Two years ago I moved from Palm Springs to Arcata to attend Humboldt State University. I knew that life would be different in the little college town, but I didn't realize how different! Even though both places are in the same state, the attitudes and lifestyles hardly relate. Here are 10 things I've learned since moving across the state.

1. Everyone is really friendly

Southern Californians have a very specific "don't look at me, don't talk to me" attitude. Everyone does their own thing and only interacts with each other when necessary. Moving to Humboldt County freaked me out a bit because people are always smiling, waving and saying hi to people they don't know. After two years, I still tend to walk swiftly and with my eyes cast down, but the friendly atmosphere isn't as shocking anymore.

2. Nobody is in a rush

I like things to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible, however I've come to realize this is another mindset of someone from the southern end of our state. Need to get something done? It's probably going to take a while. The time range for your paperwork to be processed will be anywhere from two to six weeks. The proffessional staff you work with will come into work anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour later than you do. Even driving tends to be 20 miles slower than down south!

3. The air is clean

Everyone knows Southern California's air quality isn't the best, but moving up north really puts it into perspective. At Humboldt State, nearly everyone gets sick with the "Humboldt Hack" within a few weeks of school starting, but really it's just your lungs freaking out because of how much fresh air there is.

4. "Busy" takes on a whole new meaning

Have you ever been to In-N-Out when the line is almost out of the door and there are so many cars in the drive-thru they send someone outside to take orders? That is busy, but you still receive your order within 10-15 minutes. The other day I was at Taco Bell in McKinnleyville with a friend and about three other groups of people were inside. When I ordered, the cashier warned me "it might be a while" due to how many orders there were. I asked how long "a while" would be and he said 10 minutes. That is Humboldt County busy.

5. 68° is "hot"

Coming from the Coachella Valley, hot means 120° degrees. Moving to Northern California, it rarely gets over 70° degrees and when the temperature starts getting up there, locals opt for shorts and flip flops. At first I was freezing, but as my body acclimated, I do find going outside when it's sunny and 68° is pretty warm.

6. Showers are optional

Southern Californians take great pride in personal appearance and personal hygiene, while Northern Californians have a bit of a different view on cleanliness. Some don't take showers, wear deodorant or brush their hair, while others pick and choose their take on hygiene. No matter what, you'll see more dreadlocks than you have in your entire life.

7. Seasons still don't exist

Arcata has two seasons: wet and wetter. The temperature generally stays the same and the sun comes out a bit more in summer, other than that, there isn't real seasons.

8. Fast food is completely different

Southern California has a Starbucks, Chipotle and Panda Express on every corner, but Humboldt County in particular is lacking in the fast food department. You can still get your Starbucks fix, but you'll have to settle for an odd tasting Carl's Jr. burger and Taco Bell for your fast food needs.

9. The sun really does affect your mood

Vitamin D is more important than you may think and you'll feel it when moving from sunny SoCal to the cloudy Northern coast. If you don't see the sun for a few days, not only will you lose your tan, but you may also notice you're feeling a bit more down than usual.

10. There is more to California passed San Francisco

I can't count how many times I've told people I go to school in Northern California and their response is "oh, so San Francisco?" No, California doesn't stop right after the Bay Area. There is a lot more of the state than most people realize, so my statement usually goes along the lines of "I attend Humboldt State University, it's about five hours north of San Francisco."

Both Southern and Northern California are great places to live, but for very different reasons. Regardless, we live in a great, diverse state!