So after living in sunny South Florida for 21 years, I decided to make a huge change and move to Boston. Though I didn’t think much of the emanating culture shock, I think it goes without saying that Miami culture is not exactly the same as that of New England. Here are some very real struggles I’ve had to face living in Boston as a non-New Englander.
What is winter?
Seriously, though! Before moving here, I never had any experience living in a place where the weather dipped below 60 degrees. Ever. Once the initial excitement over my transfer acceptance had worn off, I was hit with the paralyzing fear that I would have to figure out how to actually survive living in the cold… doing okay so far, but you might want to check in with me again in a month.
Preppy clothing
I actually own close to none of the things that comprise the “BC Uniform.” I think walking around this campus, it’s definitely obvious that I grew up outside of New England. My first couple weeks here, I was so in awe at how much everyone resembled Ralph Lauren and J. Crew models. Props for the fashion, BC!
Different childhood pastimes
While most people can recall memories of going apple picking, carving pumpkins, and maybe even cutting down their own Christmas trees, I spent most of my time as a beach bum. As in, I just lived at the beach. Is that not normal?
People asking me what life is like outside of New England
Come on, guys. I know it’s hard to imagine, but Florida is not on a different planet. Actually though, scratch that. Things are totally different. But I invite anyone who’s interested to come down with me over break and see our tropical paradise for yourself! PS: We have Disney World, too.
Despite the hilarious everyday struggle of trying to figure out what clothes to wear (50 degrees, WHY ARE PEOPLE WEARING SHORTS?!), dropping vernacular that no one seems to understand, and potentially being the most obvious she’s-from-Miami person at BC, I have loved the adventure of moving to a new place. Boston has become my second home, and I would not trade any of the experiences I have had here. So here’s to mixing our two very different, but equally amazing cultures!
Sources:
http://www.bc.edu/content/dam/…