The ELI is part of the Office of International Education at The University of Southern Mississippi. We are located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States of America.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hattiesburg

1. Where is Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg is located on US Highway 49 and on Interstate Highway 59. It is a safe, friendly, Southern city of almost 50,000 people. Hattiesburg is located approximately 60 miles (105 km) from the Gulf of Mexico and approximately 125 miles (200 km) from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Visit the Hattiesburg home page!
Visit the New Orleans Home page!

2. What is the weather like in Hattiesburg?

The climate is mild. You will need a jacket or sweater in the winter, but you will not need to bring heavy coats. It almost never snows in South Mississippi! Rain, however, is common throughout the year.

• Summer (June, July, August): hot and humid (average 27-28 degrees C).
• Winter (December, January, February): cold at night and cool in the daytime (average 0-15 degrees C).
• Spring (March, April, May) and Fall (September, October, November): pleasant (average 15-27 degrees C).

3. How can I travel to Hattiesburg?

• You can travel to Hattiesburg by car:
  driving time from
  • Gulfport: 1.0 - 1.5 hours
  • Jackson: 2.0 - 2.5 hours
  • New Orleans: 2.5 - 3.0 hours
• You can travel to our area by airplane. You have several options:
  • Pine Belt Regional Airport (PIB) (10 miles from Hattiesburg)
  • Gulfport-Biloxi Airport (GPT) (60 miles)
  • Jackson International Airport (JIA) (100 miles)
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) (125 miles)
• You can travel to our area by train. There is an AMTRAK station in downtown Hattiesburg, a 15-minute drive to the university campus.
• You can travel to our area by bus. There is a GREYHOUND bus station on Highway 49 North, a 20-minute drive to the university campus.

4. Will the ELI meet me at the airport, the train station, or the bus station?

• Yes, we can do that! We will meet you at the airport (Pine Belt Regional, Gulfport, or Jackson), the train station (Hattiesburg AMTRAK), or the bus station (Hattiesburg Greyhound) and will help you check into the dormitory, or we can deliver you to a local motel.
• Please tell us in advance that you want the ELI Shuttle service. We need at least a week's notice...Please communicate with our office before you make your travel reservations so that we can help you make your plans. Campus dormitories and food service facilities open only a few days before a term begins. If you arrive too early, you will have to stay in a local motel until the dormitories open. In addition, the ELI Shuttle service from the Jackson or Gulfport airports is usually available only between 3:00pm and 7:00pm. So please check with us BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!
• The fee for this service can be charged to your student account:
  • Hattiesburg bus station, train station, or Pine Belt Regional Airport: $50
  • Jackson or Gulfport airports: $100