Moving to a New City? Tips for Adjusting to a New Lifestyle

moving-to-a-new-city

Moving to a new city is a significant life event. It is full of excitement and new possibilities. No matter which city you are moving to—whether you are moving to a new city for work, education, family, or personal reasons—your move can be both exciting and distressing.

For most of us, relocating to a new city often means adapting to different cultures, traditions, new social circles, and unfamiliar surroundings. From varying languages, climates, and food to getting familiar with the new environment—there are many things that you need to consider when moving to a new city. Needless to say, you must make yourself prepared for that to ensure a smooth transition to a new lifestyle.

I have moved from one city to another several times in my life. I have lived in cities like Hyderabad, Patna, Delhi, and Ghaziabad. Having moved several times in my life, I find myself good enough to write about “Adjusting to a New Lifestyle When Moving to a New City”. In this blog post, I will share some practical tips based on my experience of moving from one city to another. I am confident enough that our tips will help you adjust to a new lifestyle in your new city. Also, these tips will allow you to embrace your new environment and settle in comfortably.

1. Research the City Before You Move

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The first and foremost thing that you should do before moving to a new city in India is to do the necessary research. It is vitally important because each city in India has its unique culture, climate, and social customs. For example, residents of Delhi can find difficulties in living in Bangalore because of varying changes in food, language, culture, and climate. If you do the necessary research on your new city before moving there, you may not have to encounter a culture shock.

Here is how you can research the new city before your move.

Understand the Culture

India is a diverse country in terms of culture and geography as well. Due to this, each city in the country has its own flavor, culture, and tradition. Whether you move to Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Chandigarh, or Ahmedabad—understanding local cultures, traditions, languages, and festivals will help you mingle better with the new community. For instance, if you are moving from Delhi to Bangalore, learning English and Kannada along with getting familiar with local customs will make your transition smooth.

Research Cost of Living

The cost of living is another important aspect of moving to a new city that you need to take into account beforehand. This is because the cost of living can vary significantly from one city to another. For example, if you are moving from Patna to one of the metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore—your living cost will surely increase. You can notice significant increases in terms of rent, travel, and food. So, it is better to research the cost of living in a new city you are moving to beforehand. If you do this and compare your new city with your current city, you can balance your budget accordingly and make a better decision.

Explore Job Opportunities

If you want to move to a new city for a job, it is essential to research your new city’s job market as much as you can. If you have not decided on your new city, consider job markets in various cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. Also, consider other aspects of various cities like the cost of living so that you can manage your lifestyle there comfortably. Even with a job waiting for you in a new city, researching the job markets of that city is essential. Having some idea about what landscape awaits you there can be helpful if you need to switch jobs or begin freelancing.

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Learn About Local Amenities

Last but not least, you also need to learn about local amenities available in your city beforehand. Research on local facilities and amenities like schools, hospitals, grocery stores, chemists, malls, shopping centers, and parks. If you do this beforehand, it will be relatively easier to settle upon arrival in the new city.

2. Find the Right Accommodation

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When moving from Patna to Hyderabad, I had no idea about where to live. I thought I would rent a home after arrival there. Unfortunately, I could not find the right home and I had to live in a hotel for 5 days. That costed me a significant amount of money. That was a huge mistake made by me as it was not only a monetary loss but also a stressful event.

My point is that you should not commit the same mistakes. Even you should not leave it for the last minutes before your move. This can again be a hassle and headache. So, find the right accommodation before you move to your new city. This will make your transition smoother and give you an ample amount of time to do other things without delay.

Here is how you can find the right accommodation before you move to a new city.

Choose the Right Neighborhood

Another mistake I made when moving to Hyderabad was getting accommodation in a locality more than 25 kms away from my workplace. Since I had already made the big mistake of not finding accommodation beforehand, I had to choose a faraway locality in urgency. Because I could not bear the cost of living in a hotel for more days. My point is that you should not commit the same mistakes. While choosing your locality, consider factors like proximity to your workplace, public transportation, and local amenities. Just remember that every city has its distinct neighborhoods, and each caters to different lifestyles. Choose the one that suits your budget and lifestyle.

Explore Different Housing Options

While choosing the right neighborhood is important, exploring different housing options is equally important. Fortunately, I was not wrong here when moving to Hyderabad. I was able to manage a good house within my budget. You can also find a good house or accommodation option by exploring and researching different housing options.

Apartments, independent houses, and shared accommodation are popular options for accommodations that you can choose from. Decide on an accommodation option based on your budget and preferences.

Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and budget as well. If you cannot find your new house yourself, use the platforms like MagicBricks and 99acres. These portals have listings of rental homes and can help you select the right housing option before your move.

