5 Ways To Keep Up With UGA If You're Not From Georgia
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Ways To Keep Up With UGA If You're Not From Georgia

Things I've learned after one semester as a Floridian in college in Georgia

151
5 Ways To Keep Up With UGA If You're Not From Georgia

I've lived in the same house in the same town since the day I was born, and I've been friends with the same people since middle school. Being an introvert made the prospect of leaving all this behind to start my new life as a college student in Georgia even more nerve-wracking. I was afraid that I wouldn't fit in and that I'd spend my time in college watching Netflix alone in my dorm, but as I settled in, I realized that I would be okay. The more time that passed, the more I realized that being in a new state was an exciting adventure, not something to fear.

As I write this, I am starting my second semester, and I have picked up a few tricks and tips that I hope will help other out-of-staters as they either begin or continue on with their college experience. Here's my Out-of-Stater's Guide to the University.

1. Keep up with current events

The Georgia gubernatorial race was in full swing when I started college, and as an International Affairs major, the candidates and campaigns were often brought up in class discussions. I had absolutely no clue what was going on, to say the very least. This race also made its way into conversations with friends, and I felt like I couldn't participate. So, I did some quick research and read a few articles to get an idea of what was going on so I wouldn't feel as lost. While state elections only happen every few years and this example won't be relevant for every out-of-stater, it is still important to know what's going on in the state you're in so you can stay in the loop and feel like you fit in a little more.

2. Ask questions

I am very shy and asking questions tends to give me miniature anxiety attacks, but I learned quickly to ask questions when I don't understand what my friends are talking about. States have different slangs and dialects, so when I first came to Georgia, it wasn't unusual for me to not understand the sayings my in-state friends were using. I let myself be lost in conversation for way too long before I finally asked for clarification. I now know that "bumping" means jamming and that "bless her heart" is both passive-aggressive and endearing and "fixing" means wanting. Asking about these sayings and about geography helped give me the comfort of not feeling so out of the loop.

3. Find a friend with a car

I am definitely not advocating using someone and pretending to be their friend just so you can have a ride, but having friends with cars definitely has perks if you don't have one. My roommate is able to drive us to Walmart to get groceries and offers to take me to and from the airport for breaks. My friends are able to take us on spontaneous nighttime Target adventures. Friends with cars allow for more adventures and less money spent on Uber.

4. Don't be afraid to go home with friends for the weekend

On non-football weekends, campus tends to empty out. As an out-of-stater with nowhere to go, these days can feel lonely and bring about some home-sickness. While I personally have only done this once, if a friend invites you to go home with them for the weekend, don't be afraid to say yes! It gives you the opportunity to see a new place, get out of your twin-sized dorm bed, shower without shoes on, and get a home-cooked meal.

5. Just have fun!

Everyone is in the same boat in college, no matter where you're from- everyone is looking for a place they'll fit in and for friends to share the memories with. Don't let nerves or not knowing anyone or feeling a little lost cause you to miss out. Everything will fall into place.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58397
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37619
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959224
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193550
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments