Growing up in a college town is an experience like no other. To citizens of a college town, it is more than just 4 years, it is a lifetime. Growing up in a town such as this allows children and teens to be exposed to unique circumstances. I was lucky enough to spend most of my childhood in a college town deemed one of the 50 Best College Towns to Live in Forever by collegeranker.com and I will be forever grateful.

1. Traffic was noticeable calmer during college breaks.

Luckily, so was the Taco Bell line during lunch hour.

2. College sporting events served as social events while growing up.

Football in the fall and baseball/basketball in the spring.

3. The local bar scene was something you knew about long before you understood what goes on in a bar.

#TTP

4. You learned to stay away from Wal-Mart when the university bus made its weekly run.

Ramen Noodles could not be restocked quickly enough.

5. Field Trips to the university were always looked forward to- despite only being five minutes away.

Whether it was to tour the university, attend a play, or participate in an enrichment camp.

6.You adopted "college" trends long before people from other towns.

Having those trendy boutiques downtown certainly helped.

7. You had a crush on a hot college student that lived down the street from you, went to church with you, or played on the college sports team.

I sincerely apologize to every university football player I stalked.

8. You had your top 3 sororities or fraternities picked out by high school.

Or so you thought.

9. Dual enrollment opportunities were strongly encouraged.

And by strongly encouraged, I mean shoved down your throat at every opening.

10. Staying in your college town for college seemed like the ultimate horror.

Until you realized this has been your home for so many years and four more certainly won't hurt.