Everyone knows that big, state, universities and small, private, liberal arts colleges are about as different as peanut butter and nutella. That being said, when a small-college-student steps on a university campus for the first time, there are some differences that they simply will not be able to fathom.

1. Why is everyone wearing running shorts and Chacos?

It is always shocking to see every girl on campus, in Publix, and at Panera wearing running shorts, Chacos, and over-sized sorority t-shirts. Like if I wore that out of the house during the day more than once a week someone would think I was dying.

2. How do you find your way to class?

College of Mathematics, College of Business, College of Education, College of Social Sciences, College of Communications….what happened to one or two buildings with classrooms? This is way too big and complicated.

3. Why aren’t you saying, “hi” to everyone?

You don’t know everyone on campus? I can’t make it 5 ft. on campus without stopping to talk to at least a half a dozen people.

4. Your gym is the biggest building on campus…

The gym at my little college is basically a glorified closet. I would die for an indoor track. I’m transferring for a “free” gym membership.

5. Why is everything so far away?

It literally takes 3o minutes to walk across your darn campus. Why do you need a 3-story gym? I can practically see my entire campus from one strategic spot and yet, I barely have a treadmill to use.

6. What is a “college town?”

At big universities, towns are centered on the college. The insides are decked out in said college gear and everyone in town attends weekend football games. At small private colleges, the college is centered on the town. No one really knows we exist and we don’t have a football team so no one really wants college students hanging around.

7. You apartment complex is literally built for college students?

You mean landlords actually want you to rent these places. You don’t have to sit on craigslist for hours and then beg realtors and landlords that you’re “one of the good students.”

8. Wait, you might not “get into” the major you want?

Declaring a new major or minor takes about two minutes and one sheet of paperwork for me. Apparently at state universities you actually have to apply to get into your desired major…say whaaa?

9. Why are there so many dining halls?

Our dining hall sucks. And, there’s only one.