If you’ve ever seen Jurassic Park, then you might remember the looks on the main characters’ faces when they first see dinosaurs. Without a doubt, I probably had the same exact expression when I first moved to Philadelphia for work. Since I grew up in a small town and went to college in a small city, the sheer advantage of city living was impressive. Of course, I quickly learned there were some certain downsides of city living, too.
That being said, I will never choose life in a small town over city living ever again. All it took was a little bit of experience and getting used to. If you’re new to city living, here are a few tips to make your life in an urban environment easier.
Avoid Awkwardness on the Street.
Remember in high school when you were rushing to class and you tried to go around someone, only to have them move the way you went? Then when you tried to go the other way, they did, too? The old “hallway shuffle” can be a nightmare for those of us who have social anxieties. Unfortunately, it’s a daily occurrence when city living. However, you can avoid the awkward exchange by avoiding eye contact.
You can also avoid more awkwardness by wearing headphones, which is a social cue for others that you’d like not to be disturbed. Also, be sure to stay to the right of stairs, too, just like if you were driving.
Make the Most Out of Your Apartment.
I’ve been living in a loft ever since I first moved, and while I can’t speak for all apartments in Philly, many of the Philadelphia apartment buildings I’ve found tended to have a rent that left my budget wanting, so you need to learn how to be resourceful when furnishing and decorating your place. Make hand me down furniture work or else repurpose it. Try painting rooms to make them feel new again. There’s a number of things you can do to make your apartment even better than it was before when you’re city living on a tight budget.
Pack Your Own Food.
Speaking of budgets, the wide array of delis, cafes, and street carts can be pretty tempting, but a few dollars here and there can start to add up. Instead of buying food on the go, it’s always cheaper (and usually more tasty) to pack your own.
These are just a few tips to help you adjust to life in the big city. If you have any questions, or any other city living tips, feel free to ask in the comments.
