College is a pivotal time for all. We are faced with rigorous course work unparalleled in high school, newfound independence, and separation from our beloved family and friends, to name a few on the irrational list. But for those like me, being placed in an entirely different culture adds a whole new dynamic to the mix. Being born and raised in Pennsylvania, I had barely set foot on southern soil before completely throwing myself into the heart of South Carolina. Although I could not be happier with my decision, I definitely had to adjust. So without further ado, I present to you some of my tips, tricks, and knowledge pertaining to my adjustment, so you can feel equipped to beat the culture shock in the categories of weather and fashion.
Weather
This goes without saying. Although it does get pretty hot up north, I am forewarning you that the southern humidity is unlike anything you have ever experienced. Lucky for us, many cosmetic companies design products specifically for tropical climates. I have three go-to products (aside from the obviously necessary SPF) that have been saving my booty since I got down here.
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Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner- Because my hair was so used to a dry climate, it had a mind of its own when I moved down here. It certainly did not cooperate well, and frizzed like crazy. This shampoo and conditioner duo made for much smoother locks, and successfully washed away the massive amount of sweat cultivated through a day of walking through campus.
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Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray- To prevent drops of makeup from dripping down your nose and chin, I highly recommend locking in your hard-work with a setting spray. This one from Urban Decay specifically targets oil, which is bound to happen while adjusting to a new, much hotter, climate.
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Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant- If you don’t already sweat a lot, get ready to start, unless you buy this anti-perspirant. Then you’re pretty much good to go. It is the strongest you can get without a prescription, and does a great job of reducing the appearance of sweat stains.
Fashion
Upon coming to college in the south, if you are interested in fashion, you will immediately notice that the girls dress differently down here. In my opinion, they dress super cute, but it can be alarming to someone who has never seen Jack Rodgers, Chacos, or Lily Pulitzer. To counteract this shock, I recommend using the internet to find pictures, or research southern fashion. Even if you decide you don’t want to participate in southern trends, which is totally okay, you will at least know what to expect. Ultimately, we all have our different styles and should dress how we feel the most comfortable, and it certainly helps to get a head start.