First off, you just graduated college! That deserves a huge congratulations. And you’ve packed up, moved to a big city, and scored your first job. This is an exciting and important time in your life. But, it’s also extremely nerve-wracking and stressful. 

 Moving in order to pursue a career dream is so brave, but you can easily find yourself slipping into feeling lonely. That’s what this guide is for. If you’re ready to beat the new city blues, read on. 

1. Get Around Town

The easiest way to survive and thrive in your new city is to get moving. Walk, drive, bike, whatever gets you up and off the couch exploring. It doesn’t matter how big or small the place you moved is; there’s something to discover in every neighborhood

Give yourself a couple days to just wander around your new home. Peek into stores, boutiques, and shops you find interesting. Maybe look up a good lunch or dinner place to make your way to as you take everything in. This way you get an amazing meal as youscope out the town. 

2. Keep Your Place Clean 

Nothing makes anxiety worse than a mess. While it is important to be out and about to adjust to a new city, you need to make sure your home base is solid as well. New apartments come with so many unexpected problems that you’d never expect. 

You’ll want to have your landlord’s number on speed dial for any serious issues, but mostly just keeping it organized and clean will be enough.This Pest Survival Guide will come in handy if you encounter unexpected visitors in your new apartment. 

3. Say Yes to Everything, Within Reason

Within reason is the key phrase. Don’t overstrain yourself or put yourself into uncomfortable situations just to make friends quickly. That can easily lead to people taking advantage of you. But, there are plenty of things that you can say yes to that won’t lead to bad situations. 

If your co-workers invited you out for brunch next Saturday, say yes. If a cute person approaches you and asks to go out with you, trust your gutand say yes. Maybe a friend of a friend lives in the same city and wants to connect. Say yes. 

4. Remember to Connect with Family and Friends Back Home

While you’re away, building your own community and growing, it’s essential that you check in with family or friends. Check in on those you want to maintain relationships with. It doesn’t have to be every day, every minute, or every second. It could be once bi-weekly. Just give yourself enough time to keep the old connections alive. 

Plus, keeping up with family and friends from your hometown is a great opportunity to share your experiences. You can tell them all your wild adventures and also reflect on how far you’ve come since you moved. 

5. Mistakes are Okay

If you make a mistake, it’s okay. That’s a part of life. Everyone constantly makes mistakes and learnstheir lesson. You’ll mess things up as a renter, you’ll mess things up at work, you’ll mess things up with friends. It’s how you handle it that matters. Be honest with your feelings and always remember to apologize if you’ve messed up. 

You just have to keep moving forward and try your best. 

Rule Your City

Moving is a fun, exciting, nauseating, exhilarating, and weird experience. Make the most of it and get out there. You’re bound to fall, but just pick up where you left off and it’ll be okay.