This is a collaborative post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve always been a homebird, so when I moved to York for University in 2017, it was a big change. I had to learn how to look after myself and form friendships away from home.
Luckily, I had supportive friends and family who helped me every step of the way. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone while still maintaining my links to home – and this was the right step at the right time for me.
While I now live back where I grew up, my experience of moving to a new city was an important one. It pushed me to become a little more independent – and it was scary, fun and challenging in the best ways.
However, moving to a new city is still a daunting prospect. There’s a lot to get your head around, especially if it’s your first time moving away from home. Here’s a guide to help you get started!
5 tips for moving to a new city in your 20s
If you’re contemplating a big move, I’ve put together 5 tips to help you move to a new city in your 20s. They include:
- Find the perfect living space
- Get out and meet people
- Act like a tourist in your new home
- Always plan ahead
- There’s no place like home
Let’s take a closer look at each tip in a little more detail.
1. Find the perfect living space
First things first, you need to find your living space. That might be a flat on your own or a shared house with friends. It’s all about choosing the right space for you.
When I first moved to York, there wasn’t much choice about where to live, as I was a student, but I really enjoyed sharing a house with others. I like spending time alone, but it’s nice to have the option to hang out with friends, too.
Wherever you’re moving, there’s plenty of choice. You could buy a new-build home in Glasgow or rent a beachfront apartment in Brighton. It’s so important to create a home away from home.
2. Get out and meet people
Go out and meet people in your local city. Even if you’re an introvert, we all need people, so getting out and socialising will help you reduce loneliness and encourage you to feel less homesick.
You can remind yourself why you moved, make new friends and maybe even find love. Look out for other people who have recently moved to your city – which is easy if you’re a student – or go to local events that appeal to you.
It can be so hard to make friends in your 20s, but I think you’ll find that many people are in the same situation as you. So, get out there and find your new friends!
Starting up a new hobby is a great way to meet friends. Check out my blog post for the 20 best hobbies to try out in your 20s.
3. Act like a tourist in your new home
When you first move to a new city, it’s easy to feel like a tourist. You don’t know where you’re going or where anything is, so why not embrace that?
Just as when you go on holiday, you might find all the important spots, like local attractions, shops and places to eat, you can do the same in your new home. Explore your new living space and make the most of everything your city has to offer.
Don’t be afraid to get lost. In fact, getting lost is a helpful way to stumble on new places to try out. Rely on Google Maps until you know your way around.
4. Always plan ahead
You know I’m a sucker for a good plan, but when you’re moving to a new city, planning really is key! Here are a few things to think about:
- Visit your new city beforehand
- Pack everything you need for your adventure
- Organise your finances, bills and any admin
- Look into local public transport, places to eat, shops and other essentials
- Learn the language (if you’re heading a little further afield)
Consider exactly why you want to move to a new city. Is it to join a partner? Is it to experience a new place? Is it for a job or studies? Your answer to this question will dictate what you need to plan, research and prioritise as you start your new life.
If you’re joining a partner, you’ll need to think about how you’ll manage expenses together. If you’re going for an exciting new adventure, you’ll need to find fun things to do in your new home!
5. There’s no place like home
One of my biggest tips for moving to a new city in your 20s is to maintain your links to home. It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s one of the best ways to avoid homesickness and feel a little more confident in a strange new city.
For example, I had a friend from my school at University with me. This helped me feel instantly at home. We could chat about life back home and feel a little closer to those we couldn’t see every day.
Call your family and friends back home, and arrange regular visits. You can enjoy life in a new city without feeling like you’ve completely left your home behind. After all, there’s no place like home.
Have you ever moved to a new city? Do you have any tips for moving to a new city in your 20s? How do you avoid homesickness?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 