As a native Pennsylvanian, I did not think moving a few hours north to the city of Wilkes-Barre would be a big change. Boy, was I wrong! Wilkes-Barre, and all of northeast Pennsylvania, is unlike any other area in the United States. They have their own lingo, customs, and weather patterns. Even for those only a few miles away, culture shock can be a real thing after moving into the area. Here are a few tips to make the transition smoother:
1. Learn the local lingo
Heyna? You wouldn't think it, but NEPA has a language of its own. Here's a quick list of things that you will here A LOT:
- Heyna? (translation: "Ain't it?") Locals use this after EVERYTHING! Its their way of questioning if you agree with them or understand what they're saying.
Example: The weather is nice today, heyna?
- Jeet yet? (translation: "Did you eat yet?")
Like moms, NEPA locals love to feed people. They will ask you if you have eaten yet, and, if not, be prepared for some local delicacies: pierogies, kielbasa, polish penicillin and old forge style pizza.
Example: Jeet yet? If you're hungry, I just made some pierogies.
- Two, tree, couple. (translation: "Two, three, couple" or "a couple")
I'm not really sure how this saying came up, but it is used frequently.
Example: I went out to the bar last night and had two, tree, couple beers.
- Youse guys: (translation: "You guys" or "Y'all)
The biggest thing that will separate NEPA from the rest of the country is this saying. No matter when or where, when a local talks to a group of people, they will address them as "youse guys."
Example: Hey youse guys, want to go to the mall later?
2. Buy a BIG, WARM coat
When it is -15 degrees outside, nobody cares what you look like. Comfort over fashion when it comes to braving the NEPA winter weather. A 5-minute walk to campus can feel like 5,000 when you're without it. I guarantee this will be the most worn thing in your wardrobe, especially since winter can last from October to March up here!
3. Rain Boots
Precipitation does not stop with the arrival of spring. With that warmer weather, rain comes flooding in. Living up here in the spring will give you a sense of what Noah went through. Plus, when all that snow melts, you will thank me.
4. Wawa Stockpile
Once you get past the Poconos, Wawa convenience stores disappear and most locals do not know the glory of Hoagiefest. The locals will tell you the Sheetz is the same, if not better. But do not let them fool you - it is a LIE. While living in NEPA, late night "Wawa runs" are no longer feasible. However, if your parents are as great as mine are, they will bring you hoards of Wawa soft pretzels and coffee K-cups to hold you over until next break.
5. New-found love of Dunkin Donuts
As Wawa is no longer an option, Dunkin Donuts will become your new best friend to get that caffeine high. Dunkin Donuts can be found on every corner in NEPA. They are easy to find, cheap, and offer DD Perks, a broke college student's best friend. I recommend buying one of the refillable mugs, refills normally only cost 99 cents.
6. Good group of friends
With the unpredictable weather and your uncertainty of your surroundings, a good group of friends is vital to your success in NEPA. You can brave the NEPA cities (and locals) together, or hide out in your apartment when winter turns against you.
