8 Tips for moving to a new city.
Going to start uni this September for the first time? Making a big move to a new city as a grad or just for a new job? It can feel like quite a daunting prospect, as a woman - especially if it’s out of your childhood home for the first time!
From new modes of transport to navigate (Trains! Buses! Maybe some will run on time…! Who knows!), to learning your way around where’s good for brunch (priorities), and meeting new people, here are our tips on getting settled, and staying safe in the process:
1. Get your packing list sorted
Haven’t done a trolley dash in IKEA yet? Planning on doing it when you get there? The best way to make sure you get exactly what you need to make your new home feel like home is to think about what in your current room makes it your current room?
Is it a certain smell? A duvet cover? A memento? Work out what you want to keep to make your ‘home’ bedroom feel like home. Also, what can come with you, and what might you want to duplicate so you can transition seamlessly between the two.
2. Get to know your flatmates
More often than not, the people you live with, especially as you’re all going through the same experience at the same time, will become close friends for a long time after you graduate.
If you’re a Fresher at university, it’s a great bonding experience as you’ll all be in the same boat, and you can get to explore your new surroundings as a team, and create some new traditions that are all yours.
3. Learn where are your go-to’s and where to avoid
Every city has that slightly dodgy part, and at a weekend when nightlife is at its busiest, it can all feel a bit much.
If you’re a student on a budget, you might try to limit your Uber bills by relying on public transport, but before you do, make sure you have a public transport timetable to hand - Citymapper for London, Birmingham & Manchester is fantastic, or your local operator. Pre-empt long waits on streets you’d rather avoid, and plan in advance.
4. Don’t be shy, but recognise your limits
Find groups or clubs you might want to join to get to know new people. Push yourself to socialise but don’t put yourself under pressure to be out every night.
The friends you make in freshers week might not be your people off the bat, give yourself time and don’t stress if all around you ‘seem’ to find settling in much easier than you are. It’s totally fine to operate at your own pace.
5. And when you feel like you’re getting close to those limits take some time out
Uhhhmmm, hellooo Netflix.
If you’re feeling a bit weary after a long week of lectures and non-stop socialising, it’s ok to take some time for yourself. Be kind to number one, and try to stay aware of how you’re feeling, both emotionally and physically.
6. Call your family
Yes yes, we know, sensible huh?
Often the briefest call to your parents, siblings or anyone related to you can help snap things back into focus.
Agreeing a day each week or fortnight to check in helps you have a regular marker in your diary, and they tend to feel happier knowing there’s a scheduled time to speak to you.
7. Recognise those gut instincts
They’re stronger than you think.
Don’t get a good vibe off someone? Create some space between you and them.
Don’t want to go out with your housemate’s home mates? Saying no is fine!
Really want to go to that gig but not sure if people will want to join? Just ask!
8. Download One Scream
It’s designed for moments just like these.
Add your friends and family - if you’ve made firm friends immediately they can even be your helpers!
Agree a check in when you’re out and about - tell people when you leave and when you get home, and en route set One Scream to run in the background, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve got a little friendly app helping you out.