As a northerner, I've experienced a bit of a culture shock when I decided to go to college past the Mason-Dixon line. I'm proud of my Northern roots and I love that I get the opportunity to expose myself to a different region of the U.S., but sometimes I notice certain Southern norms that make me feel a liiiittle out of the loop. If you're a Yankee like me trying to navigate at a Southern school, you can probably relate to these 10 things:
1. "Do they have ____ where you're from?"
If you're a Northerner, you've probably been asked different versions of this question. You can fill in the blank with any restaurant, shop, etc. I may not have a Zaxby's or a Chick-Fil-a in my town, but have you ever tried Culvers???
2. Country music
Everyone in the South was raised listening to old country classics, which I personally can't relate to growing up in the North. If you're a Northerner at a Southern school, a majority of your friends probably grew up listening to country classics and are constantly playing country music in the car, basically forcing you to appreciate the genre.
3. Sweet tea
In the South, the obsession for sweet tea is real. My friend once told me that she needed sweet tea in an IV. As a true Northerner, my family loves unsweetened tea, but here in the South I just keep that fact to myself.
4. Zaxby's
When I first came to college, I never once tried Zaxby's. Despite the hype, I tried Zaxby's one time and was not impressed. Why have Zaxby's when Chick-fil-a is SOOOO much better??
5. Accents
One of the most common conversations that you'll have as a Northerner at a Southern school is when people make you say different words that show off your accent. Some words that get the biggest reaction from my Southern friends are pop, coupon, both, caramel, and theater. It's also a big moment for you when you say your first "y'all."
6. Football
You'll learn very quickly that football in the South is taken very seriously. Game day is a production that starts very early and lasts all day. You dress up and always tailgate before each game. Even if your team doesn't win very often, people in the South are extremely loyal to their teams.
7. Clothes/appearances
Another thing that I noticed by going to a Southern school is the way people present themselves. To class, girls wear an oversized t-shirt and Nike shorts, but still somehow look presentable. Then on the weekends, everyone is so trendy and fashionable.
8. Sorority/fraternity
If you go to school in the South, joining a sorority or a fraternity is something that you naturally do. When people first meet you, they'll usually ask you what Greek organization you're in before anything else.
9. "Cold" weather
What Southerners consider to be "cold" will probably make you laugh. One of the most amusing things is getting classes canceled for a "blizzard" and then only having one or two snowflakes fall.
10. "Why did you decide to come to school in the South?"
Probably the number one question you'll be asked as a Northerner at a Southern school. You have to explain the same story over and over- but low key you don't mind! You love talking about your Northern roots and your Southern school.You get the best of both worlds!
