Centennial gateway of the university with university name written on it

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), is a public research university with its main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Southern Miss is one of three institutions within the state, and one of only 36 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, dance, art and design, and music. The University hosts hundreds of public arts events each year, providing cultural experiences for community members. Offering more than 250 clubs and organizations, as well as intramural athletics and special events, you won't be short of things to get involved with. Enjoy the close atmosphere this campus has to offer and show your support for the 'Golden Eagles' by wearing their black and gold colours. 

USM is one of the few universities to allow a two-day holiday each year for Mardi Gras and does not hold classes on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Less than 2 hours away from New Orleans, Hattiesburg is a great hub for further travel and offers it's own attractions with a number of opportunities to try the local cuisine in such an historically rich town. Hattiesburg also has a humid subtropical climate, with short, mild winters and hot, humid summers so pack ready for summer!

It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.

Who can study here?

Swansea has a ‘university-wide’ partnership with this university which means that it is open to all subject areas except for Classics, English Language, Criminology, Law and Engineering. 

Where applicable, available spaces will be advertised annually on each departments’ list of options on the Go Global website. Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.

Important information

COST OF LIVING AND VISA: The cost of living in Southern Mississippi will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and your lifestyle. You will also be required to pay additional fees for your time at USM, including but not limited to $55 per semester for Student Fees and $15 for USM Student ID card. Costs are subject to change for 25/26. 

You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at USM. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support. 

For 2024/25, additional costs included $185 DS 160 Visa application fee and $220 SEVIS I-901 fee. Costs are subject to change for 25/26. 

In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on the US Embassy website: https://uk.usembassy.gov/applying-f-1-j-1-visa/ 

ACCOMMODATION: On-campus accommodation is available but is not guaranteed. Exchange students will reside in double rooms on the Southern Miss campus. Single rooms are available on request and are subject to availability. Students are able to apply for on-campus accommodation once accepted to USM. More information can be found on USM's accommodation webpage. Students living on -campus are required to purhcase a meal plan. 

HEALTH INSURANCE: Exchange students are required to purchase the health insurance plan provided by United Healthcare. For the 2024/25 academic year, the cost was $2,114 for the full academic year. Costs are subject to change for 25/26. 

IMMUNISATIONS: You will be required to provide evidence of an up to date MMR vacinne upon arrival in USM. You will need to make sure you have received all the necessary vaccines before departing for the U.S. 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR: Classes will begin in August and finish in early May, depending on your exam timetable. 

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