When you think about the students of Quinnipiac University one's mind usually jumps to youth from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Mass. Anything else seems to be an oddity.

Now coming to the Q I was not aware of this reputation, in fact, I knew nothing at all about this school other than the academic parts and when my history teacher said, “I won't expect someone like you to go there, they go hard!” (To which I scoffed and said I was offended that she thought I didn’t go hard). You see I am from down south and out west from the bustling city of Los Angeles California, and I had no idea what to expect.

My college counselor described the Q as one of the three best schools for people who “are not super geniuses” (something of which I knew but did not enjoy being told) alongside DePaul University in Chicago and Redlands University in Redlands California. When I got my acceptances I thought “hey small town Connecticut is a change” and four months later I was on a plane on my way to my new home.

I never realized the difference from the east to west coast in my brief visits, and sometimes I’m still in shock. Just last week my twin asked if my duck boots were Tims, “no,” I replied, “ they’re Bean Boots” (a brand I had never heard of until I got to the east coast) “So,” she said, “knock off Tims?” I just shrugged as she gave me a very confused look.

Where Quinnipiac is situated is ideal for both nature lovers and socialites alike as it's across the street from sleeping giant and an hour and a half train ride to LA’s sister city: New York. I’ve taken full advantage of Sleeping Giant and when my wallet allows it, I take full advantage of the city but I still find the nightlife somewhat – limited. For those who are underage and without a means to question it, there is Toads, a grimy dance club that can only be enjoyed if smashed, and the frat parties that are either wild or lame and not ever in between.

As someone who likes going out without a purpose or direction for my night, I’m mildly upset that my options are so far away. An Uber to New haven is $25-30 and Uber to the frats are $7-20, I want to have fun and NOT spend money but if nothing is the scene I’m looking for I could be out $40 for a bum night.

I can’t say I’ve been to any of the Yale museums or Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum and although I have tried quite a few eateries around town, I haven’t found any hidden gems. But just like in the big city the best part is the discovery, the journey of making a new town your town. The beauty of memorizing the twisted streets and making them remember you. Locations become landmarks of great nights and trees become escapes.