How to Get Settled In a New City | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

12 Ways To Settle Into A New City, For The Summer, For A New Job, Or A New Life

What do you do when your new home doesn't feel like home yet?

793
12 Ways To Settle Into A New City, For The Summer, For A New Job, Or A New Life
Personal

Whether you just graduated college, are just starting college, or in a different city for an internship for the summer, new places are intimidating. How do you ever get settled in a place so new? It has to start somewhere. I suggest you start right here with this list:

1. Make the place you are living homey.

Whether it means hanging stuff on the walls or stocking the fridge with your fave foods, make your home yours. Chances are you will be spending a lot of time here before you get all your bearings in a new city.

2. Learn about the history about where you are.

This is always a reason behind the way something is now. It might be more interesting than you initially anticipate about why a city is the way it is today because of things that happened in its history,

3. Read up on what is going on.

So reading the local newspaper might not be you cup of tea, but it is a great way to figure out what is going on around you. Google is also a great invention so look up what is going on in the area. Any upcoming concerts, food festivals, etc.

4. Drive around town

Figuring out what major streets lead where, will really make life a lot easier. Being able to get around without a GPA is a huge milestone in settling into a new place.

5. Go shopping

I know moving in itself is expensive enough, but at the very least go window shopping. This gives you a great sense of what a place is all about by what you can easily buy and what cool things are readily available for you to spend money on.​

6. Walk through the city

Taking the time to stroll around the block is relaxing and will help you get your bearings on what is around you. It never hurts to know which coffee shop within walking distance is the best.

7. Find familiar ground

With such a big adjustment as relocating your life, you need some common variable. Whether that be finding your favorite store from home in your new city or finding a church to go to, having something familiar in a sea of brand new will help your mental stability a lot.​

8. Get out and meet people

This sounds really scary and I think it is. Meeting new people has a lot of risk in it but even if you do not like anyone you talk to, just tell yourself that you are improving your people skills.

9. Eat at different places

For at least the first two months in a new place, try to not eat at the same restaurant twice. This will force you to try new things and go to new places. You can't determine what you like the best if you only eat at the same place four times a week.

10. Step out of your comfort zone

It is not an easy journey to settle into a brand new city. You will not just wake up one morning and think, "Wow this feels like home" It doesn't happen overnight. You have to take the initiative to make headway in finding your little niche in a big new city.

11. Get plugged in

Figure out what you like to do and then find that in the city. Do you like music? Figure out what live venues they have planned. Like Art? See if they have any street shows coming up.

12. Do what makes you happy

No matter what it is, from picking where you grab lunch to stepping out of your comfort zone, make sure you are doing what you want to do. The end goal should be to settle in and be happy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190923
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15269
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458133
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26768
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments