You'll hear it often: 'So, where ya from?'

Giveaways: You can run crying home to mommy when your roommate's pet Tarantula escapes for the 18th time.

Myth: You're close to home so the move will be easy and the transition natural.

Reality: There are some disadvantages to living so close to New Haven. Expect to be the person in your suite responsible for lugging the TV between school and home all four years—not to mention the stereo, couch, chairs, VCR, microwave, and any other appliances you and your roomies acquire. Nevertheless, the overall move likely will be less painful for you than for any of your newfound friends, so complaining in their presence probably will not endear you to them. But while you may be geographically close to New Haven, if you're not from a city, your new surroundings may be just as foreign to you as to your roommate from Eastern Europe. Once you do acclimate, though, your close proximity to home will be a true blessing, particularly when you need to head home for a weekend or holiday. And besides, practically everyone at Yale is from the Northeast, so you're bound to recognize a few friends from home.

Myth: There's nothing 'round here 'cept them darn smoke stacks.

Reality: Okay, so the Midwesterner jokes will get old. Quickly. But the truth is that you'll have just as much to mock the Northeast about, and you'll be equally incorrect. Yes, the New Haven surroundings may seem far removed from the great outdoors that you loved so much at home, and the highways do tend to be more crowded, but not all of the Northeast is an industrial park. A five-minute walk from central campus will reveal some of the small-town beauty that the Midwest is famous for. And the crowded, northeastern cities aren't all bad. In fact, one of the great things about the East Coast is its concentration of people. The Northeast boasts some of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and with this diversity comes the exploration of people of different cultures and backgrounds. So look forward to the change.

Giveaways: You're 3,000 miles away from home. Long distance is expensive.

Myth: It's always cold and wet. The long-distance move isn't worth the hassle.

Reality: During the winter the weather is cold and wet, but unlike Cali and the rest of the Pacific states, the Northeast has seasons. Expect a beautiful fall with leaves changing color and moderate weather. And come spring, the sun will come out (although you'll never see it from your cubicle in CCL). Pack for the season in the middle, though, because winter will occupy most of your time in New Haven. Scarfs for strong wind and boots for snow are a must. And a winter coat, preferrably a water-proof one, will be well worth the investment. As for the move, with the help of UPS and the Postal Service, packing can be just as easy as if Mom and Dad had brought the car. Just plan ahead so that your belongings arrive at the same time that you do.

Myth: In the midst of frigid weather you'll have to refight the War of Northern Aggression. Damn Yankees.

Reality: Everyone on campus will notice your accent and they probably will gently point it out to you in the form of a pathetic imitation from time to time. And the weather will be quite a bit colder than anything you may have come across in Sweet Home, Alabama. The latter can be easily overcome. You'll need a scarf, gloves, a winter coat, and all of the other accessories necessary to combat the chill. But in exchange, you'll discover the beautiful changing leaves and the milder climate of fall, and you'll embrace spring and the re-emergence of summer with a fervor you've never experienced before. As for the accent, well, as one Alabama native advised, "just enjoy the attention and silently laugh at the Yankees—but do it politely behind your dinner napkin, as all of us Southern belles and beaux know how to do."

Giveaways: In addition to the physical separation, linguistic and cultural differences abound.

Myth: Americans are loud and vulgar and unaccepting of foreigners.

Reality: "Yale is an island wide enough and diverse enough to be a continent of its own," one foreign student said. With so many students from so many parts of the world, you should have little difficulty finding not only a group with the same background, but also plenty of people excited to learn more about your country and culture. In particular, American students tend to be fascinated by bilingualism. And while your accent may be the source of numerous comments, as one foreign student said, "a person poking fun at your accent is usually a hint that that person likes you, so don't be too offended."

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