When I told my friends and family that I was going to the great Pacific Northwest for college, eight out of 10 reactions had something to do with the amount of rain or clouds that I would experience. Of course I knew about that coming from Southern California, because almost any place has more rain than Southern California. I realized that when most Californians think of Oregon or Washington their minds automatically go to the rain, the short days, the clouds, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Of course the PNW has these things, but the weather doesn't have to be a negative thing! If you come to the PNW for college from California you will experience so many new things, some of which you will hate, and some you will love.

1. The weather.

In the late fall, winter, and early spring, it can be pretty rainy. And cloudy. And cold. But California doesn't experience this weather more than two weeks a year, so it can be refreshing to take a break from the constant heat and head up north for a cool change. Though this weather can be a struggle it's absolutely worth it once spring is here. Everyone is outside sunbathing, playing frisbee, riding bikes, or playing catch with their dogs. It's warm outside, or what you now believe is warm (anything above 60 degrees), and you automatically transform into an outdoorsy person. The wildflowers are in bloom, the birds are chirping and the trees are greener than ever. Without the rain, it couldn't be this beautiful up here. Before you head up here though, make sure you are prepared! You can never have enough coats, pants, long sleeves, scarves, and boots!

2. Real-life trees!

Except for Yosemite and the Redwoods, and palm trees there aren't many trees in California, which means there isn't much green there. Once you take a trip up north you won't want to leave because of all the greenery. You won't even know where to look first, there are so many. It's so green and beautiful, you have forgotten that its 45 degrees outside and will most likely rain later today. The trees are definitely a huge reason why I came up here. It is so beautiful, and a different kind of beautiful than California. It's green, peaceful, and fresh.

3. The water.

As we all know, California is in a drought and has been for a while. That means we have basically no rain, no lakes, no streams, no rivers, and no drinking water. One thing that I was most surprised by when I came up to Washington for college was the little waterfalls that I would see coming out the side of mountains by the highway, or the streams that meander in the most bizarre places. If you come up here, you will also find out that lakes are almost as great (if not greater) than the ocean. I know, us Californians must stay loyal to our beautiful beaches, but you need to give lakes a try. When it's warm enough out, kayaking, swimming or if you have a boat, water skiing and wake boarding with some friends is a great outdoor activity. Yes, the water may be colder than the ocean water, but you will get used to it, I promise! Also the drinking water tastes so much better up here than California water. It's crisp and fresh off the mountains. I didn't realize how bad we had it down there when it came to water until I came up here!

4. The people and their fashion.

Depending on where you are, the people in the PNW tend to be much more "granola" and natural than the people in California. At first it was a little shocking, but I've grown to love and embrace this way of life. A pair of Birkenstocks or Tevas are essential to fitting in with this crowd. Some of the most popular brands to wear are Patagonia, North Face, and anything from the local thrift store, which is perfect for us broke college students. Leave most of your heavy makeup products at home along with your Uggs because you most likely won't be needing those! I've definitely embraced the people and their ways of fashion here, because it is so much easier than it is in California. People are just more accepting of crazy looks than they are back at home.

5. Say goodbye to good Mexican food and In-N-Out.

Yes, we all know that Mexican is your favorite type of food. And yes, we all know that In-N-Out doesn't even compare to McDonald's or any other fast food place. I am sorry to inform you that good Mexican food and In-N-Out do not exist in the PNW. Everything else I said about this beautiful place is positive, but I understand if you can't live without these two essential Californian food groups. When you meet someone from the PNW who says they know a good Mexican food place, do not get your hopes up. They haven't tried REAL Californian Mexican food. If you're lucky you might be able to find a place that will satisfy your needs until your next trip home where you will continue your diet of breakfast burritos and double-doubles.

6. You will miss your family.

If you live in California and go to the PNW for college, your family most likely isn't a quick drive away. This may be a good thing or a bad thing for you. Maybe you want to be a little independent and adventurous and get away from your family. Just know this: you will miss them. Maybe it will take time. Maybe it will happen at the most random moment. But I promise you there will be at least a couple times where you wish you could just drive home and be with your parents and your siblings. It's also good to know that their lives will go on even though you aren't around anymore. Don't take your time together for granted!

Truly there's no place like California, but coming to the Pacific Northwest for college was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The beauty of the land makes up for all the rain, and I may be far from my family, but that just makes our reunions that much better. If you are thinking about coming up here for college I absolutely recommend it. Some advice from one fellow Californian to another: A down coat will save your life, get a bottle of vitamin D pills to take because you will rarely see the sun, don't bring an umbrella (true PNWers don't use them) and take advantage of the beautiful nature that surrounds you!