Moving into a new city on your own can be very daunting. You don’t just need a new space for yourself, you need a whole new social network, set of hobbies, and habits, too. Done right, this big move can be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Every new beginning is full of possibilities, and this guide will help you settle well into a new city.
Tips for Finding Somewhere to Rent
Getting into the city is the first and arguably one of the most stressful parts of settling into a new area. You won’t know the neighborhoods all that well, you won’t know what they’re like, where to go, or what you can do. You also won’t have friends or a support network nearby to help you settle in. Doing it all on your own can be daunting, but with these top two tips, you can find a great place to rent with less stress.
· Start Short-Term
One of the best ways to take stress and pressure out of the equation is to start with a short-term let. This can be done by looking up short-term or rolling contract rooms to rent. Being able to stay there for a month or six gives you the flexibility and breathing room to either stay on if you like it or gives you time and the proximity needed to find better accommodation later on.
· Live With Roommates
If you want to tackle your living and social needs in one go, live with roommates. Staying in a short-term accommodation can mean spending more time vetting house-sharing situations and finding a great place to live with people you like. You don’t have to be best friends, but you do need to be compatible and social together. If you can find your next best friend out of the deal, even better.
Explore On Foot
Once you have a place to live, it’s time to become intimate with your surrounding areas. The best way to do that is on foot. Explore all the nooks and crannies of your neighborhood, pop into boutiques and cafes, and get to know the stores and what they offer. Take note of the interesting things you’d want to go back to on your phone’s map app as well.
Find Groups Online
In terms of knowing more about the city and making friends, the secret is to go online. There are many clubs and social groups that are organized online through apps that’ll help you make friends with people in your area.
You’ll also want to join travel accounts for your area. This can be neighborhood or city-specific. Try to find the ones that cater more to the residents than out-of-city tourists, so you can stay updated on the comings and goings.
Create Mindful Routines
You’ll always need ways to take a step back, recenter yourself, and destress. A good way to do that is to adopt a few mindful routines that can help you slow down in a busy city. One day a week, go for a walk in a nature area. On Sunday mornings, head to your nearest farmer’s market. Pick up slow hobbies so you can enjoy some quiet at home. All of these can help you slow down and destress in busy places.
