10 Ways to Tell You’re Talking to an Ole Miss Student, Part 1

1. They Can’t Stop Talking About The Grove

If there’s one thing Ole Miss students hold close to their hearts, it’s The Grove. This iconic 10-acre park at the center of campus transforms into a lively sea of tents, friends, and festivity on gameday Saturdays. Tailgating in The Grove is a unique blend of sophistication and celebration: think chandeliers hanging from tent ceilings, elegant spreads of Southern cuisine, and students dressed to impress. Conversations with Ole Miss students often circle back to their favorite memories in The Grove, like celebrating touchdowns with family and friends or the unparalleled sense of community they experience there. For them, it’s not just a pre-game ritual—it’s a tradition that embodies Rebel pride.

2. They’re Always Talking About Gameday Fashion

For Ole Miss students, gameday is a runway. It’s not just about cheering for the Rebels; it’s also about looking their best while doing so. You’ll hear them chatting about where they found the perfect dress, tie, or custom Ole Miss accessories to stand out in The Grove. In a culture where first impressions and style matter, this obsession with gameday fashion isn’t surprising. Whether they’re coordinating with friends or getting inspired by Instagram-worthy looks from previous games, their passion for gameday fashion is a unique marker of their identity. To an outsider, it may seem extravagant, but to an Ole Miss student, it’s just another way to show school spirit.

3. “Hotty Toddy” is Their Greeting of Choice

“Hotty Toddy!” It’s not just a chant—it’s a cultural staple. For Ole Miss students, this phrase transcends gamedays and becomes a part of daily life. Whether you’re meeting them at a local coffee shop or exchanging texts, the chances of hearing or seeing a spirited “Hotty Toddy” are high. It’s a greeting, a cheer, and a rallying cry that unites the Rebel community. The iconic chant—“Are you ready? Hell yeah! Damn right!”—has a way of energizing conversations and instantly identifying them as a proud member of the Ole Miss family.

4. They Know Oxford Like the Back of Their Hand

Talking to an Ole Miss student often feels like chatting with a personal tour guide for Oxford. They’ll eagerly share insider knowledge about the best local haunts, like grabbing fried chicken at Ajax Diner or enjoying a quiet coffee at High Point Coffee. The Square, Oxford’s bustling downtown hub, often features prominently in their anecdotes. Whether they’re reminiscing about study sessions at Square Books or late-night pizza runs to Proud Larry’s, their deep connection to Oxford shines through. They might even casually mention hidden gems like the Bailey’s Woods Trail or the best spots for a sunset view on campus.

5. They Speak Reverently About “The Vaught”

To Ole Miss students, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium—fondly referred to as “The Vaught”—is sacred ground. Conversations about football are steeped in nostalgia for past victories, legendary plays, and the camaraderie of cheering alongside thousands of fans. They’re quick to tell you about the electric atmosphere of a Saturday night game, where the sound of the crowd echoes across campus, or the emotional highs and lows of SEC football. For them, The Vaught is more than a stadium; it’s where they forge lifelong memories and deepen their love for Ole Miss athletics.