Carbs just aren’t the same.

If you’re a northerner craving a good bagel or even some good pizza, chances are you won't find it in the South. While the South has plenty of unhealthy carbs of their own, like biscuits to name one, their take on bagels and pizza is not a good one. You’ll find yourself comparing these products to the ones you are used to in the North, and they will never live up to your expectations. Don’t waste the calories.

Everyone says “y’all”, and you may start saying it too.

Where I’m from, if anyone says “y’all”, they may as well be holding up a sign that says “foreigner”. I promised myself I would never become someone who utters this word, but low and behold, it finds its way into sentences of mine every once in a while. I then have to face the consequences of my family and high school friends shaming me. But to be completely honest, I think the word is actually convenient!

Everything moves at a slower pace, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

No one realizes how fast-paced life is and how quick service is at restaurants in the North until you go to the South. Here, they live at a much slower pace and service takes forever, which can be particularly annoying if you’re from the North. However, I’ve learned to embrace the slow-paced life of the South as it forces me to take a breath and enjoy my life, for once. It also has made me much more patient!

Racism is real.

Before moving to the South, I was of course aware that racism existed in this country, but I for some reason thought I would never experience it. I was wrong. On my campus and in the surrounding area of my school, I have witnessed racism. It's scary and unsettling, but it's more prevalent as part of living life here.

Most people are very friendly.

It's a bit disheartening that this is something I've noticed about living in the South. People in the North have a reputation for being snotty and rude, but often, that isn’t far from the truth. From waiters at restaurants to cashiers to my friends and their families from the South, everyone here is genuinely NICE and gives you the time of day. They are always smiling and want to get the chance to know you!