Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Any advice for an 18 year old from Dallas coming to college in New Jersey? Her future university is located in the greater NYC metro area. She is not really southern per say - she has a neutral accent, is very liberal and not at all religious, and is not very fond of Texas culture. She LOVED her college town and the locals she met. The only way you'd know she was born down here is her attention to fashion and a "genteel" way about her. I expect her to have to adapt to the weather and to the more straightforward way people interact. Thoughts?
She should be fine. Just have her ready to deal with the winter weather. Most colleges have a wide variety of people with varying backgrounds, which is part of what makes college a valuable experience.
Interestingly, some people in New York have an attention to fashion, there's a whole industry up here centered around it. And, surprisingly, there are genteel people up here the same way down there you probably have your own share of jerks.
People pretty much act the same way everywhere, college just typically brings them together to prove it a little faster. The winter weather is also pretty much overly feared in a way that it's not as bad as people say the same way everyone up here freaks out about the heat down there when it's not that bad in the end and something you just live with.
The differences aren't going to be that great is what I'm really saying, she shouldn't worry, she'll be great.
for the first month she will be in culture shock. things will move WAY faster up here. then she'll get used to it. once she returns back home for break... she may see texas in a different way than when she grew up. "why is it so slow and hickish down here?" lol
for the first month she will be in culture shock. things will move WAY faster up here. then she'll get used to it. once she returns back home for break... she may see texas in a different way than when she grew up. "why is it so slow and hickish down here?" lol
You have really given the OP something to think about.
First, congratulations to you and your daughter! I'm sure she'll fit right in up here after the initial adjustment. I suppose I only have two main pieces of advice:
1. If she will be driving, make sure she keeps up with traffic and pays good attention to the road. Pretty much every area in this area is crowded with cars at almost every hour of the day or night. Everyone goes at least 5 miles or more over the speed limit and people can be very aggressive, cutting you off, merging close ahead of you, etc. But she'll get used to the deal soon enough.
2. The biggest thing I hear from people coming to NJ from out of state is how "unfriendly" NJ people are, which isn't really true. What is true is that most people are very busy and they mind their own business, typically. We're not the "smile and say hello as we walk by" kind of friendly, if that makes sense. But if you actually reach out and talk to someone, say in line, on the street, etc. you'll find most people are friendly. Just have to take that extra step, usually.
... she may see texas in a different way than when she grew up. "why is it so slow and hickish down here?" lol
When was the last time you were in TX and what part did you live in?
Having lived there for many years I know it to be a very large, diverse state.
Last edited by doc1; 12-20-2014 at 10:56 PM..
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
