In my sophomore year at the University of South Carolina I still get asked all the time why I chose to come to school in the south. I am originally from Maryland and have lived there my entire life so many of my friends wonder why I didn't choose University of Maryland or a school closer to home, like in Washington, D.C. for example. When I began my college search I knew that I wanted to go out of state, preferably down south. There wasn’t a specific reason, I just loved the idea of living down there and it was what I always wanted.

Over the last two years after multiple questions, I’ve come up with a short list that explains what so many students who are not from the south want to come down to school here.

1. SEC Football

This one should be obvious. One of the best aspects of school in the south is SEC football. Every football game is a big deal and a whole day ordeal. People who live around Columbia come to the games and are dedicated Gamecock fans. They spend all day tailgating and Columbia shuts down for a day and centers on Gamecock football a few days each fall.

Another great thing about SEC Football is dressing up for games. This idea was strange to me when I first came to school here, but I have come to love it. I grew up going to University of Maryland football games, and in the ACC a t-shirt and shorts is typical game day attire. Dressing up for games is just another great aspect of SEC football.

2. Weather

Down south, it's warmer- and that just makes college so much better. In the south, it is possible to spend days at the pool after class in fall and spring. Being able to lay out and tan when other parts of the United States have snow is just another great aspect of school in the south. Having to trek around in feet of snow sounds terrible and anyone sane would rather be somewhere where it is warm.   

3. Southern Etiquette and Manners

The manners and etiquette of boys down south is so different from those up north. Mothers teach their sons the importance of respecting women. Boys in the south will always hold doors open, and give up their seat for other girls. This was surprising to me when I first came down to school here, but it is just another great aspect of southern hospitality.

4. Greek life

Sororities and fraternities are a big deal down south. While Greek life is popular across colleges in the United States, chapters in the south are typically much larger than those in other places. Many schools down south have many different choices for fraternities and sororities, and are very involved on campus.  Going Greek is a great way for students who are out of state to meet new friends at school.

5. Food

In the south, everything is fried. Any food you ever could want, you can find it fried in the south. Along with this, there is an abundance of barbecues and soul food. This type of food is comforting, and in my opinion, always delicious. Sweet tea is also a tasty staple item of the south as well are biscuits, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and barbecue.

All of the above reasons made me want to go to school at The University of South Carolina and make me so proud to be a gamecock.