Don’t Move Abroad Until You Do These 5 Things

So, you’re moving abroad all on your own?

This can be an exciting time and a life-changing experience, but it also can – and will – often be very stressful and overwhelming.

Although you will learn a lot along the way, a bit of planning ahead before your move can drastically improve your experience in your new city abroad. And it will make your transition into your new life much, much smoother.

I moved abroad alone back in August 2019, when I moved from my college town of Phoenix, Arizona to 5,550 miles away to Paris, France. When I was planning my move, I didn’t find many resources on what to do or things to know before you move to a foreign country, and for the most part I had to figure it out on my own.

I have since learned SO MANY HACKS that have made my life 1000x easier since living abroad, that I wish I would’ve known before and have compiled them all in a list for you.

So, if you wanna make the best out of your move, do these 5 things before you move abroad alone.

5 Things to Do Before Moving Abroad Alone

1. Build a support network

You will make friends while being abroad– but it’s not immediate. 

Come to terms with the fact that you may be alone sometimes or end up not having any plans for the weekend in the beginning. It will take a while before you have made friends or a support network in your new city, and that’s okay.

Make an effort to build up a support network ahead of time, prior to your move. Social media is your best friend when it comes to this:

Find groups on Facebook for expats in your city, look for interest groups online for activities in your area (yoga classes, running clubs, language exchanges, etc).

Put yourself in the best position to be able to meet new people in your area and surround yourself with like-minded people who can make your transition into a new city much smoother. 

2. Get practical help

Try to get help ahead of time with things like bank account, renting an apartment, getting a phone account, and finding a job. 

Some countries administrative tasks are easier to navigate than others, so it’s important to compile a list of the steps you need to take to get all these things done, to ensure that you have no issues doing so once you arrive. 

Be sure to give yourself time to settle into your new area before having to start work or school. There’s nothing worse than having to navigate a new job in a new city while simultaneously trying to find your way around, speak the language, and learn the customs of the country– all at the same time. 

Give yourself a little time to learn how to get around, who to contact if you have a problem with your apartment or an issue at work, get to know your surroundings: locate the grocery stores, department stores, and anything else you may need during your time in your new country.

3. Learn how to stay safe

It is extremely important to always be vigilant and know how to stay safe when traveling, but it is especially important when moving to a foreign country alone. 

Do as much research on your area as possible prior to your move:

• What neighborhoods should you stay away from? 
• Is it safe to walk alone? 
• Is it safe to take the subway or should you take a cab when you’re coming home at night? 
• What are some common scams in your area that you should be aware of?

Learn all the local emergency numbers– know the numbers for the police (both emergency and non-emergency), ambulance, fire, and local hospital emergency department. 

Talk to other women in your town, especially single women, and find out their thoughts on the area:

How safe do they feel where they live?

What are some things to be aware of?

Doing all these things will you in the best possible position to stay safe, and allow you to be as prepared as possible in the event that something bad happens.

4. Have a self-care routine

Moving anywhere can be stressful, but moving abroad alone can be extremely overwhelming at times- especially when alone. 

It is essential to have a self care plan in place BEFORE you move, so that you know how best to take care of yourself and your mental health when you need to (and trust me, you will need to!)

Brainstorm ahead of time and decide:

How will you manage stress? 

How will you make sure to eat healthy and exercise? 

How will you make time to do the things you need to do that help you feel your best?

Knowing these things ahead of time will help you to manage stress, and will allow you to have a solid self-care plan in place for those times when you need a little bit of TLC. 

5. Keep in Touch

It is more important than you may realize to keep in touch with your support network back home.

Make a plan or schedule beforehand if needed of how and when you will keep in contact – this will ensure that everyone can be up to date with your life, and you can keep up with the ongoings in your friend’s and family’s lives.

Don’t be ashamed to reach out to friends and family and ask for help when you need it, they are there to help you!