It's been a 3 years now sice I have moved to London for my university. Can't believe that it has been so fast these years and almost finishing another part of my life. However, I would like to dedicate this post on giving you some tips on how to settle down when moving for a first time away from a family. Either to different city or country, the same mind set and checklist counts.

Throughout the way, many people have asked me whether I missed my family, whether I am homesick, whether it was hard at the beginning to come over here alone etc etc.
But to be fair, moving to London wasn't my first time when I have to move away from my family. I have moved from Brno to Prague, at the age of 15. Only me and my sister. I remember those days when it wasn't nice to leave all my friends and family there, but I do not regret that change at all. It is 2.5h from city to the other one, so it was easy way to come back home or them visiting me often.
At the age of 19 I have moved to London. That was even a bigger step. Moving into another country and further away again from my family and friends. The thing is, that everybody after graduation from high school is going to different path. Different countries, cities and universities. As well as when I move here to London, I had couple of friends already over here, so I wasn't that alone. As well as I know what I am going into, so it would not be such a shock as moving into a place that I have no idea how it could be.
Thus this little list of important things should guide you through a first step into new chapter of your life.

1. Clean up and make yourself like at home
Start cleaning and re-decorating your flat to make yourself comfortable and like at home. Put your favourite books, pictures, souveniers out on the shelf and do not forgot on important daily things, as you are now living on your own and who will take care of basic stuff such as grocery, cleaning stuff, utilities etc. All the basic and important things have to be ready and done soon.

2. Bank, GP, Library and other institutions
Join and sign up for to your local doctor, bank, library etc. As soon as you get these basics thing that you will need throughout your stay there, the best.

3. Join some new activities
Take a challenge and challenge yourself. Join the gym, societies, clubs, events, workshops, language lessons etc. It will broaden your mind, view and give you a chance to meet new people.

4. Keep your expenses report
Believe me or not, but it can get so out of control as you live by yourself. It is not good to find yourself broke soon. Therefore keep a report on what you are spending and evaluate it in every month to see what is an average and give yourself a budget and monitor it.

5. Discover your local area
I am sure it is not a first time being in the new city or town, that you have to actually visited before so you are more likely familiar with what you are going into. But discover more deeply into your local area where do you live. Discover little corners that tourists might not have been there. Cafes, bookshops, markets etc.

6. Be insured.
No comments needed no? As well as know whom to contact when there's an emergency.

7. Socialise and explore
Learn about the new culture, meet new local people, explore hidden parts of the city and enjoy yourself in a new environment.



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