Welcome!
Dear Bangladeshi student,
Bangladesh Association of Mississippi State University (MSU) congratulates you on your admission to MSU. Welcome to our community. Let us assure you that the Bangladeshi community is keen to receive you amongst us. We look forward to productive and synergistic interactions.
Here are some basic information that you might find useful on your arrival.
- What is Starkville, MSU's hometown, like?
In comparison to Dhaka, Starkville is a very small town with all necessary amenities that are easily available. It is a nice and quite place within five hours driving distance of the major cities of Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Birmingham and Jackson, the state capital.
- What type of climate can I expect?
Summers are hot (90 - 110F, 31 - 43C) and stormy, and winters are cold (25F, -4C lowest), chilly and wet. Usually it snows once in every three seasons.
- How to reach Starkville?
Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) Columbus, MS is about 15 minutes driving distance from the campus. Taxis are available (approximately $18.00 fare). You may also fly to other regional cities like Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP), MS; Memphis International Airport (MEM), TN; Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN), MS; Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), AL; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), GA.
- Can I get airport pick up service?
Yes, you can get airport pick up service from all those airports mentioned above. The pick up service fees are as follows:
Memphis International Airport (MEM), TN:
Airport Airport to MSU Campus Pick up service fees Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) 15-20 minutes Free Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) 1 hour $60 Memphis International Airport (MEM) 2 hours 45 minutes $175 Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN) 2 hours 15 minutes $150 Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) 2 hours 30 minutes $150 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) 4 hours 45 minutes $250
For additional information please email at baofmsu[at]gmail.com - What should I take with me?
Bring warm and cold weather clothes. Don't forget about sleeping suit, jeans and t-shirts (think about the temperature in summer and winter and prepare accordingly). If you wear corrective lenses, bring an extra set for examinations or replacement. Books are expensive here, so bring books that you feel you may need. If you really like deshi food, don't forget to bring the spices. Learn basic Bangladeshi cooking before you come. Above all, learn to drive and obtain an international driving license (English version). There is NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT in this country (accept in major cities like New York) and it is hard to survive here without a car even though campus buses are available. Bring some photograph of the happy events and persons you love and will leave back home. Everything will seem to be expensive to you when you convert the price into taka. We recommend to even bring stationary items like paper, envelope, pencil, stapler, pen, marker, James' clip etc. If I were you, I would have questioned myself: what things I need everyday when I wake up in the morning till at night when I go to bed and then try to accumulate them as much as I could. From my own experience, it helped me immensely. The following is a sample list:
2. Dress: Coat+pant+tie, Pant (jeans 4peice, gavadin 1-2, formal pant 1, Trousers 2, Iner ties 6, Short pant or three quarter 2, Lungi 2, T-shirt/polo-shirt/full-sleeve T-shirt at least 8, Formal shirt 1, Sando genji 3, High-neck iner 6, Under wear 6, Shocks 10 pairs cotton, Heavy jacket 2, Sweater 2, Hand gloves 2, Muffler 2, Woollen cap 2, Shoe formal 1, keds 1, Sliper 1-2 pair for room use, 1 pair for out going.
School: School bag 1, Calculator 1, Stapler with pin, Pen 2, Pencil with lead (2), Glue – gum 1, Envelope small + big(A4), Eraser 3, Pen drive, Passport size photo 12, Stamp size photo 6, Small purse for pen, pencil.
Cosmetics: Body lotion, Snow cream, Shampoo, Leap gel, Hair gel, Body spray, Tooth paste, Tooth brush, Shaving cream, After shave, Razor with spare blade, Soap, Liquid soap, Comb, Detergent, Nail cutter,
4. Miscellaneous: Luggage with arm and wheel (best quality), Umbrella (not fashionable, very strong, because it is too windy), Rain coat, Money bag, Spectacles at least 2 pairs, Single bed sheet with pillow cover 1, Towel 2, Blanket, Small lock for luggage, Shoe shiner, Melamine plate+glass+spoon(for rice, curry, tea), Tiffin box 2(good quality to bring meal in the university), Software, specially operating software like windows, office, etc. Head phone with mouth piece, Spices to prepare Bangladesh food at least for 6 months, Fast aid box (paracetamol, pain killer, Metronidazol, avomin, anti-burning ointment, individual requirement),
Please don’t bring Paper/khata, Monkey cap, Overcoat
6. Note: Most of the time, you will wear jeans. Don’t buy more than one formal shirt and one formal pant. Nobody wears these here. Since you will use T-shirt in the class, its quality should be good. We suggest you buy your blanket from here. The price is same. Thus you can save at least 3 kg weight. Spectacles are very expensive here. So if you use spectacles, it is wise to bring two pairs. Your umbrella should be strong and big enough to fight against heavy wind. Please don’t bring fancy umbrella. Luggage with arm and wheel, of course very good quality, is preferable. You can buy shoes/keds from here at the same price level with possibly better quality than in Bangladesh.
- Do I need to carry cash?
Obviously you will carry traveler's check. During your journey, you should carry around two hundred dollars in cash.
- What should I do now?
Whatever you do, don't forget to contact us at the earliest. We will try our best to provide you with emotional, logistical and cultural support.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with further queries. We are looking forward to seeing you.
On behalf of the Bangladesh Association of MSU
Shaheen Ahmed- President
- Bangladesh Association of MSU