10 Tips for Moving to a Big City
1. Don't Give Up
After I studied abroad in London in the Summer of 2012, I made it a dream, a goal, a mission, if you will, to get a job and move back. Searching for jobs/internships can be incredibly daunting and there may be times you want to give up. But remember, if you keep moving forward, have faith in yourself and continue to get your name out there - you WILL get something. Just DON'T GIVE UP.
2. No Guts, No Glory
I personally think it's really easy to have doubts about yourself, your abilities, and oftentimes you may call into question if you are doing the right thing or headed in the right direction. My mom has always told me "no guts, no glory," meaning - if you don't have the guts to do something, you'll never have the satisfaction of succeeding. If you want to move to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, LA, London, WHEREVER - GO FOR IT. In the simplest terms, do not be afraid of it not working out, rather, be excited and do everything you can to make it work out. Yes, it will be scary and challenging and it will test your limits - but that is what makes it exciting. Do not hold back. We are given a special chance in our 20's that we may never get again and that is the luxury of adventure. No strings attached. Live for the thrill of it.
3. Budget Yourself
Most young 20-somethings, myself included, are not personally "well off" in terms of money, which is OK because it's all part of the challenge and adventure of figuring it out. Moving to any big city is going to be expensive and it's important to budget your money before you go and whilst you're there. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can save up enough before you move to your big city and then find a job once you get there. Here's where practicality plays a role in the dreams that we have - Rent, Food, Travel expenses, the overall cost of moving, frivolous money to have fun with, deposits, etc... It all adds up and without a smart budget you will be moving back home quickly or not moving at all. When I was in London I had a very low paying internship and it was a very challenging situation. I didn't have time to save up before I left because I got the job so abruptly, but I went anyways, still had a blast and managed to figure it out. You will too.
4. Map Out Where To Live
It's great to have friends in the city you want to move to as you can stay with them while you are sorting out where to live and such. But for those of you who don't, it's important to map out where to live. Some key things to think of here are: proximity to transportation - the bus, the metro, the tube, etc. It's really nice to live within walking distance to transportation because it obviously makes it easier to explore the city and get to where you need to be! As always, live in as safe of an area as you can afford. Try to find an area with great restaurants, nightlife and a crowd your age. Try to choose a place that sparks your interest. I realize being on a budget, it is really hard to "choose" where to live, but if you can live somewhere with at least ONE thing you like, then it will be better in the long run until you can afford to live somewhere that has LOTS of aspects you like. You are probably going to have to have a roommate (or 5) and it will be crammed but that's ok! Check out www.spareroom.com - it's a great website to find roommates in London and New York. There are several other roommate websites floating around as well - just Google.
5. Branch Out
I think a big problem with 20-somethings that move to big cities is establishing close-knit relationships and making friends. It can be confusing because you most likely left a place where you had loads of friends, a nice social life and you were happy and you now are feeling lonely and bored because you obviously aren't going to go out alone. I have personally struggled with this and I was lucky to have made friends with the girls I worked with but it was hard to find friends outside of that. Utilize meet up groups and see if your college has an Alumni Association in the city you live in. Join an intramural group, volunteer at one of your favorite museums, check Facebook for any events going on in your city that you can attend just to meet some people. I know it sounds crazy and I have grappled with it too, but I really think it is worth it just to put yourself out there! Like I said before, No guts, No Glory!
6. Don't Compare Yourself to Others
Social Media is everything these days and it's really easy to see someone post a picture of themselves at party looking like they're having the most FABULOUS time, while you are new to a city, totally lonely, sitting in your flat or apartment on a Saturday night hating your life. OK that's a bit dramatic, but you get the gist. We've all been guilty of comparing ourselves to others and I think it's really important to keep an open mind when you move to a big city and create your own path. It all goes back to getting yourself out there. It can be terrifying putting yourself out there, but if you do you'll be the one posting super fun pictures of yourself and all your new gal pals on Facebook and Instagram and someone will be out there looking and hoping they're life will be as eventful as yours! So instead of comparing yourself, put yourself out there and create your own friendships and happenin' life.
7. Leave Early
If you live in a big city, you will almost always have to leave early to get ANYWHERE. Public transportation is the least reliable mode of getting places. When I lived in London, I had to leave an hour and a half ahead of time to get to work on time! For those of you that live in London or have been there, HELLO NORTHERN LINE! I would have to wait for at least three trains to go by until I could luckily squeeze my tiny self onto the edge of the train before the doors shut. PLEASE MIND THE CLOSING DOORS. Bottom line - give yourself extra time to get anywhere.
8. Explore
This could go without saying, but EXPLORE the city in which you live! It's funny, I know London better than I know Kansas City. I loved venturing out and finding the intricacies and charming hide outs in London. I would often explore the city alone and I found some of my favorite spots that way. Of course, it was always nice heading out with a friend - scouting out food markets, discovering a quirky festival or trying out a new and amazing restaurant. (If you are in London, visit the Villandry near the Great Portland Street Station - its the BEST)
9. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. Get out there and challenge yourself - every. single. day. Living in a big city, there will be plenty of opportunities for this. You will also meet new, vibrant and sometimes weird people, but keep an open mind! If your friends want to try a new club, or funky restaurant that is not your cup of tea, TRY IT anyways - you could end up having the night of your life. And if not, then you know for next time! Don't shy away from doing something adventurous because your nervous or scared or tired. Think about it this way: If you don't go out one night with all your friends because you're tired or not in the mood or it makes you anxious - whatever and all of your friends come back and tell you what a fab night they had - you're going to REGRET it! So get out there.
10. LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST!
Dream as big as you can. A lot of people tell me I have no sense of reality and to me that isn't true. I just dream big and want a lot of things. We only have one life to live and we are only young once. As we get older, get married, have kids our window of opportunity to explore the world gets smaller and smaller. Personally, your 20's are the years where you can be selfish, think about yourself, expand your horizons, live by the seat of your pants, find out who you are, and somewhat throw practicality out the window. Your 20's are the years you can move to a big city, be completely broke, but figure it out anyways all while having a blast. When I look back on my life, I don't want to say that I settled. I want to say that I lived an incredibly full life - a life full of unforgettable experiences, adventures, laughter, adversity, challenges and love. I encourage you all to find what it is you want to do in life and go after it with your whole heart. You won't regret it, I promise.
Cheers! Xxo













