Moving to a new country is a daunting prospect that should not be taken lightly. Moving away from family and friends, especially if you're moving alone, can feel so lonely and overwhelming that you may find yourself not wanting to leave your apartment and beginning to doubt the wisdom of your decision. But don't worry, many people experience these feelings when faced with such a major change. It's only natural to feel out of place, but there are ways to help you manage this situation to reduce those feelings of anxiety and get you in the mindset of finding out everything there is to know about your new Paris home.
Learn the language and make friends
When moving to Paris, learning to speak French is one of the best things you can do. While many locals know the basics of English, especially in the capital, which is an international hub, if you venture outside the city, you'll miss out on even more ways to communicate. By spending time learning your own basic French, especially with a few handy phrases to relay your current level of proficiency to avoid being overtaken by a fluent French speaker, you will find it much easier to converse with others. In addition, it will help you make new friends who can help you learn the language much more naturally.
Choose an apartment near public transportation
Deciding where to live in a city is a very important decision and Paris is no exception. The city is made up of many different neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere and characteristics. Some are quiet and off the beaten path, others are bustling tourist centers, and still others are particularly unwelcoming and unsafe.
When looking for a place to rent in Paris, you should first make sure that the neighborhood is pleasant to live in, and then make sure that you are close to some of the best transportation in
Paris. The metro is a great way to get to many parts of the capital in just a few minutes.
There are also excellent bus connections. Alternatively, you can get a bike to enjoy one of the world's most user-friendly cities.
Know where to walk and where to avoid
When venturing into the city, it's good to know exactly which areas you shouldn't venture into. Some areas of Paris are actually quite dangerous, just like any other big city, and you don't want to walk around looking lost. It's worth getting to know every neighborhood or arrondissement in the city to make sure you take the safest route possible.
Stay informed about what's going on in your neighbourhood
One way to feel closer to your new home is to keep up with local news and politics. If you're not particularly inclined to keep up with this sort of thing, it's still worth a try, as knowing why a particular protest is taking place or why a certain road is closed will help you stay informed and adaptable, and also give you a better sense of belonging.