going from a city school back to your small town | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things You Realize About Going Home To Your Small Town After A Year Of College In The City

Goodbye city college and hello small town I grew up in.

745
10 Things You Realize About Going Home To Your Small Town After A Year Of College In The City
Andi Mazzarella

When it came time for me to start looking for colleges, I wanted nothing to do with the small schools that are out in the middle of a cornfield. I come from a small town, and I absolutely hate it, so of course, I had to choose a big city school. I ended up choosing Temple University, and I love it there.

When it came time for summer vacation though, I of course was excited to come home and spend a couple of months with my family, see some old friends, and take a break from school work. The thing I was dreading though, actually having to come back to the town I live in.

For anyone who can relate, here are some thoughts I had during my first week home that pretty much sums up the transition from city to small hometown.

1. Cars: I actually have to drive one now.

Giphy

I was so used to walking everywhere around campus, or if I had to go anywhere, I'd take an Uber, Lyft, or even the subway. The concept of having to drive a car at this point is so foreign to me.

2. Food is not in within walking distance anymore.

Giphy

If I used to get hungry at 1 am, my roommates and I would get Insomnia, order pizza, or just see if anything is open. Around lunch time, we could walk across the street to the many restaurants, go to any of the dinning halls, walk across campus for other places to eat, or even go into center city. Now, I have to drive 10 minutes for the closest place to eat. This is very depressing for me.

3. "Ok, now I have to actually look appealing when I go somewhere."

Giphy

At school, if I had to run to the grocery store or something, I'd walk out of my room in sweatpants and a sweatshirt. The only people I was likely to see was another person from class, who was also most likely sporting the same attire as I was. Now, I have to try when I go out. I can see people ranging from: my neighbor, my 4th-grade teacher, my high school guidance counselor, an ex, ya never know.

4. There is that one spot in town that everyone goes to, so you just know you'll run into someone there.

Giphy

For me, it's an ice cream place down the street from my house called Handles. Everyone (and I really mean everyone) goes here.

5. Since it is a small town, if you see someone, you have to stop and have a 5 minute conversation on how your first year of college went.

Giphy

Responses range from... "I love Temple so much, I'm so glad I picked it.", "Yes, I met a lot of friends!", "Yes, I still keep in contact with my roommates, they are pretty cool."

6. When there is that one person you see that you have not talked to in forever, and you do not want today to be the day you start again.

Giphy

Dodge and run, dodge and run, dodge and run.

7. There is absolutely nothing to do.

Giphy

Conversations go a little like this...

me: mom, I'm bored, want to do something?

mom: we could go see a movie.

me: is there anything else we can do?

mom: ...we can go see a different movie.

8. There is no night life, it is way too quite now.

Giphy

For a college campus that is in the city, everyone knows that the school never really gets quiet. There are always cars on Broad Street, you can hear the subway, and people are walking around campus. There is just always some type of noise. At home, I get the occasional cricket chirp at night.

9. Comparing your college experiences with the other people that went further away from home becomes a game.

Giphy

All of a sudden every cool or weird thing you did during your first year at school becomes part of a bragging game.

10. There is at least one thing that you will say you like about your small town.

Giphy

Though I would 100% say I am not a small town person, at all, I truly did miss the relaxation of the seasons. I always thought my area had a really pretty change of each season because of how much greenery and plants there are. I love when I came back for the summer that everything was so green and colorful. You don't see much of that in a city, though Temple really does try their best with it.

I'm ready for this summer, but can't wait to go back to my second home.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

1210
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less
couple winter
Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
smiling girl in pink and white stripe shirt

I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.

Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments