Eighty-six percent of Rutgers students are from New Jersey, which is obvious considering it's the state school. For we students that come from a different state, assimilating to the Jersey culture is a process, and we get called out along the way.
But don't stress, out-of-staters! We're all here with you to point out the signs that we're not from here.
1. You don't understand the feud between pork roll and Taylor Ham.
Isn't it just meat? We're not even sure why it matters so much, but Jersey people get really heated.
2. What is QuickChek? And Wawa?
And why are they on every corner?
3. You didn't know that Jersey is basically it's own country.
When in-staters ask each other where they're from, it's not just a matter of what city. There's north or south, and even on the coast or central Jersey. When people ask where we're from, they usually just nod their head and pretend they know.
4. You never did "prom weekend".
Honestly, we wish we'd done this now because we've seen pictures... and you go hard.
5. "Down the shore" is a daily thing May through August.
We're secretly jealous. We'll be living at our friends' houses just to do this because let's face it, the Jersey shore is paradise close to home.
6. You're left alone at school when everyone goes home. A lot.
We've been invited to our friends' holiday dinners because they feel bad we're not going home. You're all really close to your families, and it's so cute.
7. Everyone tans, and you feel obligated to join in.
You've seen the tanning salons right before formal season.
8. You'll feel left out when everyone goes back to RU to party in the summer.
One of the main reasons we buy a house with our friends in New Brunswick.
9. Your most interesting "fun fact" during Greek events is that you're out of state.
Not a good fun fact, trust us. We've been told.
10. You get asked “Why did you choose HERE?" at least once a day.
We actually chose here for Brower and the bus system. We swear.
11. New Jersey turns out to be your home away from home.
You realize that you really do love it and actually feel more “Jersey" than most Rutgers students. Your own state is great and all, but you're going to miss the friends you've made here and the good ol' Rut this summer.
