College is a culture shock. Especially when you decide to move from small town called Mason in Michigan to Santa Cruz, California. If you're new to California, here are some tips to try to help you fit into your new (wonderful) state.

"NorCal" and "SoCal" are not cities. You may be confused how everyone you meet is somehow from one of two places in this giant hunk of land. No, it’s not just a small world. "NorCal" means northern California, "SoCal" stands for southern California.

People will think you have an accent. Here are examples of what they will tell you:

“You talk weird."

“Awwww, oh my gosh you have such a cute accent!”

“You sound southern.”

And, my personal favorite, “why do you sound like that?" Honestly, just nod and smile. You do not have an accent.

Rule of thumb: do not refer to your new home state as "Cali." People will be disgusted with you. It's like calling the U.P. the "Upper Peninsula", it screams "Hello! I am not from here."

DO NOT MENTION HUNTING UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Unlike Michigan, opening day of hunting season is NOT practically a holiday here. In fact, hunting of any kind, or hurting any animal, ever, is basically a cardinal sin. Try not to mention it.

Californians probably do not know that Michigan is in the shape of a mitten. Do the cute “I-live-where-I-point-on-my-hand” thing. They will not understand. You get to explain yourself, and it’s a great conversation to have. You’ll be remembered as that weird hand person.

You are not surrounded by fresh water anymore. In fact, California is in a super drought right now. That means the grass is dead, there are no lakes for weekend getaways, and you have to be in the shower before you turn on the water and let it heat up. Torture.

You can get fresh fruit and vegetables all year long. Gone are the winter months with fruit choices of bananas, apples, clementines and kiwi. Virtually all fruits and vegetables are available to you, any day of the year. And, if you’re into it, locally grown and organic choices are always close by.

“Jimmy Johns” will not register as a delicious sandwich shop. Your roommates may even think you literally just have a friend named Jimmy John. Or, two friends, Jimmy and John.

You will be asked annoying questions. Be prepared for, “Do you have electricity?" or “Oh my gosh, doesn’t it snow in Michigan?" There's also, “What do you do for fun over there?” Yes, to your new friends, you are from some strange, far-off land they know nothing about. Answer their questions, but remember, sarcasm never hurts.

Avocados are treated like God's gift to mankind. Californians love avocados. In all forms and on all foods. Do not question this.

Carpool lanes exist. Traffic is a hot topic here, and an easy way to bond with people is simply to complain about it – you will make fast friends. To combat the dreaded traffic, they came up with the carpool lane. Whenever you're not driving alone, you get your own (less packed) lane. Hello, road trips! Skip the traffic, travel with friends.

Lastly, Californians are not prepared in any weather other than sun or fog. When it rains, at all, they actually think it pours. Even if it's just barely a drizzle, expect full rain gear, windshield wipers on the highest setting, and maybe even some basic hurricane preparation. (I wish I was kidding). Talking about surviving long, snow packed below-zero-temperature filled winters will definitely give you major bonus points.

These tips can help you integrate into your new California lifestyle. You'll experience all these quirks, and more. It's truly a journey.