International Student Travel Information

FOR WARMER WEATHER

• Temperatures often reach the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit; that's 21-26 Celsius) by early to mid-April, quickly reaching higher temperatures by early May. Summer temperatures above 100 (37 Celsius) are not uncommon during the summer (meaning from May through early September.) 
  
  
• Dress lightly! Shorts and tank tops are standard warm weather fare for people of any gender, with lighter shoes like sandals common. For those who prefer to remain more covered but still want to stay cool, look into light/thinner and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, and lighter colors over darker for your pants, tops, skirts, and dresses. Have shoes you can wear without socks if needed. You may still want to keep a light jacket, sweater, or cardigan on hand to put on inside; some air-conditioned spaces, such as classrooms, may be kept much colder than you would expect.
  
  
• Stay hydrated! One of the best ways to combat the heat is to make sure you are frequently drinking water or other beverages, like Gatorade, that will help you maintain your balance of electrolytes and hydration through the hot days. If you are especially overheated or experiencing heat stroke, do not reach for an ice-cold drink but instead a cool or room temperature drink until you have begun to recover.
  
  
• Stay cool! Central air conditioning is very common in Mississippi and throughout much of the US and will be found in most indoor spaces, including dorm rooms and campus apartments. If you're experiencing high heat, get out of the sun and into a cool, air-conditioned building until you cool down. Seek a well-shaded outdoor space if you're not near a building; good air flow is important! Small, personal fans can be used in dorm rooms to help further keep you cool. If your dorm or apartment air conditioning unit breaks down or is not functioning correctly, this is considered an URGENT MAINTENANCE MATTER and should be addressed right away. Contact information for maintenance is provided to you when you move into your on-campus housing.
  
  

FOR COOLER WEATHER

• Temperatures during the cooler months can be mild (upper 60s F, or 15 C) or dip to much colder (30s F, or -1 C, is common; below 0 F, or -17 C, happens rarely and doesn't often last more than a few days), with big swings from one temperature range to the other from week to week and even from day to day. It is not unusual to experience a stretch of days in the high 50s F (10 C) even in December-February, and temperatures can be much lower even the very next day.
  
  
• Dress warmly! Be prepared with thicker sweaters and sweatshirts and make certain you have a jacket or even a good, warm coat. From December-February temperatures can be very cold and it is best to have a scarf, gloves, and hat to protect you from the cold and the elements.
  
  
• Dress in layers! Central heating is employed indoors during cold months, and you may find yourself overheating inside in clothes appropriate for the weather outdoors. Dressing in layers is the best way to ensure you can maintain a comfortable temperature regardless of weather changes through the day or transition from indoors to outdoors. Thick socks and sturdy, enclosed shoes like sneakers or boots will keep you warm and dry through cold, rain, or even snow (not common in Mississippi, but does sometimes happen!)
  
  
• Hydrate and moisturize! It's just as important during the colder months to keep well-hydrated as it is in the warmer period. Additionally, colder months often come with drier air and less frequent rain, with sometimes a sharp drop in humidity from the warmer months. The best way to be prepared for this is to have on hand personal items like lotion and lip balm. If your skin gets too dry, it can crack painfully, and good health practices like regular handwashing or hand sanitizer can further dry out your hands especially. Keeping your skin moisturized will help ensure you stay comfortable despite the cold and dryness.
  
  
• Stay warm inside! Central heating keeps temperatures at safe and comfortable levels indoors, including in your dorm or apartment. If any disruption or breakdown occurs in your central heating in on-campus housing, it is vital that you contact maintenance right away, not just for comfort, but for safety as well.

• Students should plan to have or have access to a personal electronic device, such as a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. Access to an internet-enabled electronic device is crucial for academic success, classroom activity, and assignment submission. Computer labs are available for student use, but should not be a student’s only access to electronic devices.
  
  
• While not required, it may be useful for international students to have a personal mobile phone capable of making local calls and/or calls to the student’s home country.
  
  
• Students should have a reliable personal email account, in addition to regularly checking their student email account for important communications from instructors, school officials, and the International Admissions team. 

MCC has a dedicated campus police force with on-site office and a presence on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The college approaches student safety with great consideration and seriousness through a multi-dynamic approach.

Please feel free to review our Campus Police informational webpage for a more robust and detailed breakdown of campus security practices. 

MCC CAMPUS POLICE

• Meridian Community College is almost entirely one centralized campus area, with all buildings accessible by walking and by vehicle, with widely available parking. Most students will not have their own vehicle, of course, and can make their way around the campus via our paved and lit sidewalks, from the dorms and apartment buildings to administrative buildings and classroom areas. Also accessible on foot are our Damon Fitness Center, Quave Student Life Center, and L.O. Todd Library, as well as sports facilities including tennis, track, softball/baseball, and more. Only a few buildings are across the road from the main campus, and these can be easily accessed by pedestrian crosswalk with regulated crossing signals. 
  
  
• The city of Meridian, Mississippi, has limited public and pedestrian transportation and you should be prepared to arrange alternate transportation options to get around town, including taxi and ride-hailing services or getting rides with friends and classmates.
   
• Transportation for sports activities off campus for international student athletes is arranged by the sports team’s coach. 

• There are two major healthcare systems in Meridian, Ochsner Rush Health and Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, which boast each a major hospital center and multiple healthcare clinics and doctors’ offices. Meridian has several dental clinics and optometrist clinics to choose from for all your healthcare needs.
  
  
• The nearest clinic to the Meridian Community College campus is Family Medical Clinic, only three minutes by car down the road from campus. It is also accessible by a brief walk. Family Medical Clinic is a walk-in friendly and appointment-friendly clinic and part of the Rush Health Systems network. However, you can visit any medical clinic, doctor’s office, or other health service you select as best for yourself.
  
  
• You are encouraged to thoroughly research on local options and the differences in the American healthcare industry versus the one in your own country. You should also be able to reach out to the provider of your international student health insurance policy for assistance locating and selecting any health services you require.