Familiarize Yourself with Rent Agreements

It is one of the most important things that you need to understand before choosing a new house in a new city. There can be several things in a rent agreement that you must be familiar with beforehand. Terms, conditions, deposit amounts, lock-in periods, and notice periods for vacating are key elements of rent agreements in India. If you understand these things beforehand you can make better decisions on choosing the right accommodation before moving to a new city. This will also protect you from disputes with landlords if they do not abide by the agreement terms. So, make sure to go through the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing it.

Consider PGs or Co-living Spaces

If you are single and moving for a job to a city like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Gurgaon, or Bangalore—you can avoid renting a flat or apartment to save money. Instead, you can consider living in PGs and Co-living spaces. These are actually shared accommodation options and hence can be cheaper than renting a complete apartment or flat. The major benefit of living in PGs or Co-living spaces is that they are well-furnished and equipped with amenities like food, laundry, and Wi-Fi.

3. Research Public Transportation

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One of the first challenges you will face is figuring out how to get around your new city. There are many modes of transport available in the cities of India. Some of which are more reliable than others depending on location.

Here are considerations you need to take into account.

Use Local Transport Apps

Currently, I am living in Vaishali which is a neighborhood in Ghaziabad. My workplace is in Mayur Vihar, Delhi. The distance between my residence and office is around 10 kms. Usually, I use my bike to travel to my office. However, I sometimes use travel apps like Uber, Ola, and Rapido in some special cases. These apps are easy to use, and anyone can use them to book cabs and bike rides. I am talking about these travel apps because they can be very helpful in the city where you are moving to. You can use these apps to commute from one place to another like home to office or office to home. In addition, you can also use the Google Maps app that will help you navigate the local routes and public transport like buses and metros.

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Explore the Metro Systems

Since I am living in Delhi NCR, I can firmly say that the metro is the most convenient and cheapest mode of transport. For example, a cab costs around Rs. 500 to reach Gurgaon from Vaishali (Ghaziabad). On the other hand, the price of the metro ticket from Vaishali Metro to Huda City Center (Gurgaon) Metro is only Rs. 60.  My point is that you should also consider metro systems in your new city if metros are available there. Cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Noida, Gurgaon, and Nagpur have well-established metro systems.

Get Familiar with Local Transport Options

For most Indian cities, the common transport available are auto-rickshaws and buses. Although they cannot be as predictable as the metro or cab, you may need them sometimes. Also, they can be cheaper than cabs. In some cities, you will find prepaid auto-rickshaw services or shared autos as a good means for daily commutes. Needless to say, I, sometimes, used a shared auto-rickshaw from my office in Mayur Vihar (Delhi) to reach my home in Vaishali (Ghaziabad) and vice versa.

Consider Buying a Vehicle

If you are moving to a new city, you can also consider buying a car or a bike. This can be an excellent idea if the public transportation in your new city is not reliable and efficient. Or, you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle. Just ensure to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules and parking situations. It is essential because traffic conditions can differ greatly from city to city.

4. Embrace the Local Cuisine

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One of the greatest pleasures of relocating to a new city is experiencing its culinary delights. India is known for its tremendous diversity in food culture. Each city has its own gastronomic experience. Adjusting to the local cuisine can be a fun way to immerse yourself in the new lifestyle.

Here is what you can do to embrace the local cuisine of your new city.

Try Local Specialties

Many cities in India are known for their special dishes. Whether it is Chole Bhature in Delhi, Vada Pav in Mumbai, Masala Dosa in Bangalore, or Biryani in Hyderabad—try the local dishes your new city is famous for. Food is an excellent way to connect with the local culture and people.

Adapt Your Cooking to Local Ingredients

As you settle in your new city, you will soon realize that the availability of certain ingredients may vary from your previous city. For example, the ingredients used in South India are different from North India. You may find it difficult to find the ingredients you were using in North India. Therefore, it is better to try and adapt your cooking style using more locally available ingredients like oil, vegetables, and spices.

Explore Local Markets

Most Indian cities have busy local markets from where you can fresh produce, grocery items, and street foods. Exploring these markets will help you understand the local food culture and have interactions with locals.

Stay Healthy

Moving to a new city can sometimes lead to digestive issues. It usually happens your body is not used to the intake of different food habits in the new place. One thing you can do to minimize the chances of such experiences is to stay hydrated. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables along with plenty of liquid materials. Also, eat neatly and maintain a balanced diet so that you can keep yourself fit and healthy during the transition period.

