This week marks the FIVE-YEAR anniversary of me moving to London to attend college and work at MIND in Camden – which honestly, to date, is still one of the most amazing opportunities I have been blessed with. This has inspired me to write a blog post on tips and stories from when I moved abroad. Hope you all enjoy!
I believe it’s important for everyone to move someplace other than where they grow up, even if it’s just for a few months. In my opinion, you will grow and learn so much more about yourself as an individual. When I moved to London I was regretting my decision at first, but by the end of it I extended by stay by an additional 2 months until they stamped my passport basically telling me I had to leave the country.
Some tips:
VISA – Okay, this was super frustrating for me. If you’re a very organized person who is also great at reading and following rules it should be easy for you tho. There are several types of VISA’s student and work ones I am guessing will be the most applicable to my readers. I believe I was on a tier-4 student VISA in London. Make sure you pay attention to when your VISA expires so that, unlike me, you don’t overstay your welcome and basically be FORCED to return to the United States…. lol. oops.
HOMESICKNESS – So this was a big one for me for the first week living abroad. I am primarily Greek and Italian so I am SUPER close with my family. Moving to another continent was more than frightening. I remember calling my sister the minute I moved into my Flat and crying. It’s okay to miss your loved ones! Facetime them, text, skype whatever – but do NOT let it consume you! You are doing something incredible and that so many people wish they had the opportunity to do, don’t waste it. Go out, explore, meet new friends. If you like doing something in your hometown, like going to museums or books stores or the park, do that in your new city! I definitely recommend trying to make some friends, that’s how I took my mind off of the homesickness.
CULTURE SHOCK – So my first 24 hours consisted of one of the worst hangovers I have had (and that’s saying a lot because I am the queen of those) accompanied by extreme anxiety and culture shock! (yay) No, but seriously, being hungover in a brand new country that drives on the opposite side of the road will really freak you out. I had to go to my room and take a nap just to come back out into the real world and deal with it all. My biggest suggestions for when it’s all feeling “too much” is to take a nap or a shower. I know that sounds stupid but it helps me. Also having somewhat of a “safe space” to retreat to is a big help – be it your bedroom, a hotel, a friend’s place, or even just a quiet cafe or park. The only thing I could say really helps with culture shock is time. You will adapt and get used to it just try being open-minded and patient.
WHAT DO I PACK? Less is more – I know you’re probably freaking out that you need to bring every single thing with you but you can almost always buy something you forget. If you have limited space forget the pillows, sheets, towels, whatever. You can usually get them someplace pretty cheap. Pack things that you NEED, and items related to the weather that you will be living in. Don’t be ridiculous, just be smart about what you pack.
MEETING NEW PPL: Okay this is where you need to be even more brave than you have already been. I am a strangely shy person until I get to know at least one person – so attempt to meet at least one person that can take you out and introduce you to other new friends! Just enjoy yourself, keep an open mind and put yourself out there 🙂
Runaway Blond 