Moving to a new city is something everyone should try at least once. There’s no better way to explore somewhere undiscovered than immersing yourself into it long term. Especially when you have the freedom to work and live anywhere.
But aside from the excitement, relocating somewhere on your own can have its scary moments. It comes with having a new home, meeting new people and, if you’re heading abroad, living somewhere with a new currency, language and culture.
So if you’re after some advice for moving to a new city alone, you’re in the right place. Our local teams from our top European aparthotels are well versed in trying out a new destination, and have a bunch of tips to share with you to make the experience all the more fun and a little less lonely.
Stay somewhere homely
It can be tempting to fantasise about renting an apartment in the city and living a new life. But in reality, having your own place can be lonely. Especially in those first few months when you’re finding your feet. You also don’t want to get locked in to a longer rental before you discover your favourite neighbourhoods.
Instead, look at living somewhere that’s comfortable, sociable and flexible. Not to toot our own horn, but our aparthotels tick all three boxes. Our serviced apartments have all the home comforts you could need from top-notch kitchen gear to cosy beds. Plus the perks of hotel living, like weekly cleaning, because who wants to be doing that when they could be soaking up their new city.
The best part? Aside from the extra space to work, meet and eat, you can also stay as long as you like with discounts for extended stays. And with a team of local hosts in each property, there’s always someone to chat to, practise the local language with or ask for recommendations on where to hang out. Discover more benefits to staying in an aparthotel.
Study the local language
Daily Duolingo sessions are great for picking up a few helpful phrases. But if you want to do more than introduce yourself and order a glass of wine, you’ll need to put the time in.
Language exchange programmes and in-person classes are the best way to learn your city’s language. They’re also a great way to meet other people who might speak your mother tongue or are feeling a bit lonely too. Who knows, you might get a new friend and add a new language to your CV.
Hang out somewhere sociable
The best way to make moving to a new city alone more fun is to get out there and get social. Become a regular at your local coffee shop. Join the nearby gym. Get productive in a coworking space, or better yet, head somewhere that has all three.
At Locke, we have spaces for every moment. Whether you’re there to work out or work hard. Take a yoga class or take time out in the courtyard. And with community events and a local bar and restaurant in every aparthotel, you’ll be bound to meet like minded people.
Talk to strangers
We all grew up thinking strangers = danger. But we don’t live by that attitude here at Locke. Talking to locals and making connections is how we learn about new cultures, feel less alone and grow our friendship pool.
So next time you’re doing a gym sesh or grabbing a flat white, look for opportunities where a quick hello can turn into a longer conversation. Then all you’ve got to do is take the plunge and ask if they fancy meeting up. It might feel unnatural if you’re more introverted. But even the chattiest among us can get nervous, so take a chance and you might just gain a new pal.
Feel free to practise on our friendly hosts. They’re always up for a coffee and can share the best spots to meet new people.
Join local groups online and in person
Whenever someone says they need to make new friends, the best advice is to join local groups where you’ll be guaranteed to share a common interest. And the same goes no matter the city. Whether it’s cooking, pottery or your favourite sport, there’s always plenty of activities to choose from. If you’re not sure which to start with, try a local walking group as a great way to see parts of your new home.
As well as in person meets, online groups are super handy when you start living somewhere new. There are always tons of forums and Facebook communities for digital nomads looking for advice and local meetups. Search, sign up and introduce yourself to get talking.
Try before you ‘rent’
You might have visited your new home city, but until you live there, you won’t yet know the best places to stay. It’s therefore better to book in a short term rental that offers better flexibility before you choose a more permanent base.
When it comes to location, there’s a few things to consider. If you love being in the heart of the action, then staying in the city centre will be right up your street. But if you’re more of a suburbs kinda person, then the hustle and bustle might not be your vibe.
There’s pros and cons to either. Tourist-packed areas will have plenty of people and be full of things to do, but can be less affordable for long term living. Whereas quieter neighbourhoods often have lots of local hangouts and are popular with other nomads.
Our collection of aparthotels offer the best of both worlds. Located within easy reach of must-see sights, whilst being tucked away from the loud, late-night tourist scenes. They’re also super safe, perfect for your first few months whilst you find your feet in a new city.
Discover your next stay with Locke from our Lisbon hotel near Avenida da Liberdade, to the chic streets of the Latin Quarter (where our Paris aparthotel opens later this year).
Stay in touch with friends at home
Yes, making new friends IRL is important. But so is keeping in contact with your current group of pals. Despite the long distance, chatting with your loved ones will definitely make you feel less lonely. So send those voice notes or schedule a video call to make sure your friendships stay strong.
And if you’re really needing that human interaction, get your friends over to visit as soon as they can. Hosting someone in your new city will really boost your confidence. Especially when you show them your new fav bar and introduce them to any mates you’ve made.
Stay central and live flexibly when you come home to Locke.
Our locally inspired aparthotels are your place to sleep, eat, work and unwind. No matter how long you’re here for. Whether you’re moving to Berlin, Dublin or Zurich, there’s always plenty of opportunities to connect with locals and meet new people.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up and save on your next stay with Locke. We can’t wait to meet you.
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