1. You actually have to lock your door

While I did lock my door back home, I only really locked it at night or when I left for a long period of time. When I ran to the grocery store though, I didn't even think twice about leaving it open. However, since I've moved to Milwaukee I actually worry if I don't lock my door ever, especially since one of my friends got her TV stolen.

2. City buses are ruthless

A public transit system may be a new concept in general to some small-town people, but where I’m from the city buses are docile creatures that shoufer elderly women around. In Milwaukee, you do not mess with the buses. Don’t even try crossing the street before the light changes, because you will get hit.

3. There is never any parking

And if there is parking, nine times out of ten you'll get a ticket.

4. The population of your college is bigger than the population of your hometown

The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's population is just a few thousand less than 30,000 students and Marquette University's student population is around 11,000. It's even crazier to think that people have class sizes bigger than their graduating class in high school or even their entire high school.

5. There are actually things to do

I can’t tell you what the music scene in Medford or Pardeeville is like, but I can guarantee that Milwaukee’s is a lot better. Not to mention the numerous museums, bars, theaters, restaurants, rec centers and other fun events that the city puts on. I love small town charm and everything, but there comes a point in time where I’m done going to the movie theater and Applebee’s.

6. Not knowing everyone is great

I cannot count the number of times that I would go to the grocery store or Target with no makeup on, not having showered for over a day, wearing sweatpants and a baseball hat and I would run into at least eight people I know. I only wanted to buy some Mac & Cheese, not talk for 10 minutes to my sixth grade English teacher about how my mom is doing or what my plans are for college. Thankfully in Milwaukee I can feel comfort knowing that I can walk into Walgreens at 11 at night, looking like trash and buy a pint of ice cream without knowing a single soul.

7. Diversity exists

Small towns in Wisconsin get bad reputations for having little diversity. And, while some do actually have some, it’s nothing like Milwaukee. You are constantly meeting people with different religions, races and political views. This was the most exciting part of moving to Milwaukee for me, since 83 percent of my town is white and I was one of the only Hispanic people at my high school. It's not just race though, but you also get to meet incredibly educated and cultured people with a different mindsets from which you can learn so much.

8. You miss the outdoors

There is a difference between outside and outdoors. Yes, Lake Michigan is beautiful and Milwaukee has some awesome parks and architecture, but we miss the real outdoors. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking or just staring out your window at nature, we miss having the great outdoors just a step away.