How to Make Yourself Feel at Home in a New City

Whether you're starting a new job or beginning college or making some other life transition, moving to a new city requires a lot of time, patience, and energy. You're probably homesick and miss old friends and family. Maybe you're bored or, worse, scared about your newfound surroundings. Whatever the case, your move is at least semi-permanent, likely lasting at least six months to a year. With such a significant span of time to take into consideration, it's best to start adjusting as soon as possible. Make new friends and acquaintances, discover soon-to-be favorite hang-outs, and, overall, be sure that you're happy and comfortable outside of work or school. Here are some tips for making yourself at home in your new city, so get started:

See the sites: Every city has a history and that means that every city can claim some kind of novelty. Even if you don't live in New York, Chicago, Miami, or any other major city, there's something for you to check out. From monuments to visitors' centers to art galleries to famous restaurants to large libraries to theaters, it's your duty to find out what your city has to offer!

Join a club: Maybe you're into bird-watching or crocheting or mountain biking or digital photography. Regardless of your hobby, it's a good idea to join a club, not only to learn more about the subject but also to meet people with similar interests. Look up clubs and societies at local community centers, churches, high schools, studios, colleges, libraries, and other institutions, both public and private. Keep in mind that many clubs require a membership fee but don't let that deter you so long as the fee fits into your discretionary budget.

Look up all of the parks: Parks are wonderful because most of them are free. Bring your bike or just your legs for a good jog. Even if you're not an athletic person, you'll probably enjoy visiting a park for one reason or another. If you love nature, it's obvious that parks are wonderful places to admire plants and animals. Park benches are great places to read or work on crossword puzzles. You might also find parks with chess or checker boards set out for free use; sit down to a round with a stranger. Some parks give free concerts or other live performances.

Go shopping: Check out the malls, shopping centers, and free-standing stores in your area. Perhaps the more expansive malls aren't within your city but out in the suburbs. Try driving out there if you own a car so you can see what the area around the city is like. You might discover some other interesting places along the way. If you don't have much spending money right now, it's always fun to go browsing, anyway. At the very least, you'll get a little bit of exercise. Just leave your credit card at home!

Take a class: Pick up a new passion or rediscover a forgotten one. If you're not currently in college and have enough free time, it might be a good idea to sign up for a class at a community center, art studio, or community college. If you have a little less free time, consider a weekend workshop or one-time lectures instead. You'll not only learn something new but also possibly make a friend or two. As a student, you might also gain access to resources you wouldn't have otherwise. Even if you just audit a course at a community college, for instance, you'll get to use the school's library and probably their counseling services, as well. You might decide to join a college club or two, as well.

Attend church or other spiritual/religious services: Many churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues have some kind of social scene. Maybe the church has a regular bible study or throws potlucks and rummage sales every now and then. Most religious organizations also fundraise for or volunteer at local charities so if you're not too inclined to go to the actual church services, you might help out people or animals in need instead.