Two years ago, I moved to Troy, Alabama to start my graduate program at Troy University. I came from a big city, and Troy, a town of about 17,000 people, felt like a different planet at first. Looking back now, those two years shaped me in ways I didn't expect. Here's my honest, listicle-style breakdown of what life was really like in Troy.
1. The Culture Shock Was Real (At First)
Coming from a big city to a town of 17,000 people, my first few days in Troy were genuinely difficult. Everything felt too quiet, too small, too slow. But once classes started and I settled into a routine, I got used to it faster than I expected, and eventually, Troy grew on me.
2. The People Made All the Difference
If I'm being honest, the people of Troy are the reason I finished my two years there. Everyone I met, classmates, professors, locals, was genuinely kind. That warmth is what turned a small, unfamiliar town into somewhere I could call home for a while.
3. Life Basically Revolved Around the University
There isn't much to do in Troy outside of the university, and that's not an exaggeration. Troy University became the center of everything: social life, entertainment, community. Thankfully, they made sure there was always something happening.
4. Bingo Night, Casino Night, and Silent Disco Were the Highlights
The University Activities Council (UAC) hosted something almost every week, but a few events stood out as my absolute favorites: Bingo Night and Casino Night. I looked forward to them every time. And I can't leave out the silent disco, dancing with headphones on, surrounded by other students, was such a random and fun experience.
5. International Students Created Their Own Little World
The international student community organized its own events throughout the year, and it became one of the best parts of my time there. I got to learn about cultures from all over the world without ever leaving campus, a small-town silver lining I didn't expect.
6. The Professors Genuinely Cared
Academically, my experience was excellent. The professors were great: approachable, supportive, and invested in their students in a way that made the coursework feel manageable, even as an international student adjusting to a new system.
7. Football Games Turned the Whole Town Out
Game day in Troy is an experience of its own. The entire town shows up. It didn't matter if you were a die-hard football fan or not, the energy on campus and around town during football season was contagious.
8. The Weather Kept Me Guessing
Troy's weather was unpredictable: you genuinely never knew when it was going to rain. Coming from Alabama's humidity to living in Texas now, I've realized Troy actually wasn't as hot as I thought at the time. Perspective changes everything.
9. If You Want More to Do, You'll Need a Car (and an Hour to Spare)
This is probably the biggest adjustment for anyone moving to Troy: there's no Uber, and without a car, getting around is tough. Troy University does provide a shuttle for students, which helps, but for anything beyond campus, here's what you're working with:
- Pike County Lake: a nice but limited nearby option
- Movie theater: about an hour away
- Bowling alley: recently opened, but always packed with long waits
- Dothan or Montgomery: the nearest cities for a proper weekend out, both about an hour away
- Sam's Club or Costco: an hour away
- The airport: also about an hour away
- Walmart: honestly the only affordable grocery option in town
If you don't mind planning ahead, it's manageable. If you're used to everything being five minutes away, it takes adjustment.
10. Evening Walks on Campus Were Pure Magic
Despite everything, some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones: evening walks around Troy University's campus. There was something calming about them, even on hot Alabama days.
Final Thoughts
Troy, Alabama will always hold a special place in my heart. It wasn't a big city with endless things to do, and it definitely tested my patience in the beginning. But the people, the campus community, and the small, memorable moments (bingo nights, football Saturdays, silent discos, and quiet evening walks) made my first two years abroad unforgettable. Sometimes the smallest towns leave the biggest impressions.