02 Jun Moving to a New City? 4 Rules for Diving in & Meeting People
Three weeks after my college graduation, I moved halfway across the country to a city where I knew nearly no one.
Strangely, I wasn't nervous-in fact, I was confident that I didn't need anyone but https://datingreviewer.net/local-hookup/windsor/ myself. But I quickly learned that life isn't nearly as easy (or fun) when you don't have a network of friends, family, and connections nearby.
So, slowly but surely, I've worked to build a local network of people I trust. But, it was more challenging than I expected, and I definitely made some major mistakes along the way. If you're headed to a brand-new city, too, here are some of the lessons I learned (the hard way) about jumping in, meeting people, and experiencing all your new city has to offer.
Don't: Be Afraid to Go Out on Your Own
When I first moved to the great state of Texas, I wasn't sure how to navigate it by myself. After all, I was used to exploring restaurants, concerts, and museums with my friends. But, I quickly learned that if I really wanted to experience my new city, I needed stop waiting for things to happen to me-and make them happen myself.
So, little by little, I started checking out the restaurants I wanted to try (confidently saying “I'll sit at the bar, thanks” is life-changing), attending special events, walking in the local parks, reading outside, sipping coffee at Starbucks, and other things that got me outside my apartment. It certainly wasn't easy at first, but it worked. I not only got to really experience my new surroundings, but I also went from being lonely and bored to having a full schedule of things on the calendar.
Looking back, going out and experiencing things on your own is the biggest piece of advice I give to other transplants. I know it's scary-but remember that it doesn't make you look nearly as lonely and sad as you think it does. And after doing it a few times, you'll be comfortable enough in your own skin that you won't be worrying about it anyway.