<p>I've heard a bunch of people saying that the southern culture can sometimes be a shock for people coming from the north. I'm from new jersey and just wondering what the major differences are from coming from the north. Is there someone from the north who has already made this transition and can shed light on what things in specific that are different? Is it difficult for northerners to get used to? Any info about this would be great</p>
<p>There are so many people from NJ at South Carolina that they often jokingly refer to it as the Univ of NJ-Southern campus…don’t worry at all…you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>The only “cultural shock” you’ll experience at Carolina and in Columbia is seeing how nice people are, as compared to places up North. I graduated from Carolina, and my daughter is there now. We live in Pennsylvania now, nut used to live in NJ ( Ho-Ho-Kus) so, trust me, we know.</p>
<p>I think the big differences may depend on whether you are in a metro area or more rural. Without making sweeping generalizations about the north, it’s hard to address specifics. I see you are from New Jersey…which is not just one place - there’s Jersey shore, there’s just outside NYC and there’s charming rural areas. There’s also more than one south. But IN GENERAL, people are friendly and polite. Please, thank you, yes sir, yes ma’am still go a long way here. It is the bible belt, which means nothing but church happens on Sunday morning (prob not an issue for college), but my children have friends of all faiths, every denomination plus jewish and muslim in their schools. If you’re from metro area you’ll be disappointed in public transit - there is none unless you go to Atlanta. The temp is warm - yesterday was 81 and students will be in shorts usually until the end of Oct. Plus side, if you are a golfer you can be out on a course year round. </p>
<p>If you talking about lifestyle stuff, there are many “preppy” dressers here, but since NYC has ralph lauren and lily pulitzer I’m not sure that’s unique and there are plenty of people who don’t go that way (my youngest). Music scene can be great. Hootie and blowfish from here. Avett brothers from NC and tons of good music out of Athens GA. There are maybe better cities than Columbia but you never know what may happen while you’re here. The state tends to go republican but at the student level very democrat is kid’s HS is anything to go by. You’ll find something for everyone here.</p>
<p>I’d be glad to answer specific concerns if you say which things you are interested in.</p>
<p>I laugh when I remember my friend getting a phone call from her freshman daughter at U of South Carolina. Her daughter needed a “linen dress” as soon as possible. She hadn’t thought to bring one to college!</p>
<p>Thank you for all the responses. I live in northern new jersey in a town that is very rural. What kind of “preppy” dressing is it exactly?</p>
<p>I think it covers a wide range these days. Need to ask someone younger, but in general it can be a head to toe look with polo or collared shirt, nice jeans or khakis (mostly guys) and flats. but can be as simple as t-shirt (like from sorority or organization) and jeans or skirt with cute shoes. Really just put together. Of course you can’t go wrong with pearl earrings and a sundress for the games (personally never wore this to game, but is a popular look). Honestly what you’ll see most is nike sport shorts, t-shirts and rainbow sandals until it gets cold and then you’ll see jeans, hoodies and rainbow sandals!</p>
<p>From jersey you are going to be in a major culture shock if you are planning to join greek life. But dont think you wont find people like you</p>
<p>if you are planning on joining the greek life what is it like because you say it will be a major culture shock?</p>
<p>The way people act and dress is completely different that what the typical person from the north would wear or do. The typical dress would be khaaki shorts, sperrys, polo shirt or something of that nature. Cargo shorts are hated by greek life guys (most are stuck up on dress). If you have anymore questions il answer them in a little</p>
<p>That’s interesting i am from Philadelphia as you can probably tell… i am considering USC and plan on joining a frat at school… In what way do people act differently? And thank you so much for answering these questions i have been trying to figure out in which ways it would be different than up north.</p>
<p>I mean it really depends of course. You have youre traditional southern fraternities, mixes, and northern ones. As for the southern and mixes and even some of the northern ones they dress and act differently. As bad as it sounds going through rush people judge you based on the way you dress. Greek life in the SEC is like no other. If you really want to see what fraternity life in the SEC is like read the website il send you</p>
<p>Many of it is overstated and not as extreme (especially the way it talks about women, sorry parents) but Id be happy to answer any questions on it</p>
<p>I really appreciate it</p>
<p>Hey, JRWriter, you might not know as much about this, but is there a huge difference with the sororities as opposed to the North too? I’m from the Philly area too and I’m a little nervous about the whole “preppy” thing. I am definitely not preppy, haha.</p>
<p>I would say not as much. I know girls from all around the north in every sorority. Although there are the traditionally southern sororities (KD, tri delt, ADPi) but theres still people from the north. They dont really judge you based on where you are from like guys do they judge on other things.</p>
<p>The not preppy thing may be a little problem, im not sure what type you are but a lot of the girls are preppy. However there are girls in all sororities who arent preppy at all. I might also add that dont feel pressured to need to rush a sorority. If sorority girls arent your type dont feel pressured cause after all they will be girls who you will be spending time with so im sure you want to like them and relate to them.</p>
<p>Thanks so much. That’s a relief, but I’m not sure if I want to rush yet. We’ll see how I feel when it gets closer to August, haha.</p>
<p>Yea girls rush is a lot different then guys so I cant really give you any advice. I do know they have like themed days (sun dress, and a few others) and its a lot more formal of a process.</p>
<p>hmmm, I’m interested in Greek life and from the north, but I don’t think the Sperrys and khaki shorts would be a problem, I wear those now. </p>
<p>JRW, I’d be interested in that link you sent phillyboy about greek life. </p>
<p>Thank you</p>