurance.
- You must pass the written and driving test. The tests are administered by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, located in the Mississippi State Troopers Office at 987 Highway 82 East.
- Directions to the Driver's License Testing Center: Take Lee Blvd to Highway 182, leaving campus. The testing center is on the right-hand side of the street. There is a sign that reads Mississippi Highway Patrol.
- Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Student Identification Card
Learn how to obtain your student ID.
Students in the intensive English program will be issued a Mississippi State University Affiliate ID card.
There is no charge for the first ID card.
Lost or damaged ID cards are subject to a replacement fee.
Defective or "worn out" cards are replaced at no charge.
For more information, visit the campus card website.
Student Health Center
Information for your health needs while at Mississippi State.
John C. Longest Student Health Center is a full-service medical clinic located on the campus of MSU. All currently enrolled students and their families can use the Student Health Center. Health Center services include health education, pharmacy, allergy clinic, lab, physical therapy, travel clinic, and x-rays. For more information, visit the Health Center website.
On-campus Dining
Learn about your dining options while studying at Mississippi State
Mississippi State University offers numerous dining facilities available to all students. In the cafeteria, dining options consist of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with international entrees, grill, deli, and salads. The Colvard Student Union food court offers various take-out restaurants and is a common place to meet, greet, study, and eat between classes. For more information, visit the campus dining website.
Sanderson Center & Recreational Sports
Learn about the fitness and recreational activities available on campus.
A modern fitness and recreation center serving all MSU students including two gymnasia, 1/8-mile indoor jogging track, racquetball courts, indoor pool, table tennis, weight rooms, locker rooms, semester fitness courses, and much more! For a view of all the programs and facilities, look at the Department of Recreational Sports.
MSU Libraries
Learn about the workshops and events held at our library.
The Mississippi State University library system, the largest in Mississippi, is available to all students with an official MSU student ID card. The library holds workshops, events, and has a large collection of DVDs available for students. The most current information is available at http://library.msstate.edu/.
Computer Labs
Learn about the computer labs around campus.
Mississippi State University offers several computer labs for students to use. The ELI's computer lab features computers and multi-language software. Other labs are located in the Library Computer Commons and in the Academic Computer Laboratory. For a complete list of campus computer labs and their hours, visit Information Technology Services.
Banking
Learn about your banking options for your length of study.
Starkville has many banking options. Local banks differ in their requirements for international students who are opening a bank account. Banks also differ in their policies and fees. Upon your arrival, we can help you find a bank that is right for you.