As a current sophomore at Belmont University, I have found that it is often hard to coagulate thoughts into words when trying to explain the local culture to friends and family back home. I tend to stutter and spurt out random words such as, “hipsters,” “celebrities,” and “EP release parties.” No one can truly understand what happens on campus at Belmont or off campus in our city of Nashville. It’s a unique experience that leaves one confused, breathless and overwhelmed in the best of ways. Without further or do, let me enlighten you at what really happens behind the scenes of the traditional pedestrian bridge Instagram pictures.

1. Three-fourths of the student population at Belmont major in some pretty non-traditional majors. Music business, commercial voice, songwriting, classical music performance, etc. are just some of the unique majors that people want to spend the rest of their life doing. I personally never knew that someone can go to college for singing. I was mind-blown my freshman year to be honest, but now it’s a normal occurrence. It’s actually weird when you meet someone who’s majoring in something not dealing with music. (Shout-out to my science major family, I love you all.)

2. Meeting celebrities is not weird... at all. Is it a cool experience? Sure! It’s just not the usual super-fan/passing out/fainting/crying/taking pictures situation that someone might find themselves in if they didn’t go to Belmont, or lived in Nashville. Definitely saw Miranda Lambert at my favorite coffee shop, and Thomas Rhett at a local Mexican restaurant across the street from campus. Florida Georgia Line landed their helicopter on our front lawn my freshman year. Students saw Reese Witherspoon walk on 12^th South last semester, and not to mention that we even have some famous students attending the university itself. They’re humans just like everyone else, and are treated as such.

3. Parties aren’t really parties. Belmont parties are classified as either EP release events for the numerous up and coming student artists, or jam sessions by the same music-oriented individuals. “Hey, wanna come over and hang out? We can write a new song.” And just like that you have your sorority sisters’ new songs that are on iTunes, or one line that they randomly wrote at 3:00 in the morning, stuck in your head.

4. The guys at Belmont have better hair, skinny jeans, attitudes, Starbucks coffee orders, etc. than the girls do. Yes, this is a real thing. I legitimately ask guys how they “girl” better than I do. Their hair is just so healthy and shiny, their butts are larger, their walk and posture is always on point, I love their sarcasm, and let’s just be honest – the grande 2% foam, soy milk, 3 pump sugar-free syrup, 2 pump hazelnut, extra expresso skinny vanilla latte at 120 degrees isn’t going to drink itself. Amazed with your jaw dropped yet? Yeah, me too – welcome to Belmont.

5. The best way to explain the daily life at Belmont University is Disney’s “High School Musical.” Flash mobs in the cafeteria happen regularly, the sports people major in theater and music, relationships usually start by singing with the person first, and people from different backgrounds and interests are the best of friends. Ever wish that you could be a Wildcat and attend East High School? Be a Bruin and come to Belmont University. It’s basically the same thing, but college.