As the freshman class of 2030 prepares for the transition to Mississippi State University this August, students are soon to find that discovering their place at MSU involves embracing local traditions and forging their own path.
To help with the transition to MSU and Starkville, I have curated a list of experiences that can help freshman feel the true spirit of Starkville and call it their home.
Chill on the Drill Field
When classes commence in August, many freshmen are still actively trying to navigate campus and find their way through their classes. The Drill Field serves as the center of the campus and is also a hangout spot for many students.
Ty Owes is a senior studying political science at MSU. Most of Owes’ classes are in either Bowen Hall or McCool Hall, and he is often hanging out somewhere on the Drill Field between his classes.
“It’s really peaceful and I get to see people I know just come by and we chat sometimes,” he said. “It’s a good way of keeping up with your friends and making new ones. The sun has been really good for my mental health.”
At the Drill Field, students can sit or sunbathe on the grass or have lunch with their friends. It is also beloved for its convenient location, just near the Colvard Student Union and the campus dining hall, Perry Food Hall.
Learn About The Cowbell
Since MSU is an SEC football school, it is very important to know and understand the tradition of the cowbell. The cowbell serves as a visual and auditory symbol for MSU. According to the Mississippi State Athletics website, the cowbell has served as a symbol for MSU ever since a wandering Jersey cow became a good luck charm in the mid-20th century after having strolled onto the field during an ultimately victorious home football game. It is now rung during football games for good luck and to support the team.
It is important to note that as a part of the cowbell tradition, one is not allowed to buy a cowbell for oneself; it should be gifted by someone.
At a football game, the cowbell is often rung during a touchdown or anytime the Bulldogs score. Some students or alumni will also decorate their cowbells and place them on their desks at work or school, and these are often passed down from generation to generation.
Experience Nightlife in the Cotton District
The Cotton District, adjacent to MSU’s campus, is a popular nightlife hub among students. It features New Orleans and European-style buildings featuring various bars and restaurants, all within walking distance.
On a typical weekend, bars like Uno Mas, Arepas, The Landing and Mississippi Ice are common among students. To truly experience the Cotton District in all its glory, head there after a home game win, following the seas of students in maroon and white who march from the stadium towards the district. The energy post a home game victory is just electric—there are students dancing at the Landing, or people gathered around the patios of Uno Mas or Arepas, the sound of cowbells chiming makes for the perfect background noise as the MSU student body packs up the district. The perfect way to end the night would be to grab a box of cheesy fries and fried chicken from Bin 612.
Take the Chap Nap
A “Chap Nap,” short for a nap at the Chapel of Memories, is an ultimate freshman power move. When your north or south campus dorm feels too far, but you need to stay in the central part of campus, a nap at the chapel can refresh you.
The old brick building is dark inside, and the light emitted from the stained glass makes it an ideal sleeping environment. Students often play the piano inside, which enhances the peaceful experience and adds an acoustic layer.
A nap in the Chapel of Memories is a cherished MSU tradition—and with good reason. When times get tough, it can provide the quick fix needed to recharge and reset the day.
Walk or run around Chadwick Lake
MSU’s Chadwick Lake, located directly behind the Sanderson Center, is a scenic campus feature offering diverse opportunities for relaxation, fitness and socializing. The lake provides a peaceful backdrop for light workouts at the outdoor gym, swimming laps, or simply enjoying a picnic.
Many students find walking around the lake to be a great way to de-stress.
Maria Haider, a PhD student in kinesiology, regularly uses the lake for running, noting its peaceful, scenic environment and sunsets that often demand admiration. She contrasts the experience favorably with the Sanderson Center’s indoor track, which she describes as feeling like “an ant going around in circles” and causing “existential dread.”
Maria finds the lake a vibrant and communal space. Beyond running, she appreciates the opportunity to interact with others.
“I get to pet dogs and say hi to cute babies in strollers,” she said. “I have memories at every corner of the track, and all of them are great. I have met so many people around the lake and have made some of my best friends that way.”
In essence, Chadwick Lake is more than just a body of water; it is a beloved and integral part of the campus experience. Maria considers it her favorite spot on campus and a place that will always be a part of her, even when she is gone. The lake serves as a multi-functional space for physical health, mental well-being, and community building at Mississippi State.
From the chimes of the cowbell to the quiet naps at the Chapel, MSU offers students an eclectic range of experiences to take part in. While the academic experience is defined by grades and credit hours, the college experience is shaped by these local traditions.
It is also within these traditions that a campus of thousands of students starts to feel like one family of Maroon and White.
Welcome Home, Class of 2030!
