Living on a federally and state-protected piece of land is really cool. But it can also have its difficulties.

1. Stairs

Living and having class in buildings that were built in the 1600s or 1700s means they didn’t originally come with elevators. And now that they’re protected by state and federal mandate, you can’t put them in. Going to the gym for you just means walking to your advisor’s office on the fourth floor.

2. No A.C.

Just like elevators, A.C. didn’t exist in the 1770s, and now August-October, you wake up sweating. Sure, you can put a unit in your window, but it almost always requires a doctor’s note.

3. Small Children. EVERYWHERE.

Remember that cool field trip you took in 4th grade? Well, those are still a thing. Except now you’re 20 and are being woken up by screaming 8-year-olds across the street as they explore the old town you live next to.

4. Rules About Where You Can Walk

Living next to a huge, touristy area means your school always wants to look its best. So no walking on the grass for you. Bricks are your friend.

5. Nosey Tourists

If I had a dollar for every time some middle-aged woman asked if my dorm was somewhere she could walk through, I could pay my room and board bill (OK, maybe not, but I could definitely buy a nice Michael Kors bag just in time for the holidays). People don’t seem to understand that your school is still operational and that people actually live here.

6. Film Crews Are A Normal Occurrence

Because of the quintessential look of many campuses and the surrounding areas, historic colleges are often prime filming locations for TV shows, commercials, and movies (Brag moment: Old Salem, which is connected to Salem College, was the location for the Paul Revere Fiat commercial).

7. You Get Used To Weird Things

A guy in colonial dress eating in your dining hall? Everyday occurrence. Blaring horns from the colonial band at 9 p.m.? Just wave at them as you pass. Your tolerance level for strange goes through the roof.

8. Holiday Traffic

If the community around your school offers holiday events, you just accept your fate. The stress of finals will be accompanied by the fact that there will be random people EVERYWHERE.

9. Cemeteries Aren't Scary

In fact, you kind of find them cool. Whether your school has a connection to it or not, it becomes a nice little neighbor. Even nighttime strolls through it don’t scare you anymore.

10. You Love It

Despite all the craziness and old people asking “Is this still a school?” you wouldn’t change your school for the world. You definitely boast about the history fun facts (The first ever Fourth of July celebration – with George Washington himself – happened in our front yard, suckers), and take pride in the great institution you call home.