Culture Shock: 10 Things A Northerner Experiences When Going To College In The Carolinas | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Culture Shock: 10 Things A Northerner Experiences When Going To College In The Carolinas

The differences will shock you.

38
Culture Shock: 10 Things A Northerner Experiences When Going To College In The Carolinas
Buzzfeed



Everyone calls you Sir/Ma’am.

In general, everyone will be extremely polite. It’s just how children are raised in the south. Everyone will refer to you as sir and ma’am but don’t worry, they won’t get angry if you don’t do the same, just be polite in return.

It will be much warmer for much longer.

Up north, it might be 90 degrees and humid a few weeks over the summer. Down south, it seems like it's every day until October rolls around. (Then it’s just every other day)

You will experience new foods you never even thought of.

Country Fried steak, amazing fried chicken, and if you think you knew what a good biscuit was, you’re wrong. Even restaurant chains get better. Bojangles, Chick-fil-a, Zaxby’s, just to name a few. Oh, don't forget the ribs.

More specifically, breakfast will never be the same.

I say this is a good way and a bad way. The good: biscuits and gravy will become an instant favorite. That and some hash browns (real hash browns, not the fake ones from McD’s) The downside, though, your idea of maple syrup doesn’t travel south with you. (You have to hit up a Cracker Barrel for the good stuff)

Just wait for a “Snow Day.”

Where I come from, we could get a foot of snow overnight and maybe have the next day off, but probably just a two-hour delay. Down south, your classes will be cancelled for a half inch of snow, and god forbid there’s still snow on the ground the following morning, classes will be cancelled again.

Clothing Brands that you previously never heard of will take over your closet.

Sure, you’ve heard of Ralph Lauren and Vineyard Vines, but have you ever heard of Collard Greens, Southern Marsh, or Southern Tide? Talk about some quality clothing. You may only start with a t-shirt, but soon you’ll get more and before long, they will make up the majority of your wardrobe.

People will joke that you pretty much live in Canada.

Trust me, it gets old to hear, but you will hear it all the time. People ask where you're from and when you respond with anything like New York, Vermont, or Maine, you will undoubtedly get the response, "Oh, so Canada".

You have to get used to not understanding people.


We’ve all heard a good southern drawl so it’s not that big of a deal. The issue is, there are different levels of drawl. The ones in the movies and pretty mild compared to some that you’ll come across. And you’ll know too, because you won’t be able to understand a thing that’s said.

If you’re in Greek Life, Carolina's Cup is a national holiday.

You don’t even watch the races. As a matter of fact, you are barely aware races are occurring. It’s a reason for all the Sorority girls to pull out their best Lily dresses and sun hats and for the Frat Stars to put on all the pastel colors and bow ties.

You WILL start saying Y’all.

Your parents, your friends, everyone will tell you that you’ll start saying it so go ahead and deny it all you want. The thing is, they’re right.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23665
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9878
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7160
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments