The most helpful thing I did for my transition to a new city

Moving to a new city is hard.  Making friends as an adult is WAY hard.  These are things we as Student Affairs professionals are often doing as we navigate our careers.

However, there is one thing I did that has made this transition easier.  Instead of surviving my move, I find myself thriving.  What was it?  A blog.

This blog is not about higher education, or my job.  It actually has nothing to do with either of those things.  This blog is all about the best to eat, drink, and experience in Columbus, Ohio.

But let me back up a bit….

When I moved to Columbus, Ohio from Boise, Idaho I only knew a few people.  I had visited a couple of times, but the place was almost entirely unknown to me.  When I move to a brand new city, which I have done a few times, my go to is to EXPLORE.  Finding new restaurants, local shops, and the best things to do has always been somewhat of a hobby for me so that’s exactly what I did here.  I didn’t waste much time getting out there, and had a blast discovering all of the fun elements of my city.

Before long, I was getting asked by colleagues and friends about recommendations for what they should do over the weekend.  And often times, these questions were coming from folks who had lived in Columbus for quite some time, even people who were born and raised in town!

At that time, I was also looking to find a creative outlet outside of work.  Then it hit me: start a blog!  From there, I was buying a domain, getting a friend to design a logo, and writing up posts on the best to eat, drink, and experience in my city.  What I didn’t expect, was how much this new hobby would help me to engage in my community.  Because of my blog, I have met countless creatives in town.  Small business owners, other bloggers, photographers….you name it.  My world expanded in a matter of 6 months from just my husband and close Higher Education colleagues, to an entire city of people with interesting jobs, stories, and interests.  And because I feel a responsibility to continue posting on the blog, I am motivated to continue exploring and connecting.  It stretches me just past my comfort zone in the best way possible.  I’m so grateful.

I’d be lying if I said there weren’t any challenges, hurdles, or times of loneliness after a move.  But instead of thinking about it as something that is negative, look at it as an opportunity.  Being new to a city gives you the unique job of being your own tour guide.  Find the local coffee shops, attend the events in the park, invite someone in the community you admire to grab a drink.  Find local causes to serve for, network with community leaders and get on a board, use social media to widen your circle. 

Then maybe, just maybe, this new place will start to feel like home.

Mandi Cohen is currently the Financial Wellness Outreach Coordinator at The Ohio State University and also serves as the Social Media and Web Coordinator on the NASPA IV-E board.  She loves brunch, pour over coffee, queso, and all things on Bravo.  Find her on Twitter at @mandi_cohen.