2 answers
Ella
Student
Bradenton, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How difficult was it to adjust to the new weather, culture, and environment when going to a college outside of your home state?
For reference, I am born and raised in Florida and am looking at colleges as North as Massachusetts.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ella !
I did the opposite of what you'll be doing for your relocation to college. I went from the Northeast to the West Coast so weather-wise, it was a huge improvement and very comfortable.
I had only known the North East up to that point and this was a large 3,000 mile move for me. The cultural aspects were very different. I left the Northeast in 1977 and at that time, there was a certain style, fashion, hair, etc. When I got to the West Coast, it seemed as though everyone looked like they were in 1971, LOL !
Even some of the lingo was different. "Sack" for bag, Tennis Shoes for Sneakers, and the woman's name Dawn was pronounced Don. People were amused at my referring to ground beef as "chopped meat". In college, you received "Units" instead of "Credits". It was a fun, interesting and delightful experience. I soon adjusted and liked the change, but it started getting perfect once I was in college and there were many people from the East Coast there, too. I liked the culture, never had Mexican food before, either - it wasn't a thing in 1977 East Coast states. I had never heard of Birkenstocks sandals or Gunny Sack dresses because no one wore them where I was from. Didn't need my parka, gloves and scarves there, either. I acquired a whole different wardrobe but kept my platform shoes which I loved but no one was wearing those at that time in the West in the - at that time - small and still developing city I moved to.
Make sure to buy some warm clothing for the Winter. There will still be humidity on rare Spring and many Summer days but not as harsh as the humidity in Florida. You'll have four most beautiful seasons and they all have their particular charm as you will discover.
Going to college in a totally different environment than one was raised in will add to your fond memories of your college experience. I picked up a lot of West Coast tendencies that stay with me till this day, but I stayed after college and lived there for ten years. Look at it as an adventure that will provide personal growth ! You'll do well !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I did the opposite of what you'll be doing for your relocation to college. I went from the Northeast to the West Coast so weather-wise, it was a huge improvement and very comfortable.
I had only known the North East up to that point and this was a large 3,000 mile move for me. The cultural aspects were very different. I left the Northeast in 1977 and at that time, there was a certain style, fashion, hair, etc. When I got to the West Coast, it seemed as though everyone looked like they were in 1971, LOL !
Even some of the lingo was different. "Sack" for bag, Tennis Shoes for Sneakers, and the woman's name Dawn was pronounced Don. People were amused at my referring to ground beef as "chopped meat". In college, you received "Units" instead of "Credits". It was a fun, interesting and delightful experience. I soon adjusted and liked the change, but it started getting perfect once I was in college and there were many people from the East Coast there, too. I liked the culture, never had Mexican food before, either - it wasn't a thing in 1977 East Coast states. I had never heard of Birkenstocks sandals or Gunny Sack dresses because no one wore them where I was from. Didn't need my parka, gloves and scarves there, either. I acquired a whole different wardrobe but kept my platform shoes which I loved but no one was wearing those at that time in the West in the - at that time - small and still developing city I moved to.
Make sure to buy some warm clothing for the Winter. There will still be humidity on rare Spring and many Summer days but not as harsh as the humidity in Florida. You'll have four most beautiful seasons and they all have their particular charm as you will discover.
Going to college in a totally different environment than one was raised in will add to your fond memories of your college experience. I picked up a lot of West Coast tendencies that stay with me till this day, but I stayed after college and lived there for ten years. Look at it as an adventure that will provide personal growth ! You'll do well !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ella,
People are different, and everybody experiences things differently. I LOVED moving out for university and out of my small town. I was so ready! And I have loved traveling and living in different parts of the world all my life. I love tasting different foods and experiencing different cultures. I wouldn't want to miss it. The draw-back is of course that your friends are scattered all over the world and eventually you lose contact with many of them.
I grew up in a cold climate. HATE the cold and the damp and grey! A few days of snow can be nice if you are on vacation, but I have always made sure to live in warm countries and states.
But that's what college is for: Get out of your comfort zone! Experience different parts of the world! Meet different people!
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
People are different, and everybody experiences things differently. I LOVED moving out for university and out of my small town. I was so ready! And I have loved traveling and living in different parts of the world all my life. I love tasting different foods and experiencing different cultures. I wouldn't want to miss it. The draw-back is of course that your friends are scattered all over the world and eventually you lose contact with many of them.
I grew up in a cold climate. HATE the cold and the damp and grey! A few days of snow can be nice if you are on vacation, but I have always made sure to live in warm countries and states.
But that's what college is for: Get out of your comfort zone! Experience different parts of the world! Meet different people!
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP