Saying goodbye to friends and family and starting a new life… alone. An international move on your own can bring you some loneliness and homesickness – but we tell you how to overcome it! Friends and family will be a bit sad, but certainly envying you for having taken this big decision – leaving Russia and moving abroad, alone. Having the courage to move alone on your own and starting a new life in another country is a first step for a successful relocation. But not the only one! To make the most of your live abroad right from the scratch, follow our tips! Socialize and spend time outside home Keep your previous interests and hobbies or alternatively take up something you’ve always wanted to do. If an opportunity comes up to meet new people, throw yourself in it- you never know who you will meet or what you will take from it. Volunteering is also a good way of getting to know other people – and learn more about your community! Become familiar with your surroundings One of the first things to do is becoming familiar with your new neighbourhood. You can do this by googling what’s nearby or alternatively you could ask the locals. Using the “I just moved here” line will work wonders for approaching the friendly locals you will meet. You may find out a few places to visit that you never would have thought of before. Your comfort zone will soon widen once you have taken the time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Suddenly the once scary and intimidating new city will be filled with your new favourite places. Don’t compare, but appreciate differences and diversity An important thing that you need to keep in mind and to accept is that when you relocate no living environment is going to be the same and it may take you time to adjust. But if you treat your old home as somewhere separate you can really throw yourself into your new adventure in a new country. Experience tourist life Take some time for yourself to explore and appreciate your new city. Grab a guide book and discover some of the local cultural spots. Or take a look at Crown’s destination guides for some inspiration. To understand the local culture is to appreciate the history that you now call home. Just try – you have nothing to lose Even if it doesn’t turn into a long term living situation you will find that giving your all into this new challenge will be a great learning experience. It will show you how determined and strong you can be. Do not forget that it is going to take time and patience to settle in and make lasting friendships. But if you continue to put yourself out there and give it your best shot then your new city will surely feel like home in no time.