We all know, or think we know, everything when preparing for college. For the freshmen, they definitely have no idea what they're getting into. But for us upperclassmen, we definitely know what to expect going to school in Pennsylvania, also known as the 45-degree mornings that turn 80-degree afternoons. Or my favorite, the leaves being green one day and then being dead on the ground the next day. Going to school in Pennsylvania is actually the best; here are a few unique things that all students know to be true in PA:
1. Crazy weather
If you go to school in PA, you know that you could dress for the weather in the morning and be totally unprepared for what's coming in the afternoon. Our temperatures are so unpredictable that you could be freezing in a vest walking to your 9:15 class and be sweating in a t-shirt by the time your 2:00 class rolls around. You also know that you're never completely prepared unless you carry your umbrella in your backpack at all times. Showers can pop up at any time of the day even if there's no chance of them on the radar. No matter the daily weather predictions, you literally never know what the skies have in store for the day.
2. "I'm from right outside of Philly"
90% of the time, they're not. The kids that say this are usually from the middle or north of the state (definitely not right outside of Philly). If you're not from Philly, don't say you're from Philly. 9 times out of 10 people will be able to tell that you're from a small town in the middle of the state.
3. The Ohio/Pittsburgh/Philly sports rivalries
Whether it's the age-old Steelers/Browns rivalry or Penguins/Flyers rivalry, there's no doubt you'll meet people on both sides. Here, we have more Steelers and Pens fans than anything, but you'll occasionally come across a fan of your team's rival. Usually, they remain civil; but in the case of the Flyers and Pens, good luck.
4. Wildlife is literally everywhere
I swear here in Washington, Pennsylvania we have the most exotic range of wildlife I've ever experienced. From crazy squirrels taking over campus, to multiple chipmunks crossing your path while walking to class, you can't go 5 minutes without seeing a different creature in your presence. (I swear the squirrels dropping nuts on your head gets less weird as you get older.)
