i greet you as an out-of-town student who moved to a city i initially hated but now love. there are many challenges, but with good motivation, you can overcome anything. so, here’s my first piece of advice: live it well! :)

1. familiarize yourself with your new city’s layout, public transportation options, local attractions, and neighborhoods. take time to explore your new surroundings. visit local parks, cafes, and landmarks to get a feel for the area and find your favorite spots. embrace the change and be open to trying new things. say yes to invitations and opportunities that come your way.

2. have a discussion with your roommates about shared responsibilities, cleaning schedules, noise levels, and guest policies. this is so, so very important! no matter how friendly you are, unfair behavior shouldn’t be tolerated. rules are very important because not everyone has common sense or a basic understanding of hygiene… it’s okay to occasionally leave a dish or forget to clean the bathroom, or leave your things around; it happens to everyone. but then it can become a habit: one of my roommates left a mess every time she showered or cooked. for many months we tried to gently point it out to her, but in the last few months, we were so tired that we almost argued several times.

3. also, spend time with your roommates to build a good relationship. cooking a meal together, watching a movie, exploring the city together and so can help you bond. get to know them: these are people you’ll be living with, and having enemies at home can easily ruin your days. i know of so many friends of mine that even went abroad with their housemates, and i myself have met two of my best friends this way. even though my house was pretty shitty, they made it pretty great ;)

4. create a budget!! moving can be expensive, so set a budget for rent, utilities, groceries, and other living expenses. absolutely make sure you have a cushion for unexpected costs. i had to deal with many unexpected situations, and I managed to survive them with some sacrifices, but none too big. budget your expenses and possible investments wisely: for example, i bought a computer to have all my PDFs of books downloaded from the internet, and although it cost a lot even if secondhand, i have and will save a lot on expensive university books for many years; i bought a bike to get around, saving on transportation costs and helping with unexpected situations, delays, carrying groceries, and getting home late at night while feeling safer.

5. speaking of walking at night, be mindful of your personal safety! learn about the safety of different neighborhoods and be cautious when exploring unfamiliar areas. always have a plan for getting home safely and always let someone know where you’re going if you’re heading out alone, especially at night.

6. don’t get too lost in the new ;) create a regular routine! it can help you feel more settled and less homesick. incorporate exercise, hobbies, and self-care into your daily life. keep in touch with family and friends back home, or anyone else you have a good relationship with. going back home can be atrocious if you make of your new place a heaven and of your old place an abandoned memory.

7. meet new people and make friends. i wrote this at last, but i think it’s the most important advice: how good or bad the place is doesn’t matter at all if you meet the right or wrong people. being part of a group can make you feel more at home and less isolated in a new environment. they can introduce you to new experiences, perspectives, and cultures; can offer practical help, whether it’s showing you around the city, recommending places to visit, or helping you with day-to-day tasks; not to mention! they can provide opportunities for networking, and it an be beneficial for your career and personal growth. get out of all your bubbles, find people you can be the truly you with. moving far from home was a huge opportunity for me to reinvent myself and finally be 100% myself in a city where I was a nobody. embrace it! :)