Southern California is a place like no other. With the sun shining 360 days a year, the temperature never getting too low and the amazing Mexican food, it is really the greatest state in the U.S. Going to school out-of-state has been quite an adjustment — from having to meet new people, getting accustomed to their way of life, and the lack of Chipotles, it’s been a doozy. It took me a while to realize just how lucky I am to be from southern California and I didn’t realize it until these 10 things were gone…

1. In-N-Out

It’s the staple of California. From the savory goodness of a Double Double to the secret menu, it's something we Californians take great pride in. Your Five Guys, Whataburger, or Cookout will never compare to the quality that is In-N-Out.

2. Acai bowls

These delicious, healthy colorful bowls of goodness are the epitome of Southern California. There are so many variety of these bowls, they are good for you, and quite possibly the greatest thing on planet earth. As a SoCal local, you don’t realize how magical these bowls are until you have to go five months without one.

3. Palm trees

If you ever catch yourself driving down the freeway or a street and cannot spot a single palm tree, you might not be in SoCal. Palm trees not only line our seashores and beaches, but also our inland cities. Nothing makes me feel quite at home like driving down a road lined with palm trees.

4. Beaches

In Southern California, it is unheard of to live more than an hour away from the beach (unless you’re in the high desert). Whether it’s Venice, Laguna or Huntington, there's always a beach closeby. The beach is a part of everyone’s lives in SoCal, and you don’t realize how much you love the beach until you have to drive three hours to get there (thanks, North Carolina!).

5. UCLA, USC, Dodgers and Angel gear

Nothing says "SoCal" like our favorite sports teams. Whether you’re a Dodgers, Angels, Clipper, Laker, UCLA or USC fan, we take our sports and rivalries seriously. Whenever you go out in public you’re bound to see a fan sporting their gear. PSA: never question someone’s loyalty to a team, as they will give you an hour-long spiel on why they are a fan.

6. The People

The people here in SoCal are unlike any other. You’re allowed to be who you are, dress how you want, say what you want, and although people might not like it, they respect it. Wear that purple lipstick, wear those really high heels, do what you want — we don’t care.

7. Avocados

Nothing is more depressing then going to a restaurant and seeing that they don't have any avocados to put on your sandwich. Southern Californians can eat an avocado plain, not only are these fruits delicious but they also provide many health benefits.

8. Lack of Rain

What’s this wet stuff falling from the sky? Rain comes down once in a blue moon so don’t be surprised when you see a SoCal local jumping, dancing and playing in the rain. Also, we will be unprepared for the rain, so don’t be surprised when you see us in flips flops on a rainy day (this is something I have done many times).

9. Traffic

From the 605 to the 10, traffic is just part of your life here in SoCal. You can leave three hours before work and you’ll be 15 minutes early but, if you leave any later than that, you’ll be an hour late. If you want a Southern Californian to fall in love with you, use this line: “I would drive to LA on the 405 during rush hour just to see you.”

10. Water Shortage

We have certain rules about our water here in California. You can only water your lawn on certain days of the week; you’re supposed to take short showers; don’t flush the toilet too often; and if your water bill is too high, you’ll have to pay a fine. Water is such a luxury in California. So when you see a Californian worrying about water in another state, understand it’s just something we’ve had to worry about our whole life.

All of these things make you realize how great and precious SoCal is. And you don’t truly appreciate them until they are gone…