I love living in the South. Having grown up in California and then lived in Massachusetts for high school, moving to the South for college was a big shift for me. My mom’s whole family is from the South, so I had definitely experienced southern culture before moving to South Carolina. That being said, after my first year in college, there are many drastic differences I’ve noticed daily living below the Mason-Dixon Line.
1. It takes people 20 minutes to walk down the block.
You have not seen me frustrated until you have seen me behind a group of southerners walking down the street. Granted, I walk very quickly (something my friends complain about a lot), but I do not understand how people walk as slowly as they do. Wouldn’t it be nice to get where you’re going before the day is over? This is one I’ll never get.
2. Southern sushi
For the love of God, please do not put cream cheese on my California roll. Cream cheese and raw fish? So, so wrong.
3. "Hush puppies"
I just really don’t see what’s appealing about balls of fried dough. Yuck.
4. Liquor stores don't exist.
For the college student in me, this one is self-explanatory. Remember to stock up before Sunday.
5. Beverage choices.
See above. Also, ask for “sweet tea” in any restaurant north of Virginia and people will probably be very confused.
6. The slang.
This is one that I actually love, but still don’t always get. I still can’t bring myself to say, “Y’all.” Apparently, a shopping cart is a “buggy,” and instead of a theater pronounced “thee-ter” it’s “thee-YAY-ter.” Bless your heart.
7. Southern hospitality.
I have never felt so welcomed in any place other than the South. Everyone wants to be your friend, and people always want to help each other. Sometimes it can get exhausting, but I’m grateful for it.
8. Street style.
My friends that go to school in the North are shocked when I tell them most people wear over-sized T-shirts and Nike shorts to class. Coming from a high school with a strict formal dress code, this was a shock to me as well, but I am a complete convert to the Comfort Colors wardrobe. However, I will absolutely not wear Chacos. Ever.
9. Southern parties.
The first party I attended in South Carolina was in the middle of the woods and involved dancing on tailgates. This was when I decided I would go to college in the South.
10. The love I have for my new home.
I absolutely cannot imagine going to school anywhere besides the College of Charleston. It’s the only school I know of where the entire student body waits for summer to be over so they can go back to a beautiful city filled with the most incredible people and a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else. Even though it's still a culture shock sometimes, my love for the South only grows every day.