The thought of moving to a new city can be scary, and it’s not the easiest thing to do either. First, there’s the tough decision to abandon everyone you know and love. Then comes the overwhelming fear of leaving your old city to venture into the unknown.
The good news is that moving to a new city doesn’t always have to be a nightmare; it can also be exciting. However, the thrill of moving to a new city is best experienced when you have a strategic plan in place. On that note, here are top tips on how to move to a brand-new city.
1. Research the city extensively.
Except if you’re a city hopper who enjoys the thrill of experiencing different cities for short periods, it’s crucial to research your new city before moving. Learn about the general cost of living, which should typically include health care, food prices, housing, transportation, household supplies, and recreational activities. You can start by looking through things like house listings and restaurant menus online.
Furthermore, in a case where your reason for moving is to get a higher education like a master’s degree program, an MBA program, or an accelerated graduate business degree, you’ll need to research your intending college and its tuition cost. First and foremost, confirm that the school is accredited by the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Next, review what core courses and core classes they offer and if their coursework structure will fit your professional goals.
Suppose you intend to work and study simultaneously. In that case, it’s worthy to note that a Master of Business Administration and undergraduate business degree programs like business administration, financial management, human resource management, operations management, project management, and strategic management are notorious for being demanding. So, as a prospective student, ensure that you’re ready for the commitment and have a strategy in place to balance both worlds before moving to a brand-new city.
2. Try to socialize and network.
One of the many exciting things about moving to a new city is that it allows you to widen your social network and make new friends. It can be frightening at first, considering you don’t know anyone in your new neighborhood. However, you can start by searching online or social media for people who share similar interests and hobbies with you.
Also, socializing and networking make it easier for you to settle in and stay informed. For instance, let’s say you’re moving to Oregon. You might want to get a youthful appearance through cosmetic surgery (like a breast reduction, liposuction, facelift, cheek filler, breast lift). You can easily ask your new friends to recommend where you can get the best cosmetic medical services in Portland, OR.
You’ll receive more trusted recommendations and faster access to a plastic surgery center that offers cosmetic procedures and implants to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Another easy way to improve your social network is by taking stock of old high friends and distant relatives living in this city. You can use your alumni network to reach them and plan a coffee or date lunch to help you reconnect.
3. Keep reminders of your old home, family, and friends.
It’s never easy leaving a past life behind, irrespective of how good or bad it may have been. However, life happens, and we sometimes have to make a complete change to our life plans, which could involve moving to a brand-new city. Moving to a brand new city doesn’t necessarily mean you have to start your life afresh—except if that’s what you want. Despite being in a new city, you can still find ways to make room for old friends and family members and carry on with activities or plans you previously had.
Here’s another good example. Let’s say you’re moving to Salem and you’ve sustained a personal injury in your previous state but still want to get legal services. You can always search for an attorney in Salem, OR, to provide you with legal advice to help meet your legal needs. Furthermore, keep little reminders of your loved ones around your home. This could be artworks, pictures, or simple notes that they’ve written in the past. This will help you deal with the homesick feeling you’ll most likely experience at some point.
4. Try to explore the city more often.
Without a doubt, moving to a new city is scary and comes with a lot of stress. However, this doesn’t mean you should withdraw from the public and stay within the confines of your home when you arrive. Think of your move as an adventure and an opportunity to learn new things that’ll make you interesting at parties.
You can start by searching online for outdoorsy activities that fit your lifestyle and interests. For instance, if you’re a music lover in the Mississipi Delta area, Gateway to the Blues is an impressionable first stop that’ll be worth your time. The blues museum located at blues highway 61 offers interactive exhibits, artwork, and a recording studio where you get to learn the story of the blues and a chance to record your song. You can always purchase a ticket from the gift shop, which is open every day, Monday to Friday, and on weekends.
5. Have a plan in place.
Our last but certainly not the least tip is to have a plan! We understand how chaotic and exciting moving to a brand-new city can be and how easy it’s to lose focus amid all these activities. Therefore, it’s always best to have a list of goals you want to achieve before moving. When you set goals for yourself, they add purpose and meaning to your stay in the new city.
These could be personal or professional goals. However, make sure they are SMART. That means your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, and timely, as these will make it easier for you to narrow your focus and achieve your goals. Above all, create room for flexibility in your plans. Having a plan doesn’t mean it has to be fixed and unchangeable.
