Now I have always been an outgoing, happy and confident young woman who was sure of what she wanted in her career. Moving to London was a mechanism for long-term career growth (despite the pay cut from Australia) and presented the opportunity to travel more with many places being more accessible (We all know that Australia is so far away from EVERYTHING lol).
First, It is always going to be hard, no matter how keen you are, how prepared you are logistically or how resilient you are. But I didn’t realise just how hard and it took me a long time to feel even the slightest bit happy and settled. Some of the experiences I share below are related to London but they can be applied anywhere. Here are my top tips for moving to a foreign city for the first time:
Choose the right time for you.
Upon reflection I should have waited for more financial backing and greater weather (I went from an Aussie summer to London’s winter #welldoneAlly lol) but we all live and learn. Life is now and if you want to chase your dreams you make sh!# happen. Also if you feel you have chosen a good time, chances are not all your ducks will be in a row; and that is OK. You just make the best of things and it strengthens you.
Sort out paperwork in advance and have an adequate filing system
This could be a special folder with your visa documents, health insurance, Tax information, necessary addresses, numbers etc. It is best to keep this all in the one place as you will need to reference these items on various applications. I would also keep this safely in my luggage (and easily accessible) as you will likely need these items ‘at the other end’.
Allow Enough time to tie up loose ends before you leave !
Don’t leave in a chaotic frenzy! Might be good to finish work a week before you leave to feel organised and ready. I worked right up until the day before my departure. I then packed a few hours before leaving for the airport (not something I would advise when you plan to be gone for a few years and not sure of when you will return).
Give yourself time to find a house before you start work!!!
I made the decision to arrive in Europe before Christmas, store my big luggage and go backpacking for 2 weeks. I got back into London the night before work started. I ended up having to live in a hostel for almost 7 weeks while I got things sorted (at the same time as working full time—it was so intense and unpleasant to say the least).
Accept that you will have ups and downs
Welcome them as opportunities for personal growth—rent money stolen from my account (fraud), living in a horrendous hostel, lack of kitchen facilities, showering in the dark, crazy dorm mates, competitive real estate, expensive cost of living, ,broken phone screen, freezing miserable weather, the water killing my hair and causing breakouts on my face, being swamped with ‘upskilling’ to a new school system and teaching topics slightly out of my depth- these are just SOME of the initial challenges I faced. Trust in the process. It’s all a journey. Yes some of it will be crappy and you may feel on the verge of melting down…Have a good cry… talk it over with one of your friends, put on a smile and carry on…you can laugh about it later (and you will ) AND the payoffs on the other side are usually worth the wait—I am now able to take my newfound skills and experience to other school systems around the world and gain a very handsome pay rise, if I so desire 🙂
Keep in regular contact with loved ones
ahh the wonder of modern technology. This helps make the distance seem shorter. You will need the support and you want to be a part of their world still… and they, a part of yours.
Take the little victories when they come…
like go you…you singlehandedly navigated 3 suitcases (67 kg of luggage) on the tube…pat yourself on the back girl…OR you just carried your bag of clothes a kilometre while the rain destroyed the only paper map you had and found the laundromat—hi 5 yourself. It’s ok to be proud of little accomplishments and celebrate yourself…and they always make a great story too. My friends were always laughing (over FaceTime) at my crazy tales about the smallest things being difficult and how I dealt with them.
Following that…practice some good ol’ self love and treat yourself to something once a month…
Might be a massage, a trip to the nail salon or take yourself on a date to the theatre and indulge in a burger. Or if money is tight (very likely in London) go for a walk and get lost in one of beautiful parks around you. You could even take a packed lunch and a good book down beside the river and have some time to unplug and unwind. Whatever it is- schedule it in because YOU are #WORTHit
Seek opportunities to do what you love…
join a group, gym, learn a language, find that perfect pole dance studio. You will feel like you still have the lifestyle you want, are used to and love. You will also meet like minded friends this way. Ask people at work, do a quick google search for your area or even download one of the many apps that allow you to meet people with the same interests (for example: Meet UP).
Get connected in a church
This one was huge for me. I love being a part of a family in a welcoming place that will take me to new heights in my faith, with friendly people who can offer support if you are struggling. No matter where your faith lies or what your spiritual backing is, there is usually something to cater to everyone in a big global city. If it is not for you, then just stick with finding a group to fit your lifestyle from above.
Say yes even in the face of fear
Moving to the other side of the world is scary and you won’t always feel on top of the world and ready to conquer anything. Say yes anyway…to opportunities, new adventures, new friendships etc. One of my closest London friends I met in Starbucks when she asked to borrow my charger and we got chatting.
Feeling lonely (this will happen at times)
Don’t let it stop you from living your best life and being the best version of yourself you can be. Get out there and explore. Your life will not be enhanced in any way by staying home and shutting yourself away because you don’t know anyone to hang out with. If you are by yourself get a good travel guide or research top things to do in the area and do a new one each weekend.
Instead of complaining you are alone or have no peeps, Invite your colleagues out for a drink or dinner…
Most Londoners (especially if they are in your age bracket) are TOTALLY open to this and up for socialising on a school night. It will be a new bonding experience for you..May even contribute to inter office banter and they might even bring partners, flatmates and friends..also another way to meet new people.
It will take time to find your necessary services and you may need to trial a few before settling on one
Try Groupon site for cheap deals, word of mouth at work, read reviews and google search in your area. Sometimes further out of the city can be cheaper but then you need to factor in cost of transport to get there. I trialled a few beauty therapists before I found someone I was happy with and trusted them to wax and shape my eyebrows!
Look after your health and well being
Eat well and exercise….this I let slide a little initially and life does get in the way…but create a stable and healthy routine for yourself (makes a world of difference ). Also I recommend to take a good multivitamin…I didn’t and it was a miracle I didn’t get sick in the bitter cold and living in a hostel or sharehouse.
There you have it…all the important things I could think of when preparing for an overseas move and adjusting to life in your new city.
Have you ever moved to another country, or are you thinking about it ? I’d love to hear about your thoughts and experiences? Drop me a comment below!!!
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