will i fit in here?

TL;DR
What's the campus culture like here and how hard is it for someone from a less conservative (but not liberal) family from a suburb of NYC to adjust

More than Half the school is out of state. If you are remotely friendly and outgoing, you'll find your people, whether as a GDI or in Greek life.

No one gives a crap about your religion (or lack there of).

As for the rest? Only you can decide if you will get homesick. You might, but you might get over it, too. No one here can help you with that.

If you came here and rushed, if I had to guess I’d say you’d end up in a NR house and there will almost definitely be a TON of nyc suburb girls with very similar backgrounds to yours.
I’m from the west coast and I won’t deny that I had a really hard time with homesickness first semester (which I didn’t expect at all honestly) but after that I really felt so at home here. I think if you came here you’d be surprised by how many girls are similar to you, while still getting that taste of a more relaxed environment compared to the northeast.
Obviously it’s impossible for anyone on this site to really tell you, but I think there’s a good chance you’d be surprised by how much you liked it down here.

im a sophmore in a sorority here im also from far away and im the same - technically catholic but I don't go to church much. people here are more into church in general than up north but it doesnt hurt my ability to fit in at all

Homesickness is going to happen anywhere you go, even if you are ten miles from home. College is a new life and it takes getting used to no matter where you go. From your description of yourself and what you are looking for, you would be fine and happy here.

CHOOSE BAMA. It is an experience that you will be happy that you took the opportunity on. My friends who stayed closer to home straight up say that they are jealous that i got away and get to spend four years in a place so different from home and get new experiences, and i completely agree.

I honestly think you'll be fine, but I definitely recommend rushing! it'll be a lot easier to meet people and make friends

Give if a go! Bama is a balanced school. The Greek community creates a very organized socia network, super helpful your first year or two, so jump in and you will meet people! The Southern pace is a tad more relaxed and more friendly than the north, yet your academic experience is probably much like anywhere else. Finally, we have the best football season bar none.

Honestly, I’m impressed with all of the positive feedback this post has and people not being rude/snarky/accusing this person of trolling for whatever reason. Good on you, Bama! :)

Anyways, as people have already stated, yes, homesickness can happen anywhere because college is a new life adjustment. But there’s always Skype/FaceTime, school breaks, etc to get back home. It’s definitely a different way of life in the south, compared to NYC, but it’s one I personally love and feel comfortable in. Enjoy the culture difference and meet some new people! Def Rush :)

I'm from Chicago and am a pretty fast paced person myself, but honestly the slowed down southern way of life is pretty enjoyable to me. It reminds me to breath every now and then lol. there are people from all over though, especially in new row houses, so you will find friends who are similar to you. plan ahead to go home for fall break, thanksgiving, etc. the first 2-3 months are the hardest but after that first trip home it'll get a lot better.