1. We have our own strand of STD's 

Before I came here I was unaware of how prevalent STD's are on our campus. I knew it was college but didn't expect this. Apparently, the College of Charleson has its own strand of chlamydia and crabs that have been going around the campus for awhile... keep that in mind when you're hitting Chad up for a late night rendezvous.

2. When it rains, it floods (and more)

Charleston actually gets a good amount of rainfall and I didn't realize the importance of tall rain boots until I was ankle deep in water on the sidewalk. Also, the city of Charleston does not have a systematic sewage system so beware of what you are stepping in when it floods because it's not just water...

3. Hurrications

Oh, the sweet news of an upcoming hurricane. I knew Charleston would potentially get hit by a hurricane during hurricane season but I underestimated the frequency of them. The college is very good about giving notice ahead of time so evacuations can run smoothly.

Recently, classes were canceled for an upcoming storm which had shifted its path and we had a free day of blue sky.

4. There are dogs, everywhere

Many times I will be sitting in Addlestone Library and briefly gaze through the window and see a swarm of dogs and their owners on the lawn. I have to look away because the sight of dogs makes me miss mine even more. They instantly cheer me up and remind me of the importance of man's best friend.

5. You can keep your tan as long as you want 

Luckily in the South, the weather stays warm up until mid-October so you can keep your tan even in the fall by going to the beach or laying on the library's lawn. The tropical weather instantly improves my mood and is one of the benefits to living on the coast. Who doesn't want to be bronzed while your friends are wearing scarves up in the Northeast?

6. So many alternative meals 

There isn't just one dining hall you can go to on campus for your meals, there's three! Besides Liberty Street dining hall, there's Stern Center Food Court which has been my savior while City Bistro undergoes extensive renovation.

You can also go over to Market 159 and get a fresh caesar salad or turkey wrap as a meal swipe.

For someone who is tired of the same old dining hall food, these options definitely make a difference.

7. The beach really is around the corner 

Tired of studying and need a break? Go to the beach! Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms and Folly Beach are only 20-minute drives away. The salty air is good for your brain and will make you more appreciative of where you get to go to school. In times of stress, I tend to dwell on the negative and get caught up in my thoughts but the beach will always make me feel better.

8. Weekly events in Charleston 

Our college really is in the middle of the city, with King Street only a few steps away. Almost every weekend the city of Charleston holds little events, like a farmer's market every Saturday in Marion Square. You never have to be bored in Charleston.

9. CofC has an amazing study abroad program

Want to study Spanish in Spain? Or intern in Paris? Or hike in the Costa Rican jungle? College of Charleston has some of the best study abroad programs I've ever seen.

And being someone who just took a gap year in France, I can't wait to take advantage of the opportunities the college provides me with going abroad. I want to see more of the world and my college is helping me do it!

10. People are from all over 

Coming from in-state, I assumed there would be a lot of students from South Carolina and the surrounding South but fortunately, there is such a wide variety of people coming from the North, the West, the Midwest, and even internationally.

One of my new friends actually comes all the way from Sweden! The diverse culture of the College of Charleston gives you a taste of what the world is like and I love it.