Moving to a new city or town can be a very stressful period in a person’s life. It may coincide with a new job, perhaps starting school or even a new relationship. When you first arrive, there is that time period where you need to get used to your new surroundings, learn where the basics are, figure out the best way to get around and, of course, it would be nice to meet some new friends. That’s a whole lot to embrace and attempt all at once, which is exactly why it can feel a bit overwhelming.
If you have recently moved to Birmingham, then the good news for you is that it is known for its welcoming vibe. The city in is located in the West Midlands and just so happens to be the second largest city in the UK. It is approximately 177kms northwest of London, so it’s definitely a jaunt but can still be reached via rail and road. It features both commercial and industrial area in the city and is known for being a cultural centre. What this means for you is that it’s got a bit of everything.
In order to help you adjust a little smoother, and start to realise all that the city has to offer, you’ll want to check out this list of nine indispensable tips and pieces of advice meant for newcomers to the city like yourself.
Tip One: Meet Up with People You Know in the City
It can feel rather scary and lonely arriving in a new city if you have moved all on your own, which is why it can be helpful to meet up with any friends or family you may have located there. You can have them show you a couple of their favourite hang-outs and hidden spots, and then you also have the opportunity to ask them about Birmingham in general.
Obviously, having that friend or two will help you adjust, but at the same time, you don’t want to rely too heavily on them. This is your opportunity to branch out and meet new people.
Tip Two: Go Ahead and Be a Tourist for those First Few Days
Sure you aren’t a tourist in Birmingham, you are now a resident, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy those first few days in the shoes of a tourist. This is actually a great way to start to familiarise yourself with your surroundings, and it gives you a chance to appreciate what the city has to offer.
Some of the sights and activities you may want to check out include a visit to the Symphony Hall, the National Sea Life Centre, St. Philip’s Cathedral, Cannon Hill Park, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses and, of course, sampling the nightlife.
Tip Three: Travelling to the Airport
At some point, you may choose to go on holiday abroad and travel by air, which means you will be flying out of Birmingham Airport. The airport sees more than 12 million people flying through it each and every year, and a large number of destinations are served, so it tends to stay pretty busy.
One factor that newcomers don’t often think about is what they plan to do with their car when they arrive at the airport. Rather than driving around aimlessly trying to find a parking spot, and watching the precious time on the clock tick away, you may want to think about using birminghamparking.com which provides you with access to the Birmingham Airport car park 7, 5, 2, 3, and 1. What’s great about this service is that you can book a spot in advance so that you are guaranteed a place, and at a great rate. The gate prices are pretty hefty, so this is a great way to save time and money.
The company also offers meet and greet, park and ride, and drop and go services. It’s all about making your trip to the airport as worry-free as possible.
Tip Four: Enjoy Birmingham’s Top-Rated Food Scene
Did you know that just last year Birmingham was chosen as one of the premiere food destinations in all of the UK by Booking.com? That’s right, your new city of residence has quite the reputation in terms of dining, which means you’ve got a whole lot of cuisine to get out there and enjoy.
The city is home to a whopping five Michelin starred restaurants, which include Carters of Moseley, Adams, Turners, Simpsons, and Purnell’s, and it doesn’t stop there. Not only does it have a wide array of restaurants in all price points and featuring a vast selection of cuisine, but its street food scene is also well-known.
Tip Five: Make Use of the Public Transportation System
The great thing about living in Birmingham is that residents don’t have to own a car in order to get around the city. This is a city that is easily accessible by bus, metro, taxi, train, bicycle, canal, vehicle hire, and foot. What’s fun is that each method of transportation also opens up new pockets and views of the city that you can experience.
Tip Six: Do a Mock Run-Through of Your Work Commute
If you already have a job secured in Birmingham, then it’s also a good idea to do a mock run-through of your commute to and from the workplace before you actually get started. This can take a lot of stress out of your first day on the job, and it can help ensure that you don’t end up being late. If you’re having problems figuring out the best route, perhaps you can contact your boss and ask for some advice.
Tip Seven: Unpack as Much as Possible
You want to feel comfortable and at home in your new city as quickly as possible. Much of that will have to do with familiarising yourself with the surroundings, but there is also the fact that the sooner you unpack your belongings and get your place set up, the more at home you will feel. Perhaps you can set a daily goal for yourself where you will plan to unpack “X” amount of boxes each day. Getting your new place organised and set up will also make it possible for you to entertain that much sooner.
Tip Eight: Say Yes to Invitations You May Usually Pass Up On
The final tip is to step outside your comfort zone a little and start saying yes to invitations you may normally say no to. Putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences in Birmingham is a great way to start to fit in and build your own network of friends. Yes, it can feel intimidating to try new things, but at the same time, the results can be well worth it.
Making the Absolute Most of Your New City
By following these tips you’ll find that your big move to Birmingham can be a lot smoother, feature much less stress, and really open your mind and eyes to all kinds of wonderful new experiences. It’s all about embracing your new city and learning as much as possible about it.