A born-and-bred New Jerseyian's perspective on living in Connecticut

Worst

1. IT. IS. SO. COLD.

As someone who lives in the northeastern part of America, I thought I knew cold. But boy, I had no idea. I'd never seen a frozen mud puddle until I came to CT. If you step on grass from November to March, it crunches. There are just patches of solid ice on the ground sporadically. What??

2. Everything about the Merritt Parkway

Thirty seven miles of hell. No shoulder, no streetlights, no civilization for miles! Plus, it's so curvy that you can't speed constantly have to re-adjust your cruise control.

3. There just aren't enough malls

In New Jersey, I could go to Short Hills Mall, Garden State Plaza, Rockaway Mall, and The Shops at Riverside all in one day and still make it home in time for Jeopardy. That's not even counting all the shopping less than an hour away from me in NYC. In Connecticut, there just aren't as many options. Maybe I'm spoiled from living so close to the city, but I miss having like 8 malls in a 20 mile radius of my house.

4. Driving in general

When I learned to drive, my mom told me, 'you have to go at least the speed limit on the highway.' That's just how it is in Jersey; everyone has somewhere to be, right now, so why are you going 60 in the left lane? In Connecticut, drivers are more chill, which is great; however, as someone who has the patience of a New Jerseyian...

Best

1. Heaven, AKA All Pets Club

You can go in and just... pet puppies... for no reason! The employees there know you're not going to adopt the puppies, but they let you play with them anyway. In New Jersey, the closest thing to an All Pets Club is a Petco or Petsmart, and they are not nearly as relaxed about you playing with the animals.

2. Pumping your own gas!

Oh, New Jersey; one of two states where, for some reason, you can't pump your own gas. pumping your own gas is so much better because A) It doesn't take as long as waiting for someone to do it B) You don't have to talk to anyone and C) You get to text your mom back. in NJ and say 'I pumped gas without spilling any!'

*Actual footage of me pumping gas the first time*

3. And of course: Quinnipiac University

Goooo Bobcats! Quinnipiac is Conneticut's gem, in my completely, 100% unbiased opinion. Three stunning campuses, the Sleeping Giant as the backdrop of one, plus amazing academic programs and unrivaled greek life (once again, totally unbiased). The hockey games are legendary, and the shuttle service is... well, it's there. Not to mention, there's a Starbucks in the student center. 'Nuf said.