Although I was born just about 20 minutes away from the Mississippi State campus that I now call home away from home, I’ve spent most of my life in the majestic state of Colorado. Being an Air Force brat and moving about 11 times throughout my life, I have come to learn a lot about the differences in culture across America. If you are headed to college anywhere in the south and you’re not originally from there, here are some uncommonly talked about traits of the south that you need to know.

1. There is a high materialistic importance.

This is certainly not the case for every individual you will meet, but in general you will find this to be true. It’s all about brands in the south and sadly, it’s hard to feel completely accepted if you aren’t keeping up with the latest trend. Although this is an upsetting truth, do not feel like you need to conform in order to make friends. If you want to buy that Vera Bradley wristlet and that Lilly Pulitzer planner because you think they are cute, go for it, but don’t do it for anyone but you. If you end up spending all your time and money trying to fit in and please others, you’ll just end up broke and sad.

2. There is an ever-present religious influence.

Whether you like it or not, you will be confronted with religious matters, more specifically the Christian religion. The truth of the matter is, Christianity plays a big role in the south, in so many aspects. At times the intensity of southern baptists can be very overwhelming, and you will run into extremely closed minded, stubborn and judgmental religious people but this is no excuse to build up hatred in your heart. No matter what you believe in, it is best to be respectful to everyone, no matter what. Keep an open mind and always be kind.

3. Southern hospitality is very real at times, but not always.

When I first came to Mississippi for school someone said to me “Southern hospitality is dead.” This is far from the truth. If you grew up in the South, you may not even realize how hospitable the general public is compared to places elsewhere. The willingness to help and genuinely care for the well being of others thrives in the hearts of true southerners. While this generous and friendly attitude is easily found, do not forget that there are rude people everywhere. Don’t expect everyone you meet to be overly kind and hospitable because you will be sadly mistaken.

4. Traditional manners are very important.

In many places that I‘ve lived it is not normal to know all of your neighbors, or to say hello to the morning runners and the dog-walkers, even saying “Ma’am and Sir” are old school and offensive in some cases. I have always been a big believer in upholding basic manners no matter what part of the country I’m in, but for some this is a foreign concept. If you are not from the South, just know manners are largely valued in the south and it is important to respect this aspect of southern culture. It’s always good to be a polite person in general, just sayin’.

5. Many southerners are clueless about non-southern states and cultures.

To most Southerners, if you’re not from the south you’re from “up north.” I couldn’t help but laugh whenever someone would refer to my hometown in Colorado as “up north.” Not only was I confused by the general geographical references, I was incredibly surprised at the lack of knowledge most people displayed about anywhere “up north.” Many people who have been in the south their whole lives seem to ignore the rest of the country. I have been asked strange, offensive, senseless and outlandish questions about where I live, many things that I thought to be common knowledge. There are going to be people you meet who have never experienced snow or seen a mountain in person, and have no idea what Whole Foods is, and wherever you’re coming from just know it is now “up north”.