I grew up in Northern Virginia, just minutes from the Potomac River.

I always knew that NOVA was very different from the rest of Virginia, but I never realized how different it really was. I began attending a school in the south in August, and since coming here I've had quite the culture shock. Everything is very different from back home, but in the best way. Here are some things I've thought since beginning my journey at a southern university:

1. "This school is in the middle of nowhere."

It's no secret that Longwood is in Farmville, Virginia, a place that most people do not know about. Not only is the school small, but the town itself is small, too. Because of this, there is not much around here to go do, eat, or see. Coming to college, I struggled with not being near my favorite things, and even now after a full semester, I sometimes still do.

2. "What's all the hype about sweet tea?"

I love tea, but I have never tried sweet tea before, even to this day. I knew that McDonald's sold it, but aside from that, no one in my area went around asking if the restaurant we were at sold sweet tea. When I came here, at least half the people drank sweet tea on the daily, and were shocked to find out I have never tried it.

3. "It's December, why is it 65 degrees?"

My hometown is only about three hours north of my college, but I noticed that the temperature differences can be dramatic. A typical November day back home would be between 45-50 degrees, but here it can reach up to 70. I walked around in shorts and a T-shirt in November, who would have thought?

4. "Wait, there's not a Starbucks on every corner?"

I think the biggest culture shock for me was not having multiple Starbucks at my disposal. I'm used to having two to three in a five-mile radius, but here, there is one in Barnes & Noble. That's it. Let's just say I'm having serious withdrawals.

5. "I can't understand you with your Southern accent!"

I am guilty of having to ask people to repeat what they say a few times so that way I can decipher what it is they're actually trying to say to me. Back home, there aren't many people with strong accents.

6. "Why are you wearing a North Face, it's 55 degrees out!"

Back home, 55 degrees would be the perfect fall weather, cold enough for a sweater, but warm enough to not have to put on layers. Walking around campus I see some people wearing huge jackets and North Faces when it's 55 degrees outside. Why? It's not that cold!

7. "Can we please listen to anything but country music?"

Plenty of people where I'm from adore country music, but I am not one of those people. I hadn't listened to it often, that is until I got here. Many of my friends here listen to country music often, even if they aren't from the south. Can we not?

8. "Why are strangers coming up and talking to me?"

During my first week of college, I was at Barnes & Noble doing homework, and a stranger came up and sat next to me and began talking to me. I was immediately taken back. This has never happened to me before. Since then, I have found that it is normal here to say hi to random people on the streets and strike up conversations with them. This is something I still struggle with.

9. "Why is everything monogrammed?"

Don't get me wrong, I love monogrammed items, but I never realized how popular it was until I got here. Everywhere I look, people have everything monogrammed quarter zips, backpacks, and wallets. I have to admit, though, I like it. Some of those items may or may not be on my Christmas list.

10."Why aren't people using their turn signals?"

I just got my car on campus recently, but prior to that, I had other people drive me around in order to get to events and activities I needed to go to. I quickly began noticing that people down here rarely use their turn signals. At first, it made me annoyed, but at this point, I've learned to expect it.

11. "Where has Cookout been all my life?"

I was 15 when I had Cookout for the first time. I had never heard of it, and now, I love it. I want to sign a petition to bring Cookout up north. Anyone with me?

12. "So does everyone own cowgirl boots?"

Not once have I ever owned a pair of cowgirl boots in my life, but I swear my roommate has at least four pairs. After being on campus for a while, I've noticed they're more common than riding boots, which I happen to own multiple pairs of. Guess I need to invest in some?

13. "Grits? What are those?"

I had never heard about grits before coming here, and honestly, I still am not quite sure what they truly are. What I do know is that they're popular here and people just can't get enough.

14. "Where can I get food that isn't fried?"

Everyone down here seems to love fried foods, especially chicken, but as a vegetarian, I think I'll pass. Don't get me wrong, we have fried foods back home, but nothing compared to down here. I turn one corner and find three different places that all sell fried food. Can we please switch those out for Starbucks?

15. "Why does everyone hate the North so much?"

It's no secret that Northern Virginia is not loved by all down here. I came down here knowing this, but I still don't know why we get such a bad reputation.

In all honesty, the North is great, but I may be a little biased.