Those of us who have lived in the Prairie State our whole lives can pretty much just call ourselves experts on Illinois. From the layout of the suburbs, to the Chicago landmarks, to the countless Abraham Lincoln facts, we've got it down. But for those of us who have moved to Ohio for school (and there's quite a few of us), there's a few things we've had to learn.
1. There is no tax on food.
One of the most mind-blowing moments for me was when I ordered a Grande Java Chip Frappuccino at a Starbucks in Ohio, and it actually only cost $4.45. Those who have lived in states with food tax exemptions their whole life can't even begin understand how amazing it is to know that the price you're paying will be the same as what's posted on the menu.
2. Chicago is the only place in Illinois.
You quickly learn that no one knows that any place exists in Illinois outside of Chicago. Does this sound familiar?
Them: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Downers Grove, Illinois!"
Them: *blank stare*
Me: "...it's near Chicago."
Them: "Oh, awesome!"
3. 8/7c MEANS 8 O'CLOCK???
It's a truly life-changing experience when you realize that the term "eightsevencentral" isn't just another way of saying 7 o'clock.
4. Ohioans have a chant.
The first time you hear the classic "O-H!" "I-O!" chant is a confusing time. Ohio has a chant? What's our chant? Chelsea Dagger? Yeah. Chelsea Dagger.
5. The highway speed limit changes.
Illinois's speed limit for urban interstates, 55 mph, is infuriatingly slow when compared to Ohio's 65 mph.
6. Portillo's withdrawal is both possible and common.
Skyline is great and all, but a piece of your heart dies when Portillo's is not readily available.
7. Some people still don't know how to pronounce Illinois.
The "s" is silent, okay? Okay???
9. And it's not just Illinois.
For some reason, people from Ohio add an "s" to their grocery stores. Kroger is pronounced "Krogers," and no one knows why. Maybe things would be easier if we all just had Jewel Osco.
8. Wait...you didn't have to take gym all four years?
Ah, Illinois, the land of mandated physical education for every semester of high school. Wait...Ohio only requires one year? WHAT? NOT FAIR!
9. There is more than one U of I.
Apparently some people think that U of I means University of Iowa? At least Google still knows we're #1.
10. A buckeye is not just a delicious treat.
In fact for many Ohioans, it's an identity.
11. There are actual Graeter's stores.
In Illinois, Graeter's ice cream is only sold in grocery stores. When you find out that Ohio has entire stores dedicated to this to-die-for ice cream, you may shed a tear.
12. People make fun of you for calling it "bags."
Ohioans have this crazy idea that bags is actually called "cornhole." They're wrong.
Moving from Illinois to Ohio is an eye-opening experience, but at the end of they day you know that they both have a special place in your heart.
