<p>How hard is it to fit in at a college in the south, especially the ones with "southern culture"? Going to school in the south is very appealing to me, mainly because of the warm temperatures, but a lot of people emphasize the fact that it's "totally different" down there and they hint that I wouldn't really fit in. You could say that I am pretty preppy or whatever (i enjoy lilly, polo, lacoste, pop collars, anything with ribbon, etc) but i feel it's a lot more than that. I not from way up north (i live in dc) but it is very different from southern va or something. </p>
<p>I want to know is is really hard to fit in at a southern school if you aren't the typical southern belle(or have an apperance where you can easily fake it---ie:blonde hair, blue eyes ,etc)???</p>
<p>(schools in particular: uva, emory, w&l, auburn, ole miss, rice, duke, vandy etc...but any school/insight is definately welcome!)</p>
<p>VERY southern: W&L, Auburn, Old Miss</p>
<p>NOT that southern: Emory, UVA, Rice, Duke, Vandy, and UNC-CH</p>
<p>I think it will be easier for you to fit in at a Southern school than for a southerner to fit in at a northern school. We all are so nice down in these here parts!</p>
<p>I'm from Richmond which as I'm sure you know, is very close by. Many people I know are very preppy. I don't think you or I would have a hard time fitting in at a Southern school. People in the South tend to be very hospitable and accepting.</p>
<p>Vandy is pretty southern by most standards...</p>
<p>Southern people are very friendly, you'll fit right in.</p>
<p>
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Vandy is pretty southern by most standards
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</p>
<p>I’m from the Northeast and wouldn’t really classify Vanderbilt as “southern”. The school has tremendous geographic diversity and I have friends from every region of the country (and internationally). There is still a sense of tradition at the school – people are polite, hold open doors, and there is a strong dating scene (ie. guys take girls to football games) but when you are in Vandy bubble you could really be anywhere in the country.</p>
<p>yeah...i hear that there are a lot of new yorkers at vandy...so that's not what i'm really worried about...</p>
<p>I think you will be fine.</p>
<p>emory shouldn't even be considered a southern school. it resembles a less presigious version of cornell. atlanta itself is a little haven of the north in the deep south, and emory is the flagship of that. Its not that hard to find a way to fit in in the south, though, especially if you are a prep</p>
<p>I agree Emory is not southern AT ALL, probably the least of this group.</p>
<p>For the record, never mention "southern belle" down here. No one is really quite sure what one is. There is no such thing as a typical southern look, either. You get bottle blondes and rich, old money families all over the country, not just here. Here you just get the occasional accent.</p>
<p>When people say you won't fit in in the South, what do they mean? Are you not friendly or hospitable? Some Southerners are really hospitable.</p>
<p>It's just a state of mind. Don't let yourself think the South is so different.</p>
<p>you probably should be fine. most southern schools are very preppy. the "preppy attitude" usually comes along with it though.</p>
<p>
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You could say that I am pretty preppy or whatever (i enjoy lilly, polo, lacoste, pop collars, anything with ribbon, etc)
[/quote]
Trust me, you'd fit right in at Duke.</p>
<p>I've personally found the south to be polite bot not necessarily friendly or welcoming.</p>
<p>OP, </p>
<p>We are from DC and my D is at W&L. There are many, many students from Northern VA who attend Washington and Lee. She only looked at schools south of the M-D line primarily because of the weather and politics.</p>
<p>motherdear...your D sounds just like me...(but maybe smater cause she's at w&l!:)</p>
<p>i'm a student at Ole Miss. i was born and raised in the south and LOVE it but im transferring as i'm looking for a change in scenery. the south is so charming and going to school down here is amazing. youll develop a pride if you decide to come down here. everyone is extremely polite and friendly. howeverrrrr the south is not very welcoming. you will run into sweet girls who already have their established 'groups' and aren't concerned with where you're fitting in. it's definitely an adjustment. just remember-- VERY sweet, NOT welcoming.</p>
<p>People have said this about multiple schools, but Rice is not very southern at all. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and as such the city has much to offer in terms of diversity. Rice itself is no different. Texas itself is not necessarily very "southern" anyway. The state is huge, and while some of the eastern cities may have a deep south sort of feel, the same is not true for the rest of Texas.</p>
<p>I'm from Mississippi myself, so I can tell a few things from my experience. There are some preppy people here, but for the most part the lifestyle is very laid back. Most people attend class wearing sofie shorts and a t-shirt. As long as you're nice, people will reciprocate. I'm more of a USM (university of Southern mississippi) fan myself, but Ole Miss is okay. The Honors college is excellent. Most of the people who attend the normal college are of the preppy variety. They have the bleach blonde, makeup all the time look to them. But, they are really nice people.</p>