When I think of lugging my clothes, toiletries, decorations, etc., into my new dorm this fall at Charleston, a sense of excitement rushes down my spine. I mean, how cool is it moving away from home and living with a new and diverse community? Adjusting to college, making friends, figuring out classes is something every freshman will do, but there’s something a little different us freshman above the Mason Dixon line will have to adjust to, the southern life in general.

1. Hashbrowns to grits?

So…our favorite greasy, potato-y goodness isn’t the most popular side dish here? Really, how good are these tiny white things? I’d say pretty darn good…but which is better? Shall we get down to the nitty gritty?

2. Palm trees is the new evergreen.

Like the ones you see on "Apple Vacation" commercials? Sign me up!

3. Hey y'all!

Yes, everyone, prepare for me to come back with an adorable southern accent, and yes, be jealous.

4. Abominable snowman or cooler?

When a northerner hears, “Yeti” and pictures white and furry snow monster.

When a southerner hears, “Yeti” and pictures super insulated cooler with a lot of refreshing drinks inside.

5. You’re never fully dressed without your cowboy boots

If you don’t wear these to the Florida Georgia Line concert, then we can’t be friends.

6. The real sweet tea.

If you don’t dump the whole jar of sugar in, then you’re not doing it right.

7. Who couldn’t love a supermarket called Piggly Wiggly?

Nope, no Giant or Superfresh in site, but who needs that when there’s a cute piggy to greet you every time you step into the store to buy your bread and eggs?

8. Preppy, preppy, preppy.

Vineyard Vines and Southern Tide are the norm here, but whoa, is that shirt "whaley" that much?

9. "Lax bros"...

...do not exist down south. The beloved sport from the north gets no hype down south. Also, southerners would be very confused hearing us northerners calling lacrosse players' long, luscious locks of hair "flow" or "lettuce."

10. Home cooked meals.

OK, it isn't like mom and dad never cook up north, but it is a lot more common for a northern parent to scream downstairs, "I'm not cooking tonight! Order pizza or make a sandwich or something!"

It's strange to think that the Mason Dixon line separates two very different lifestyles, both, of course, are special in their own ways. Sure, perhaps you'll miss your Philly cheesesteak or New York cheesecake when going down south, but those shrimp and grits will take it off your mind at first bite!