Welcome to Cajun Country, where the humidity is always present and there’s a chance of rain almost every day. College is college, but nothing compares to college in South Louisiana. I mean what other school do you know of that has a swamp on campus? Not a single one. And alligators walking on the sidewalks? Yes, that has actually happened!

Here are a few things everyone should know before coming to college in the south:

1. Always have an umbrella and/or rain boots handy.

It rains at least once a day for most of the semester. Get in a habit of checking the weather or keep an umbrella on you at all times.

2. You may have to swim or take a pirogue to class some days.

When it rains, it pours…and it doesn’t stop until it floods every road and walkway. On a rainy day, you may be ankle deep in water the minute you step outside. Mother Nature throws some nasty weather our way, so don't be ashamed to walk across campus without shoes on.

3. Deodorant is a MUST!

I cannot stress this enough. It is hot. Very hot. You will sweat walking to and from classes and you will stink. Body odor is no joke for some people, so make sure you are fully prepared for the heat and for the sweat that you will endure.

4. You walk through different buildings on your way to class just to feel the air conditioning.

It’s normal to detour your regular route to class just to pass through a building to cool of for just a few seconds. I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet, but it's HOT.

5. Don't be surprised by crawfish boils.

Come Spring time, there will be at least one crawfish boil on campus. This is normal, so don't freak out.

6. Walking around campus you are more than likely going to come across someone you know.

If you’re from South Louisiana or even an area around it, 9/10 you will see someone you know, know of or used to know anytime you walk through campus. Don’t be that person that walks by without saying anything. A simple wave or even a smile is better than nothing.

7. And if you're lucky, you might even be able to catch a squirrel.

For most schools, this may seem odd, but at ULL, the squirrels are so loved that they even have their own Instagram page. 10/10 would recommend trying to catch a squirrel.

As a Ragin' Cajun, I may be a little biased, but I couldn't have picked a better school to live out my college career. So for the new student, enjoy each and every day of your college career. Focus on school and make as many friends as you possibly can. Some say college are some of the best years of your life, and so far, I'd have to agree with that statement.