Creating a big city life in 5 steps

The bright lights of the big city are alluring. As soon as you see them, you think “I’ve got to move there.” Unfortunately, more people say they are going to take the plunge than dive in head first at the deep end. Sure, it’s exciting but it’s scary too. Maybe just chill out at home for a few more years and then see how you feel. What’s the harm?

The harm is that life will pass you by. Before you know it, you’re a twenty-something edging towards thirty and have no purpose. Moving to New York or London or Melbourne will revitalize your life and give it meaning. All you have to do is find a place to stay and start packing.

Are you still anxious? Don’t worry because it’s okay to have butterflies. After all, this is a huge step. Hopefully, the following tips will help you set up your new, big city life and settle in ASAP. Just take a look at these five steps!

Step #1: Find A Place

The last thing you want to do is turn up on the corner of 5th Avenue with dozens of boxes and nowhere to sleep. Life in a city can be tricky, but you don’t have to make it any harder than normal. So, finding a place before you land or roll up in a moving van is essential. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy too.

All you need to do is go online and search for places in the local area. Even if you don’t know anyone, you’ll find that the living costs mean there are plenty of options. Some people say newbies should go urban to keep the price down, but it isn’t a great idea. Yes, it will save you money but you’ll miss out on the buzz and atmosphere of being central. You’ll meet more people and enjoy life better if noise surrounds you.

Putting down a down payment can be challenging, what with the cost of moving, which is why same day loans work. Only get one if you can afford the repayments, but if you can, then it’s a useful way to pay the upfront rates. A credit card is another option as you can switch the balance and avoid high-interest rates.

Step 2: Say Yes To Work

No, not to their demands but to outings after your shift ends. In a new environment, the office is a fantastic place to meet people who will become your friends. However, it won’t happen overnight. To get your personality across, you need to take risks and involve yourself in the conversation. It’s tough at first because everyone knows each other and is friendly, but you have to struggle through it.

Plus, it will make life at work easier as you’ll have stronger relationships. The stuff which you find tricky is ten times as uncomplicated with help from a colleague. And, it all starts with a cocktail or karaoke bar where the alcohol is flowing and the banter is top quality.

Don’t forget that it can be work-related too. For example, a convention in a different city is an excellent way to connect because it’s only a small group of people.

Step 3: Join A Club

It doesn’t matter which one because you’re not there to sing and dance or play a sport. Well, you are but there are ulterior motives at work also. Joining a club is as much about the social side as it is the physical. After the session ends, people almost always go for a drink to “cool down.” Just like in step 2, this is when you get to know people better and make a connection.

There are plenty of ways to do it. The most popular one is to do something which you know you are good at and love. For instance, a guitar player will join a band. However, the other option is to take the opportunity to do something entirely new. After all, no one knows you and that makes the prospect less daunting. Maybe you’ve always wanted to start cycling?

All you need to do is search online for local clubs in the nearby area. Or, you can go retro and keep an eye out for fliers and announcements in the paper.

Step 4: Start Dating

You’re single and a little lonely because you’re in the process of making new friends. What you need is a girl or a guy to keep you company. You know, for loneliness reasons! A few years ago, getting in on the action wasn’t straightforward because you had to meet face-to-face. Now, dating apps make it a much simpler prospect.

Tinder is the main player in the industry, and you shouldn’t dismiss it out of hand as not everyone is looking for a hookup. Alternatively, there is Bumble and OkCupid which are getting traction. The latter lets you send messages without paying so it’s a cheap and effective platform. Match and eHarmony get plenty of hits too.

What you want to do is sign up to as many as possible to play the dating game. Don’t worry because it isn’t desperate. If anything, it’s a clever way to meet new people in a foreign city. And, if you get lots of dates along the way, then happy days!

Step 5: Be A Tourist

This is your new home, so you might reject the urge to be a tourist. Save it for your next vacation. But, it is a novel place that you don’t know very well, and it makes sense to get to grips with the local area. One of the best ways to do it is to jump on a tour bus and stand out like a sore thumb.

Sure, everyone will class you as a tourist and they’re right. But, you’ll figure out the city streets and the places to go and the hotspots, and that’ll make you feel at home.

Is there anything as bad as getting lost for homesickness? What about listening to a conversation that you don’t understand?

Photo by Andreas Brücker