1. New Beginning

Having moved to various cities and countries in the last 7 years, I have often found myself in new places, feeling a little lost, friendless and out of my depth.

Moving to the Caribbean may sound idyllic but like every new move you face different challenges and barriers to overcome. This is one of the many reasons living abroad is the most amazing, fulfilling and challenging experience we all are lucky enough to live.

Knowing how multicultural and connected our world has become, I hope the following pieces of advice will help all those embarking on their life changing journey.

This article is particularly concentrated on people moving to France (given my personal experiences) but can be adapted to any new city or country.

2. Practical Stuff

Accommodation

Personally I’d recommend not living alone. Flatmates can mean instant friends so spend a little time finding the right place with the right people (even if that means staying in a hostel for a little longer than you’d care for.)

A website I have frequently used whilst living in France is Leboncoin or if you’re moving to Paris, pap.fr is a good choice too.

A site for everything, from finding a flatmate to advertising private English lessons to buying second hand furniture.

The flatshare offers often suggest an ‘apero,’ (the French excuse to eat charcuterie and drink wine before dinner.) This is great, you get to visit the house but also meet the people and see what the dynamic could be.

Once you move in make the place your home. Photos, cards, plants, whatever it is, this is your safe haven. Creature comforts can be great when feeling a little homesick.

Phones

Get a local sim card as quickly as possible for 2 reasons:

1. When you start meeting people it’s much easier to give your phone number than facebook to organise meeting for coffee. Specially if you are running late or can’t find the restaurant. Being able to call is a godsend. (Plus google maps is a life saver!)
2. It’ll make you feel ‘closer’ to home. Having whatsapp, facetime etc, means you can easily get in touch with your family and friends.

Almost every country will offer a cheap sim card option. Free in France starts from as little as 2€ a month. GiffGaff in the UK also has some unbeatable prices.

Become a local as quickly as possible.

Banks

Take photocopies of EVERYTHING, from your work contract to your accommodation contract. You’ll be surprised at what the banks ‘need’ from you.

Don’t be shocked if you are forced also to sign hundreds of pages, that’s the French administration, you’ll get used to it!

3. Getting a life

Now that all the practical and boring stuff is done, there’s the essential part of making a life in the new city.

Eating and exploring alone can be amazing but personally I believe that life isn’t quite complete until you have a strong friendship group around you. When you are far from home these friends become your second family.

Learning the language

Try to jump head first into the local culture and language as quickly as possible. Check out these articles for top tips to language learning.

Learning the language will make you feel like an insider, the city will become more accessible and with locals as friends you’ll discover the best bars, markets, restaurants etc.

Travel

When you first arrive, walk everywhere! Get lost and find yourself again.

Best way to get your bearings and not feel like a stranger in your own city.

Get the local monthly travel card (Paris= Navigo.) It’ll save you lots of money and you can wizz pass all the lost looking tourists.

During the weekends explore the nearby area. If the trains are expensive there is always car share options. BlaBlaCar is a cheap and sociable way to get around.

Passions

Sport is a great way to meet new people and keep fit. Join a local group of football, basketball, running, etc.

Facebook is really useful for this. In the search bar add the sport/ activity and the city and you’ll nearly always find an option. (If not, why not start your own. I’m sure there will be others like you out there, missing their favourite sport from home. + some adventurous locals.)

(Small side note, most cities also have an expat group on Facebook.)

Use Google, lots of groups are listed. I found Boost Sentier this way, a local running group.

100 chatty Parisians are split into different speeds and distances, and jog together. Beautiful Paris sunset, 10 kms of exercise and a post-run social … it’s great!

Meet-up

Groups for hiking, yoga, wine tasting, concerts, book clubs, etc. Something for everyone.

At the Meetup groups there isn’t just a shared passion but a shared mentality. The people are open-minded and welcoming.

Groups meet regularly, it’s free, a lot of fun and an excellent way to make friends!

Defeating self-doubt & panic

I’m not going to lie. The first few weeks are by far the hardest. You will be tested and pushed to the limits but it is worth it, every time. Believe me when I say it gets much easier.

Although living abroad can be hard (a simple trip to the supermarket can be an adventure in itself), it will be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.

Don’t shy away from asking for help. The world is not against you.

Embrace being alone, remember that you are not lonely. Be assured that right now there are millions of other brave souls like you taking on the world, a new city at a time.

4. Just remember

Every day is a new start.

You are 100 x stronger than before.

You are ready to face any challenge.

What you are doing is incredible.

What’s great about moving abroad is you can re-invent yourself. Starting somewhere new is a chance to hit reset. Be the person you want to be.