Rewind to a week and a half ago — I was driving for over eight hours to my now new home of Newberg, Oregon. It's only been so many days, but I can already tell I was meant to be here. I think I got lucky with this town — it focuses so much on community, and it doesn't hurt that the coffee shops are darling. Whether you just moved away to college like me or you are planning to change your scenery soon, here are a few tips that might help your new location feel a little more like home.
1. Start walking.
Yep. Lace up those tennis shoes, and take a step out the door. You're not going to get to know your new town if you stay inside 24/7. Take the first step (literally) by walking around and simply familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings. Trust me, I know how tempting it can be to press the "next episode" button on Netflix when you're binge-watching "Criminal Minds." However, really pushing yourself to just wander around will help you to become comfortable with your new home.
2. Find your new favorites.
Sometimes it can be hard to make a new and foreign place feel immediately comfortable. Granted, it will take time. But sometimes searching and eventually discovering places that remind you of home can help kick-start a new appreciation for a new place. If you have a favorite coffee shop back home or a beloved bookstore, don't replace them — instead, find the new hidden gems in your town! Once you start exploring, the closer you are to finding your go-to spots. Dig deep!
3. Interact with your community.
Don't be afraid to smile at strangers while walking down the street or while grabbing a cup of coffee. Heck, while in your in line, say hello to someone. A simple greeting can spark a conversation which will begin to help you feel comfortable in your community. Believe me, I am not the kind of person who usually chats with strangers. That being said, with my new move to Oregon, my current mantra is "life begins outside of your comfort zone." And it's so true.
4. Embrace doing some things alone.
Accept the fact that you will be going out and exploring by yourself sometimes. It's a new town, and in lots of cases, it's full of completely new people. While some may already have friends and connections, you still must welcome those awkward trips shopping or sipping on hot chocolate alone. This comes with moving to a new area and gets easier with time. Anxiety-prone peeps like myself will most likely try to avoid this step. I have personally found a method that works well for me. I quickly trick my brain before I begin to overthink and second guess. I get dressed, slip on my shoes and grab my keys before my brain catches up. The little voice that is inside my head doesn't have time to start questioning. This works wonders for those who talk themselves out of socially awkward situations. In the end, you'll be glad you made yourself do it. Being self-conscious about exploring a new town alone will only impede the discovery of your future "home away from home."
5. Give yourself time.
When I first moved into my new apartment in Newberg, everything felt cold and foreign. It hasn't been too long, but with each day Newberg starts to feel like my new home. With each new coffee shop, each bakery, each quiet walk around campus, I begin to view this area as somewhere I feel comfortable. Now, I'm not saying you'll be in love with your new town right away — moving to a completely different place is quite an adjustment. But everyday that passes is a chance to get to know your community a little better to where one day you can truly call it home.
As a college student who has never lived away from home, I can surely say I miss my family. I miss my mom's warm hugs, my dad's positive phone calls, my and my sister's "Law and Order: SVU" marathons and my brother's dorky Facetimes. I could list off so many things I already miss, most having to do with my two cuddly pups, but something that makes all that worth it is the excitement and love I already have for my new home. In order to begin to know and appreciate your new town, you have to be both patient and active. Be patient and acknowledge the time it will take. But be active and don't just sit around waiting for you to feel comfortable. You have to put some work into it too. Your town will offer you new people, new ideas and new places. All you have to do is get out there.
