Whether you’ve just graduated and accepted your dream job or packed up your possessions into a suitcase for a change of scenery, it’s time to leave that small town behind to live your big city dreams.
But before you hop on a plane or drive off toward the skyscrapers, realize that it will be a major transition in your life. If you’ve never lived in a big city before, there are a lot of changes you will have to make and things you will have to get used to. Here are some tips to make the transition from small town to big city as smooth as possible.
Get Familiar With Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get lost among all the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the first things you will need to do is become more familiar with the city and neighborhood you will be living in. If you’re in a city that primarily uses public transit such as New York City or Chicago, figure out the subway and bus schedules, so you know how to get around. Figure out where the closest grocery or pharmacy store is in case you need to make any late night emergency trips.
Get Used To Crowded Places
If you’re coming from a small town or smaller city, you’re probably used to open spaces and having to hardly see anyone when you’re taking a trip downtown. Unfortunately, in most big cities personal space is a rarity. However, don’t look at this as a negative. Think of it as a way of getting closer to new people. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your new best friend while trying to get to work or running errands.
Make New Friends
One of the most difficult things about moving is making friends. Use apps like Meetup to find out about social gatherings related to your interests. In a big city, you can undoubtedly find people with similar interests, even if they’re obscure.
Have A Budget
The cost of living in cities is high. If you’re fresh out of college, chances are you will have to live frugally for a few months. Make a budget. Most people think if you are living on a tight budget that means goodbye to your social life, but that isn’t necessarily true. Take advantage of free events and places, like parks.
Accept The Changes & Stay Positive
You will get homesick and you will be sad from time to time, especially in the first months and that’s natural. Transitioning to a new place is difficult, and no one can tell you how long it should take you to adjust. Keep in touch with your friends and family back home to ease the transition and always remember to stay positive. This is a new adventure in your book of life. Enjoy the ride.
Feature Photo via We Heart It
