Living in California, seeing the sun and hearing the rustling of palm trees in the wind is normal on an everyday basis. Residents become acclimated to this Meddittearn type Climate and folks from around the world travel to sunny spots like Los Angeles and San Diego to explore the beautiful environment. If you grow up in a place where “cold” means 60 degrees and windy, transitioning to somewhere where there is a chance of snow for a quarter of the year might seem daunting. So how do you transition from life on the West Coast to the East Coast for college?
The biggest adjustment, without a doubt, is the weather. In California, winter means a slight temperature dip, some rain, and the occasional need for a sweater. On the East Coast, winter means layers, gloves, boots, and preparing to walk to class while your face goes numb from the cold. “As soon as you step outside it is like a punch to the face”, senior Tanner Eilers says. Tanner is one of the brave who is considering a few schools on the other side of the country for college and is willing to put up with the pain that may cause. “You get used to it quickly and what once felt cold starts to feel like a norm” (Tanner Eilers 12). This process of the body getting used to a new environment is classified as acclimatization. Acclimatization is changing to suit different conditions of life, weather, etc. (dictionary.cambridge.org). Senior Mia Dorsman says that she “remember(s) what acclimatization is because of AP Psych but that the whole process happens without you knowing it” (Mia Dorsman 12). In summary, although moving to a colder state might be a shock at first, it will be well worth it when you acclimatize and see beautiful snowfall for the first time at your college.
Beyond the weather, there’s a real difference in how people live and interact. California has a laid-back, easygoing vibe. Everyone seems to take their time, small talk is minimal, and everything is pretty casual. There’s also a different kind of friendliness. In California, “people are nice but in a weird distant way” (Mia Dorsman 12). On the East Coast, people might seem more direct or even blunt, but once you break through that initial wall, they’re some of the most loyal and passionate people you’ll ever meet.
Another huge difference would have to be the types of food you will be eating. California is known for having some of the best food in the United States. In most cities, you can find authentic Mexican food, fresh seafood, and classic burger joints like In and Out and Habit. On the East Coast, most of this is not accessible. Fast Food options are completely different and most food seems to lack cultural diversity. However, the price of that food might draw you in! In general, the cost of living in a state on the other side of the country is much cheaper than here in the sunny state of California. California has a 38% higher cost of living than the national average. Housing is 97% higher than the national average, while utilities are 24% higher (rentcafe.com). Although out-of-state tuition might be expensive, everything after college might be much cheaper!
Another weird adjustment is how cities and towns are structured. In California, you drive everywhere. Public transportation is a joke, and everything is spread out. On the East Coast, people use trains and buses. Walking places is normal. Small college towns have a charm that just doesn’t exist in the sprawling suburbs of SoCal. For example, State College in Pennsylvania is home to the one and only Penn State University. The buildings are lined with bricks and the entire town feels like it came straight out of a movie. If you want that Colonial Charm on your campus, the East Coast will be your friend.
Despite the challenges, the transition from Southern California to the East Coast is exciting. Yes, the weather is brutal, and yes your way of life might be completely different. But you also get to experience real seasons, meet new people, and view your early adult years from a new perspective in a new place. It’s not an easy adjustment, but it forces you to grow. You learn how to adapt, how to layer your clothes properly, and how to appreciate the little things, like a warm coffee on a freezing day or the first real day of spring after months of cold. So if you’re making this move, brace yourself. It’s going to be a ride. But it just might be one of the best things you ever do!
