Moving to a New City Solo? Here’s How to Settle In

Moving anywhere by yourself for the first time can be a stressful and emotional experience – never mind moving by yourself to an entirely new city. You’ll experience feelings of apprehension, anxiety, nervousness and of being overwhelmed. It won’t be easy, but it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and see new places and experience new opportunities – while keeping your head on your shoulders. Many people relocated in order to ‘start over’ throughout the pandemic. If you are thinking of picking up and trying out a new place by yourself, you may want to try some of the following tips!

Keep in Contact with Friends & Family

After you’ve dealt with the whirlwind that will be moving and getting settled, you might start feeling lonely in your new surroundings. Before you’ve found new friends or established a routine in your new place, it’s easier to fall into a sense of despair or homesickness for your old home or surroundings. Don’t let yourself get caught up in that – this uncertainty and loneliness is only temporary.

Keep your friends and family as a support system for you during this transition period – they’re there for you and will be there to share things about your past home and hear things about your new home. Set scheduled Facetimes or Skype calls with them and make sure to call your family regularly to ease any feelings of missing them.

Settle into Your New Surroundings

A hard part about living in a new place by yourself and in a new city is feeling like a stranger in your own place. Don’t put off unpacking – it’ll make you feel better when you’re done. Settle into your new house and make it a home. You’ll feel less anxious when your frames are on the walls and your books are on your new shelves. Creating a safe space for yourself is a good jumping off point to feeling comfortable in your new surroundings.

Explore the Area

Get out and explore your new city – look for fun shopping spots or good places for coffee or take out. Once you’re more familiar with your area, you’ll feel more comfortable and be more likely to get out of your safe space and meet new people.

Make Connections

Join or volunteer at a community organization, or talk to your new colleagues at work or classmates at school. Invite someone to go for a drink or grab lunch with you, or ask someone to show you around. Everything takes time – you won’t make friends overnight, but even working at it little by little can help.

Thinking of a long distance or international move? E.E. Ward can help you get there. Contact us today to learn more.