Everyone calls you Sir/Ma’am.
In general, everyone will be extremely polite. It’s just how children are raised in the south. Everyone will refer to you as sir and ma’am but don’t worry, they won’t get angry if you don’t do the same, just be polite in return.
It will be much warmer for much longer.
Up north, it might be 90 degrees and humid a few weeks over the summer. Down south, it seems like it's every day until October rolls around. (Then it’s just every other day)
You will experience new foods you never even thought of.
Country Fried steak, amazing fried chicken, and if you think you knew what a good biscuit was, you’re wrong. Even restaurant chains get better. Bojangles, Chick-fil-a, Zaxby’s, just to name a few. Oh, don't forget the ribs.
More specifically, breakfast will never be the same.
I say this is a good way and a bad way. The good: biscuits and gravy will become an instant favorite. That and some hash browns (real hash browns, not the fake ones from McD’s) The downside, though, your idea of maple syrup doesn’t travel south with you. (You have to hit up a Cracker Barrel for the good stuff)
Just wait for a “Snow Day.”
Where I come from, we could get a foot of snow overnight and maybe have the next day off, but probably just a two-hour delay. Down south, your classes will be cancelled for a half inch of snow, and god forbid there’s still snow on the ground the following morning, classes will be cancelled again.
Clothing Brands that you previously never heard of will take over your closet.
Sure, you’ve heard of Ralph Lauren and Vineyard Vines, but have you ever heard of Collard Greens, Southern Marsh, or Southern Tide? Talk about some quality clothing. You may only start with a t-shirt, but soon you’ll get more and before long, they will make up the majority of your wardrobe.
People will joke that you pretty much live in Canada.
Trust me, it gets old to hear, but you will hear it all the time. People ask where you're from and when you respond with anything like New York, Vermont, or Maine, you will undoubtedly get the response, "Oh, so Canada".
You have to get used to not understanding people.
We’ve all heard a good southern drawl so it’s not that big of a deal. The issue is, there are different levels of drawl. The ones in the movies and pretty mild compared to some that you’ll come across. And you’ll know too, because you won’t be able to understand a thing that’s said.
If you’re in Greek Life, Carolina's Cup is a national holiday.
You don’t even watch the races. As a matter of fact, you are barely aware races are occurring. It’s a reason for all the Sorority girls to pull out their best Lily dresses and sun hats and for the Frat Stars to put on all the pastel colors and bow ties.
You WILL start saying Y’all.
Your parents, your friends, everyone will tell you that you’ll start saying it so go ahead and deny it all you want. The thing is, they’re right.
