Temporary move/ how long to adjust to new city

[phetaroi]

I have to admit that I don't quite get this thread. But I guess it's just me. When I have moved to a new place I was always excited to get out there and explore.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by Her

Hi All,

I just moved from the west coast to the east coast for graduate school and I'm having such a hard time adjusting.

It's only a year long program, and I was initially so excited, but I'm homesick all the time.

I've only been in my new city a total of a week and haven't even started school yet, but it's so overwhelming. I didn't have any family back west, but I don't have any close family here either...and now I don't know a soul. Trains and subways are so overwhelming, as is living without a car. As this is a temporary move, I only have the bare minimum in my apartment, but I feel so out of place.

How long does it usually take to adjust to a new place? If I'm this sad only a week in, will it just get worse?
How can I make it feel more like home? I'm just counting down the days until I graduate already.

Once school starts your days will have a schedule and organization to them. That will help you feel more adjusted. You'll also be meeting people in classes, and busy with school work, which will fill up your days even more.

Right now, you're just kind of in a limbo situation, waiting for the program to begin. It's normal to feel a little out of sorts in a situation like that. Plus, the holidays are a tough time to be away from home in general.

So, just hang in there. Call friends/family and chat when you feel lonely, but don't hibernate. Look for ways to add a bit of routine to your new situation. For example, find a coffee shop or cafe that you like and make a point of going there several times a week to sit and have something to drink and eat. Soon enough, you'll be feeling much better once the program gets going and you'll likely be too busy to be homesick.

[Her]

Thank you so much for your response! I've been studying the train/subway maps, but hanging them up is a great idea! I've checked off the items like grocery stores and coffee, so now I feel like I can start exploring more. I'm learning to navigate my way around the city, and I'm trying to make it a point to venture out somewhere new every couple of days at least - even if it's just a new block. It's been interesting --- especially being a pedestrian and finding that a sidewalk ends!

I added a plant to the apartment, which actually makes it feel more like home. I'm going to be taking your last bit of advice. I do have a lot to be grateful for. Thank you for that reminder. Thanks again for all replies. Happy Holidays!

I'm finally starting to feel a little more settled, and am actually excited for school now!

[Southlander]

I think it takes at least a year to decide whether or not you like a place.