Moving into a new city can be really tough. No, scratch that, it is hard. It's intimidating to not know a single person, where anything is, how public transportation works, where the cheap grocery store is, where the good bars and restaurants are, and so on. It's exciting, isolating, joyous, and depressing all at the same time. So if you have just settled in your new spot on the map for a spell, congrats! You've got some guts, but if you need some tips to get you through your first bit, have some of mine:
1. Go For A Walk
Go for a walk. Walk around your block, your neighborhood, nearby streets, and surrounding stores. Just see what's around you. The more you get used to the new area, the more comfortable you'll feel with it. Go out in the daytime with a map when you aren't pressed for time, and you'll start to see a strange city become familiar. Plus, fresh air is a natural way to de-stress and cheer up.
2. Ask Questions
If this is your first apartment, first time taking a metro or a tram, or anything of the sort, don't be afraid to ask questions. People will not expect you to know everything if you explain it's your first time using whatever service. In fact, most will be happy to explain. Plus, sometimes getting direct instructions is better and less frustrating that fumbling around trying to figure it out by yourself, even if it does take some courage to ask for help.
3. Say Hi
Say hi to people. Make a remark about the weather. Saying hi to people you see often could be the start of true friendships and the easing of the isolation and loneliness.
4. Don't Scroll Through Social Media So Much
Of course a normal person is still going to check Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and see tons of pictures of home and people they are missing. Commence nostalgia and homesickness. Keep your scrolling to a minimum. Keep a book nearby and when you feel bored or have a few minutes to wait for something, read. Reading is a wonderful form of escapism that will help take your mind off of any stress or frustration without feeling like you are missing out.
5. Do A Practice Run With Public Transit
If this is your first time in a big city where you have to take taxis, metros, buses, or any other public transport, it can be daunting at first. On a day when you have nothing to do, pick an easy destination, and go there and back. Once you've used whatever transport system is in your new city, you'll feel more confident about using it when you have to use it to get somewhere important.
6. Go Out
It's so tempting to stay in your room, alone, where you don't have to face stress and can just relax. However, don't stay there all the time! Go out to a bar or restaurant, get coffee at a cafe, go shopping, or to a museum, even if you are by yourself. Don't worry about looking or feeling awkward, and focus more on enjoying your own company. You will learn more about the area, and more places will become familiar and friendly. Plus, you'll have a better chance at making new friends. Then, when you come home at the end of the day, you will feel like you actually did something.
7. Do A Few Chores
Even if you know you don't have your life together, having a fridge full of food, clean sheets, clean dishes, and folded clothes can make you feel like you do. You'd never guess what a comfort it can be to have your affairs at home in order.
8. Play Tourist
Don't worry about "becoming a local" right away. Have some fun being a tourist first! Get lost in the city, visit the famous places (even if they are crowded), always keep a map in your pocket, buy yourself some clothes with your new city's name on it. You'll learn the famous local places later. Your new city may be radically bigger or smaller than what you're used to, and giving yourself some wiggle room in your expectations can help you to adapt easier.
9. Learn Key Phrases And Local Customs If Going Abroad
If your new city is in another country, definitely take some time to learn key phrases before you go. Also, learn about the local history and customs before you get there. Be sure to know what is the emergency service number (psst it's not always 911 everywhere you go!), just in case. You don't have to be an expert, but the more knowledge you have, the easier it will be for you to transition.
10. Admit When It's Hard
Even if it's what you've always wanted to do, where you've always dreamed of going, admit to yourself when you are frustrated, sad, and lonely. Expecting yourself to be happy from the get-go is just unreasonable. Even if you are happy at first, loneliness and frustration can creep in after. Expect it, and be honest with yourself. Talk to a caring friend or write in a journal. Know that even if it is the right decision for yourself, it's not easy and you don't have to be overjoyed every single second. Take it day by day, and sooner or later everything will fall into place.
