A survival guide for Californians studying on the East Coast

I’m a born-and-bred California girl. I’ve seen snow (actual snow, not just the stuff on TV) only once, and that was when I was three years old. So in the two months that I’ve been on the East Coast, in my adopted hometown of Ithaca, I’ve definitely experienced something of a culture shock. This article is for those of you who are in the same situation, or even high school seniors who are from the West Coast but considering going to school in the Northeast – here are some tips and tricks that might help a bit and some flat-out strange realizations.

The droughts

Now, I know that this might be specific to my state, but in California, when people say there’s a drought, there’s a drought. Municipal governments and individual households alike are drastically cutting back on water usage, whether that be keeping fountains dry or by allowing vast expanses of grass to go unwatered and eventually dry up. Here at Cornell, though, my RA told us during O-week that Ithaca was experiencing the worst drought in its history, yet when I looked outside my window, I still saw green grass and water in the streams near my classes. Perhaps I shouldn’t be judging Ithaca’s drought by California’s standards, but it just seemed off to me.

How drought looks in California

The drought in Ithaca

The language

I don’t know about you guys, but in southern California, there was a really popular drink called boba, some sort of tea drink with chewy tapioca pearls in it. Now first, just to clear things up, there is boba on the East Coast – it’s just not called boba. Instead, people in these parts call it “bubble tea.”

Boba (or bubble tea, whatever floats your boat)

People here also don’t say “dude” as often – more like ever. Maybe it’s just a California thing, but I say it a decent amount, and sometimes I get strange looks for it.

The people

It’s strange. I feel like people naturally give off a vibe that tells you where they’re from. But probably more importantly than that, you naturally feel a bond with anyone who’s from your state. They know what you’re going through, because they’re experiencing the same differences in the weather or the food. Speaking of food…

The food

Let me give you three words: no Hot Cheetos. This might be an Ithaca thing, but there are some things from the West Coast that you just miss. Like In-n-Out and the animal fries. Like Rubio’s (Or even solid Mexican food in general) – it’s really hard to find around here. Like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (which might have filed for bankruptcy but is so good). Like Sprinkles Cupcakes that are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth craving.

You guys have no idea how much I want a double-double right now

That being said, the East Coast does have its perks. There’s Shake Shack (although, to be fair, it did open its first West Coast location just this year). There’s Georgetown Cupcakes and Dunkin’ Donuts, which is incredibly hard to find on the West Coast.

The clothes

Now this might come off as a superficial statement, but people just look different. Sperrys are much more common here (can’t say that it’s my style, though). Salmon-colored shorts are something that I haven’t seen before on the West Coast, but are fairly common here in the warmer months. It also actually gets cold here, so North Face Jackets and down jackets are pretty popular. Timberland boots and duck boots are also solid choices for the rain and snow season (although, not going to lie, duck boots look pretty strange to me).

I know some people think duck boots are cute, and I’m fine with that – not my style though

The weather

This is probably the greatest change, for me, and for other West Coast natives. I woke up this morning, and it was 43 degrees, and that’s about as cold as it ever gets in the dead of winter in my hometown. It’s bizarre when 70 degrees is now short weather and 50 degrees has been downgraded to “breezy.” I’m not sure how I (or my other West Coast natives) are going to fare once winter actually hits, but don’t worry guys. You will get used to the cold (at least to some degree). A few words of advice, though: get warm boots (Uggs definitely don’t do well in rain or snow). Invest in some quality jackets and coats (North Face and Columbia jackets are great, and I’ve been recommended to get a coat from Canada Goose for when it snows). Get beanies or earmuffs (or both) because you don’t want your ears to freeze. And make sure to get gloves, because getting frostbite can’t be fun.

On the upside, though, don’t forget that being on the East Coast also means experiencing a real fall! I’ve loved seeing the leaves turning brilliant shades of red and orange. And even if the rest of winter is miserable, the first snow is always exciting.

It’s a great time to be alive!

So just keep in mind…

College is a time for change, and if you’re from the West Coast, there might be more change for you than for others. Be excited, but be prepared!