<p>Born and raised in southern california and anxious to attend college on the east coast but...any real life feedback on the actual adjustment to the significant cultural and weather differences? Coming from Manhattan Beach to either Brown, Boston College or William and Mary or Vassar. Also, any comments on the academic and social quality of life at any or all of these schools?</p>
<p>Manhattan Beach is the greatest city in CA.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say there's a significant cultural change...and this is how I moved in my life:</p>
<p>Born in Korea, moved to New Jersey, after 3 years moved to california, after 5 years moved back to New Jersey. </p>
<p>Except for the weather...I wouldn't say I suffered from culture shock...</p>
<p>Buy a warm coat.</p>
<p>the northeast is a lot more.. I don't know how to say it.. more uptight?
williamsburg is pretty much the opposite of LA
as is poughkeepsie.. completely different than a beach community.. but you'll find some other students there who are from completely different areas of the country as well</p>
<p>I've lived in both California and on the east coast. I'd say that the east coast (well, anywhere outside California) is actually less uptight in at least one way: looks. You'll find that people don't feel pressured to be completely beautiful the way they sometimes can in Cali. This can be good or bad depending on your point of view. As far as everything else--college students aren't really all that uptight no matter what side of the country they're on. People are definitely not as laid-back in the east as in California, but I don't think there's a huge difference. The cultures really aren't as different as they're made out to be.</p>
<p>You definitely lived in SoCal. People aren't uptight about looks in NorCal.</p>
<p>I personally think people are friendlier in California than in the East Coast. Although you may argue it depends on the individual, I do believe the nice California weather creates a happy, relaxing environment. I made good friends easily in California yet I struggled for a long time in Pennsylvania. </p>
<p>Overall, cities in the east tend to be a bit more conservative politically and socially than cities in California. It takes a while for new innovations (which usually start from California) to gain validity in minds of people and spread across the country. </p>
<p>Start adapting to the fast pace lifestyle!</p>
<p>The main thing to avoid is the superior attitude about California many seem to carry. The east coast mexican food may not be as good but you'll find some new foods that are not common in California. Then you will be just fine.</p>
<p>If you go to William and Mary, the thing you will notice is the humidity. Southern California is a desert. It just doesn't look like a desert. Virginia is entirely different. </p>
<p>My sister, who lives in Los Angeles, came to visit me in Maryland (not very different from Virginia) in March. She thought it was appallingly humid even then. She had better not come back in August!</p>
<p>Winters are relatively mild in Virginia, but you will still need a winter coat. There are enough cold days to justify it.</p>
<p>
I know. I believe the OP lives near Manhattan Beach.</p>
<p>WHat? "It takes a while for new innovations (which usually start from California) to gain validity in minds of people and spread across the country." Please elucidate... NYC runs things!</p>
<p>Ah, MB...the now-official tourist town...</p>
<p>Escape before you begin the slow transformation into a tourist yourself :)</p>
<p>Nyc may run the financial world to some extent although much VC money is controlled in California. But for social changes and setting tastes, Cal is the leader. Nyers are too busy trying to be cool Euros.</p>
<p>90-90. 90 degrees; 90% humidity.</p>
<p>woahhh kids. i normally wouldve just read this post b/c i thought it was interesting and not commented on anything...but there is NO way that i can't say something about htis ny vs. cal debate going on now. NYC OWNS ALL! Everyone has the impression that its always dreary and ****ty in NY and always sunny out in Cali but anyone who has lived in NY knows thats just not the case. NY is far ahead of Cali socially, culturally, adn financially. so HA!</p>
<p>The humidity in Texas and the rest of the Midwest is still worse than the East Coast any summer. I live in Chicago, and summers there are pretty pretty hot and humid.</p>
<p>I suggest reading the following info on NYC: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NYC%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NYC</a></p>
<p>Clearly the number one city in the US for EVERYHTING, except Hollywood (bid deal we are second and most of your stories are shot on Lots designed to be NYC anyway.....LMAO...pathetic :( You should try this with some other spot on the East Coast....lol idiot</p>
<p>Is this where you are from: Seattle, Lynchburg, VA</p>
<p>Stop commenting on NYC....lol....</p>
<p>Go To Brown!</p>