Newcomer in Town Swiftly Adapts to the Surroundings
By Christina Pichler, September 23, 2021
Moving to a new city as a student can be an exciting yet intimidating experience. To help you adapt quickly and make the most of your student life, focus on four key areas: making friends, exploring, networking, and balancing life. Here are practical tips and strategies for each:
### 1. Making Friends
Joining clubs, societies, or sports teams at your university or in the local community is an excellent way to connect with people over shared interests or hobbies. Attend orientation weeks and social events organized by your school to meet peers and get introduced to campus life. Engage with neighbors and peers by being friendly and approachable, whether in hallways or online through building social media groups. Consider volunteering or taking up part-time jobs to meet different people and practice social skills.
### 2. Exploring Your New Environment
Start by locating essential spots such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transportation, then branch out to cafes, markets, events, local landmarks, and cultural activities to get a feel for the city's vibe. Create a list of must-see places or experiences to keep motivated and curious, whether museums, festivals, or signature local activities. Signing up for walking tours or city tours can be a fun way to learn about your new neighborhood and meet other newcomers.
### 3. Networking
Participate in university events, workshops, and professional clubs to meet people and expand your social network. Use apps and online platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite to find local hobby groups or professional gatherings. These structured social settings promote friendships with less pressure as you bond over activities rather than forced conversations.
### 4. Balancing Life
Establishing a daily routine that balances academics, social activities, and self-care is crucial for success. Set alarms to maintain consistent waking times, plan study blocks, and allow time for meals and relaxation. Incorporate a social element into your schedule by joining clubs or sports to prevent isolation and maintain a healthy mental state along with academic success.
In addition to these tips, networking events can be found in big cities, such as meetups of a course of study, co-working events, or after-work drinks. Networking is also possible online through networking apps like Bumble BFF, which is designed for making friends. The Austrian Student Union (ÖH) offers opportunities to get involved in many different ways, such as education, international activities, or press and public relations.
For student housing inquiries, contact Gemeinnützige Studentenwohnbau AG. Universities often have events for first-year students to help them familiarize themselves with the campus and people. By combining curiosity about your surroundings, proactively engaging in social and extracurricular activities, and creating a balanced routine, you can adapt quickly and enjoy your new student life to the fullest.
- To create a comfortable and personalized home-and-garden space within your student accommodation, consider adding decorations and plants that reflect your culture or hobbies, as this can help make your new environment feel more like home.
- As you explore your new city, pay attention to home improvement stores and shops that sell items for home-and-garden projects, as you may find DIY opportunities to personalize your living space or even earn a few extra dollars by offering your services to neighbors and peers.