5. Build a Social Circle

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One of the most painful things about moving to a new city is that you leave your friends and social network behind. Yet, there remains a hard truth: developing new relationships is both vital to your mental health and to relate better to your new city.

Here is what you can do.

Join Local Clubs or Groups

Most Indian cities have groups, clubs, or societies based on common interests like fitness, arts, music, or spirituality. Gyms, yoga centers, libraries, book clubs, society parks, music & dance academies, and cafes are ideal places where you can meet and find like-minded people. Join a group of your interest and gradually build a social circle.

Use Social Media and Networking Platforms

Social media and networking platforms like Facebook and Meetup can help you meet new people and strengthen your social circle. These platforms have groups of different interests that often organize events, meetups, and activities. Join a group of your interest and participate in events, meetups, and activities organized by the group. This will help you in networking and meeting new people.

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Attend Local Events and Festivals

Indian cities are known for their vibrant festivals and events like Durga Puja in Kolkata and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai. Also, some cities organize special events on different occasions. Participate in local celebrations. This will help you meet new people and make some new friends.

Stay Connected with Old Friends

You must try to build some new relationships in your new city for an easy and hassle-free transition. However, staying in touch with old friends and family can be good for your emotional well-being during the transition. Periodic telephone calls, video chats, and even visits are meaningful enough to bridge the gap until you settle fully into your new city.

6. Manage Homesickness

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When I moved to Delhi from my hometown in Bihar, I suffered from homesickness for almost three months. I missed my family members and old friends a lot. Thus, I can understand that homesickness is a natural occurrence. However, there are certain ways that can help you cope with homesickness.

Here are what you can do to deal with such feelings.

Personalize Your Space

One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to make your new home feel comfortable and familiar. Decorate your space with items that remind you of your home. You can do this with family photos, favorite artwork, or familiar furnishings.

Establish a Routine

Establishing a daily routine can give you a sense of normalcy and structure. Whether it is a morning walk, a daily cup of chai or coffee, or weekend grocery shopping—small routines can make your new city feel more like home.

Explore the City

Make an effort to explore different parts of your new city. Visit museums, parks, cafes, and historical sites. The more familiar you become with your surroundings, the more comfortable you will feel in your new environment.

7. Navigate Language Barriers

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India is a multilingual country. Different languages are spoken in different cities/states in the country. For example, you may encounter Malayalam in Kerala, Marathi in Maharashtra, Kannada in Karnataka, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, and Telugu in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Some urban locations like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi are also known for English-speaking people. Thus, it is common to encounter a language barrier when moving to a new city or state. However, you can deal with such issues in certain ways.

Here are what you can do to navigate language barriers.

Learn Basic Phrases

If the local language is different from your old city, learn some basic phrases for how to greet someone, ask for directions, and order food or purchase groceries in the local language. You can also join coaching classes to learn the local language. For example, when moving to Bangalore, learning English and Kannada can be very helpful.

Use Language Apps and YouTube Videos

Learning the local language used in your new city can be a great help for you. There are several apps that can help you learn languages like English and regional languages. Additionally, you can also learn English and local languages through YouTube videos. There are several YouTube channels that offer tutorial videos for learning English and regional languages like Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu.

Be Patient

Language barriers can be frustrating. But it is more important to remain patient with yourself and others. Most people appreciate the effort, even if you do not speak the language fluently, and they will often go out of their way to help.

A Quick Recap of Tips for Adjusting to a New Lifestyle

  • Research the city before moving to. This will help you understand the new city’s culture, cost of living, and local amenities.
  • Find the right accommodation. Do this based on your lifestyle, proximity to work, and budget.
  • Understand public transportation or consider buying your own vehicle for convenience.
  • Savor the local cuisine to get a taste of the city’s unique flavor. Also, maintain a healthy diet.
  • Build a social circle. Join clubs, attend local events, and use of social media platforms like Facebook and Meetup.
  • Manage homesickness. Personalize your space, establish routines, and stay connected with old friends and family.
  • Tackle language barriers with patience. Use language learning apps, and learn basic phrases in the local language.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new city offers the opportunity to reinvent yourself, meet new people, and discover new passions. The transition may take time, but by preparing ahead and being proactive in adjusting to your new lifestyle, you will soon feel at home. So, pack your bags with optimism, leave behind your fears, and take the leap – your new adventure awaits!

rabish-kumar-writer

A copywriter, blogger, content strategist by profession, and an information junkie by heart. I have a penchant for reading, researching, writing, and anything related to creating persuasive content. For me, writing is something that ignites my creativity and helps in keeping me on cloud nine. I have been working in the content writing domain since 2006. Be it blogging or copywriting, I create better content that fuels conversations and skyrockets search traffic.

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