I was born and raised in Texas and lived there my whole life, so once I had the chance to experience sweet, sweet freedom after graduation I took it and ran…all the way to Fayetteville, Arkansas. With home only five hours away, I expected my big college move to be a rather easy adjustment. Boy was I wrong. While I began to miss and appreciate certain things about home, my horizons did expand (I like to think I am now more culturally diverse).

1. Say goodbye to queso:

Hey Texans, you know that yellow cheesy goodness you’re so used to? Well, once you cross state lines into Arkansas there is no such thing as queso. DRUM ROLL PLEASE…may I introduce you to CHEESE DIP? Cheese Dip is white Velveeta melted in a bowl and that is about it. But don’t worry, all cheese is good cheese so you will most likely eat it anyway.

2. Calf muscles:

You know that tight feeling in your legs the first two weeks of every school year? That is called soreness. Yep, the flat plains of Texas did not prepare you for the physical challenge it takes to get to class. While you may be huffing and puffing up Dickson Street, just think about how awesome your legs are going to look!

3. Lack of a winter coat:

My freshman year of college was the first time I had ever purchased a winter coat. Arkansas thrives during all four seasons, which is pretty cool, since snow is not too common at home. With snow comes snow days, and the U of A loves snow days! Don’t fight it, love the snow, because the snow is giving you a day off.

4. Everyone is from “Dallas”:

Texas is huge, and when someone asks you where you are from,it is hard to explain every nook and cranny of that great state so the typical response is “Dallas.” Regardless of your proximity to Dallas, a person could live five minutes from Dallas, or an hour and a half away; it really is a tossup. But hey! You can always spot a fellow Texan because they usually ask you which part of the state you are from.

5. You are now one with nature:

Hiking! It is a huge deal and everyone and their dog will blow up your Instagram with pictures of themselves conquering Devil’s Den (which is really a cool place, if you have not been). As soon are you hit the 479 area code, feel free to be totally granola. Pull out your hammock, boots, and flannels because the state is now your playground and it is too pretty not to explore.

So Texans, before heading out to Fayetteville for the time of your life, (really, college is awesome) pack the essentials and prepare for a culture shock. Be open to new adventures, new foods and the best people. Fayetteville is not Texas, but it sure is home away from home.