Relocating to a new city can be a bit overwhelming and downright stressful (between adjusting to the area, making new friends, and overall just trying to feel at home), but it doesn't have to be. The Compass Crew and I want to make your stay incredibility comfortable and stress-free. I put together 10 tips to help make your relocation as smooth as possible. Once you try these out you'll feel at home in no time!
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 a great opportunity to get to know someone since you already know you have similar interests. Plus, if you go there often enough, the employees might start to consider you a regular, which is always a bonus.
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2. Join a Meetup 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
Making friends as an adult can seem strange and daunting, but it doesn't have to be. 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 your buddy and ask if they could set up a little “friend hangout”. That way, you already have a mutual friend in common, so you have an idea of what kind of person they are!
4. Volunteer
Our Compass Crew is fueled by COMPASSion and using our time to help others. Volunteering is a great way to get out and make friends! It’s another 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!
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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. Not to mention that Boston, New Haven, and NYC have some impressive libraries that are worth sightseeing regardless.
9. Download Local Mobile Apps
In this day and age, apps can help you with anything. From ordering food to scheduling a ride share, make sure you know which apps work and which don’t! While your at it, embrace the technology for all things commuting app related; nothing screams local like embracing the public transportation.
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.
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I hope that these tips can make your move to a new city a little less stressful, and more enjoyable! Remember you’ve got this!
Looking for more tips on how to make your relocation a successful one? We put together a handy Relocation Guide for helpful tips, nearby sights and attractions, and tons of information about Boston to help make you feel right at home. Click the button below for your own Relocation Guide.
