Moving to a new city is a big deal, especially if you don’t have friends or family there. We’re giving you 10 tips for settling down in a new city.
1. Find Your Local Go-To Spots
One thing about moving to a new city is that you have to find your new favorite places : coffee shops, brunch places, bars, etc. It’s great way to get to know someone since you you will know you already have similar interests. Plus, if you go there often enough, the employees might start to consider you a regular, which is always nice.
2. Join a Meet-Up Group And/Or Gym
This is the best way to make friends! You can skip over the getting to know them part; you already know they like the same thing as you do! If you join a gym or go to a class, you’re not only making friends, but also getting fit. Best of both worlds.
3. Meet Friends of Friends
The world is so small, one of your friends from home is bound to know someone who lives in your new city. Reach out to them and ask if they could set up a little “friend hangout” That way, you already have a mutual friend in common and you know who your friend is friends with so you have an idea of what kind of person they are!
4. Volunteer
This is a great way to get out and make friends! It’s a great way to meet people who care about giving back to others — they’re definitely people you want to surround yourself with. And you’re doing some good for the community!
5. Give Yourself Time to Acclimate
It might take a bit to feel like you fit into your new city, which is totally normal! There’s no set timeline as to how long it should take you to feel like your new city is really home and not just a vacation destination. We like to say that one full year gives you a good look into what it’s like to live in your city — you get to experience all four seasons and you know some more people than you did.
6. Get to know your transportation options
Even if you have a car, you’ll want to know the best routes to take and which to avoid. You’ll also want to know if there’s a bus system or a train system — for those days when your car doesn’t want to work. Download Google Maps, or use the app in your phone to see what’s available!
7. Become a “Yes” Person
You won’t be able to experience all your city has to offer if you stay at home all day/night. Learn how to say Yes to the things that you wouldn’t normally do! You’ll get to explore your city and make some new friends!
8. Get a Library Card
Yes, libraries are still a thing. If anything, this just makes you feel more like you belong to the community. Only people with library cards can check out books, right? Plus, it’s sort of like a memento from when you lived in the city.
9. Download local mobile apps
In this day and age, apps can help you with anything. From ordering food, to ordering a car, make sure you know which apps work and which don’t!
10. Get comfortable being alone
Even though making friends is a very important part of moving to a new city, learning to be alone is just as important. Take yourself out on dates, treat yourself to movies and just have nights at home with yourself.
We hope that these tips made your move to a new city a little less stressful! You’ve got this!
