These 10 points will help you with your new life when you move abroad. Trust me. They worked for me.
Find an apartment.
This point could be, and it would be better, if you think about it before moving. You know, it is always better to sleep in a comfortable bed than under a bridge. It would be easier if you don’t care about sharing an apartment. Remember to check our article about 6 Rules to Find the Perfect Roommate!
Find the closest supermarket.
Okay, you are in your new flat. Happy as a hipster with a Starbucks coupon. Your future seems beautiful until your stomach tells you that you need food. Locating the nearest supermarket is the key to survival in your new city. You have to remember, and you will remember, its hours, the location of each product and for sure almost the name of each employee. People who works with your future food have to be your friend.
Find the closest bar.
Like with the supermarket, a bar is one of the most important things you have to have close to your flat. In countries like Spain or Italy, this will not be a problem because I am sure you will have 50 bars around your flat but in other countries, like Finland, this can be difficult. The bar, especially the bartender, is your friend. He will be there with a cold beer in the good and bad moments. Choose your bar carefully.
Get to know the public transport.
Some people have a natural talent, an innate ability, to arrive in one city and after one week know how to move from one corner to another and don’t get lost. Others can get lost walking 300 meters. I am in-between. When I move to a new city I need a few weeks to understand the whole public transportation system. The best thing you can do is ask a local friend that is used to the chaos in the rush hours.
Locate the best party.
You are the master of your neighborhood. You know where your favourite bar is, the supermarket and you control the public transport. It is time for partying. If you are like me, your budget is not unlimited. That’s why finding the best happy hours and the best clubs/pubs is crucial. You will need some nights to define the best route for partying all night long and not die trying it.
The best place to eat.
As with drinks, food is quite important. New city, new restaurants to be found and tasted. You can search your new city on Yelp or Tripadvisor to check the comments of people. Trust me, it helps more than you might think… and more if we talk about price.
Get used to the cultural differences.
Each country is different. You can have lunch at 3pm in Spain, at 1pm in Germany and at 12pm in Finland. You have to get used to these tricky things. In Spain, when you meet someone it is usual to kiss two times. In Serbia it is three times. In Germany don’t even think about kissing them. Shaking hand is more than enough.
Bureaucracy.
Sounds boring because it actually is boring but it is quite important. When you move to a new country you should register in the appropriate office. Go prepared, it could take you long time…
Walk around the city.
This is the best way to know the city. Walk around it without any purpose, just to know it. You will find the best places just by walking and looking around, not using the metro or the bus. Also, it is a good idea to use a bike if the city is bike friendly. Don’t forget your camera!
Language
If you move to a country with a different language it is VERY important, for obvious reasons, to know the language. In your first weeks there you should start a language course. You know, just to be able to order a beer. AT LEAST A BEER. If not, you will not understand anything in your daily life.
If you can manage the ten points, congrats, you are completely involved in your new city!
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