Okay well maybe I was never in Kansas but I know exactly how Dorothy feels. Being in a different city and feeling like you are nowhere near your home anymore. Moving from a small town to a big city is not an easy transition. To start, there is the culture shock that hits you right when you arrive. There are so many different cultures and types of people that you get to experience when you move to the larger city. Everyone, in my opinion, is much more expressive and they seem to not be so worried about what other people think of them.
When making the transition from small town to a larger metropolitan area, there are a few things that will make the transition a little easier and make you feel more comfortable in your new home.
1. Decorate your new space.
Make your new place feel as homey as possible. Whether it's a studio apartment or a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom house. When you decorate your place how you want it, it will make you feel more at home and more comfortable.
2. Find a job market you love.
If you moved for school, then find a major you love. Either way, do not settle for less than something you absolutely love. Do not do something just for the money or just because your parents want you to do it. Find something you love and stick to it. Do not let anyone talk you out of it. You will feel fulfilled.
3. Introduce yourself.
Introduce yourself to anyone who you may want to hang out with in the future. Introduce yourself to the guy or girl you always sit near in class or at your work. Introduce yourself to the person behind you in line at the grocery store. Invite them to lunch, exchange numbers, yeah it may be awkward at first but it will get easier and you could meet your best friends this way or even a new clique to hang out with. This will help prevent loneliness.
4. Do things alone.
Don't be afraid to go out an eat dinner at the cool new restaurant by yourself. Go to the art exhibit alone. Get comfortable with being alone and loving yourself. It is okay. How can you experience anything and grow if you can't be alone? I personally have been trying to work on this and life is much better when you become comfortable with your own presence.
5. There will always be traffic.
The traffic is always going to suck in a bigger city. Trying to get somewhere between 5-7 PM? You should give yourself at least an extra 15 minutes to get there.
6. Find a place that reminds you of home.
This could be a restaurant or a park. A restaurant that serves food from your hometown, a park that makes you feel at home. This will make the transition easier and help you become more comfortable and settled in in your new city.
I know moving to a new place can be scary but if it is a step you need to take in order to transition into the person you want to become then it may take a little time but you will be settled and feel at home in no time.
