4 minute read
Moving to a new city after graduation
By Haya Panjwani
If your post-graduation plans include moving to a new city, here are a few tips to make the most out of living in a new area (continued on page 34).
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Photo by Jiselle Santos/Houstonian
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(Continued from page 32)
So you’ve wrapped up your undergraduate career and are starting fresh? Fantastic! It takes guts to move around. Whether it be to a new city, state or even country, adjusting to a brand new place can be difficult. Don’t worry though, this guide should help you navigate through the nitty-gritty of every city and make your new home, feel like home.
Get to know your new place
Before you even begin packing your things to move, open up your laptop and do some research. Open up maps and explore your soon to be neighborhood. Look for locally-owned shops, bookstores, coffee shops and trendy spots that people frequently visit. Usually, locally owned businesses tend to understand the culture of the city better than any corporation that decides to locate there.
Consider joining a Facebook group. Let’s say you’re moving to Scranton, Pennsylvania, a town well known for its paper company. You can join the Scranton Facebook group and see what events are happening. Most events have Facebook pages or events that you can browse before going, so you can make sure it actually appeals to your interests.
If Facebook isn’t your thing, try apps like Nextdoor, which connects you with your neighbors without actually having to show up to their house with a plate of cookies. Alternatively, use the “Explore” function on Instagram, which uses your location to show you curated posts.
Making friends
Now that you’ve moved to this new city and are in all these Facebook and Nextdoor groups, it’s time to start making friends. Once you’re settled, consider joining more specific groups that pertain to your interests. If you’re an avid knitter of hats for cats moving to Seattle, a knitting Facebook group in the city would probably be great for you to join. Once you begin chatting with your fellow knitting friends, try to plan to meet up, make plans and always say yes.
If you’re not so much a knitting person, try hiking, gaming or reading. There’s groups and forums for everything. Most local businesses also have bulletin boards with upcoming community events-- attend one of those! Maybe step out of your comfort zone a bit and try something new, you may end up finding someone just like yourself.
Figuring out a commute
You got the friends figured out and a whole calendar packed with events, but how do you get there? This should be part of your initial research as well. Look through city groups and forums and see how most people are getting around. If you’re moving to a major city, they likely have public transportation that would be far more convenient and affordable than a car.
Otherwise, look for homes near wherever you’ll be most frequently. If you know you’ll be spending a lot of time in an office, try to find a space near that. Or if you plan to work out of home and operate a small business, find a spot with the supplies you would need nearby.
Just remember, it’s OK to get a little lost, but keep your phone charged and invest in a portable charger — Google and Apple Maps will be your best friends.
Moving to a new place can be intimidating, but with a few helpful apps in your phone and a “yes” attitude to every new opportunity, this new spot will start to feel just like home.
