Last Updated on January 11, 2025
Moving to a new city in a new country takes courage, determination, and character strength.
If you have made it this far in your planning process – that is good news! It means you have the courage part of the equation, which is more than enough to get you started.
The thing about new cities in new countries is that to fit in well, you must understand that country and what makes it and its people tick.
Below are nine ways for expats to thrive in a new city in 2025:
9 Ways to Thrive in a New City
1 Learn The Language
Learning the local language will do wonders for your expat experience.
Being able to converse will make it easier to engage with your new community. Although English is practically worldwide, trying to learn the local language shows respect for the country and the culture.
Start with basic phrases and expand your vocabulary with apps and online courses. Many countries have tutors available if learning on your own is not a strength. They can also help with pronunciation and accent development.
2 Stay Connected
As weird as it sounds, adjusting to life as an expat is easier if you stay connected with your family and friends back home.
That way, you will not miss them too much and be tempted to throw in the towel. The internet has made staying connected as easy as pie, so there are no excuses.
3 Start A New Hobby
Starting a new hobby is always a good idea, especially when you have just moved to a new city as an expat. The term expat has been used a few times throughout this article.
What is an expat? It is a term short for expatriate, and it refers to someone who lives in a foreign country outside of where they were born or hold citizenship.
Expatriates move for many reasons, such as following a partner, seeking a new adventure, or even something as simple as being drawn by the opportunity to experience a different culture.
Expats who start new hobbies are almost always more likely to feel at home faster than those who stay cooped up in their new homes.
4 Immerse Yourself In The Culture
Adapting to new cultures can be a challenge, but it is so worthwhile when living in a new city as an expat.
The best part is that the only thing you need to do is keep an open mind.
Culture is important in many ways, mostly because it defines who we are and what matters most. Culture is experienced through food, social etiquette, music, and behavior.
Be patient and willing to learn from different perspectives – they will grant you a better expat experience.
5 Stay Fit
Letting your health slip while adjusting to expat life happens, but it is crucial not to skip routines.
As an expat, protecting your physical and mental health must be a priority. Stay fit and healthy by establishing a routine that includes a balanced diet, enough sleep, and exercise.
6 Try New Things
If you find yourself in a rut in your new city, take a step back to gain some perspective.
Remember why you moved in the first place. Often one of the main reasons that people leave their home countries in search of somewhere else to call home is simple – they want to experience new things.
Get out and get busy!
7 Explore The Outdoors
Unless you have relocated to the North Pole, there will be something that you can do in the great outdoors.
Canada has rafting, France has Museums, Spain has festivals, and Italy is so rich in culture and history that exploring every inch of it will take years.
The only way to experience the world is to be in it. Remember that.
8 Socialize More
Socializing is a great way to make new friends and form love interests, and if those are not two of the best ways to make you feel alive, who knows what might.
That does not mean you must go out every night, but balance work with a healthy social schedule.
9 Build Your Network
Adapting to new cultures can be a challenge, but it is so worthwhile when living in a new city as an expat.
The best part is that the only thing you need to do is keep an open mind.
Culture is valuable in multiple ways. It defines who we are and what matters most. Culture is celebrated through food, social etiquette, music, beliefs, and behavior.
Be patient and willing to learn from different perspectives – it will grant you a better expat experience all around.
To End
Follow the above nine tips, and you find yourself adjusting to your new city in just a few months. If it takes a little longer, do not be too hard on yourself – it will happen.
One day, you will wake up feeling more at home than you ever expected thought possible.
