This post is going to be specific to where I moved to. I want to give some detailed information about moving here, that the company didn’t cover when I moved for placement, and I wish I’d considered when came back for my graduate role.
So, I moved to West Cumbria for work and it’s a beautiful place. Let’s be honest, it’s part of the Lake District, so that title speaks for itself. It’s peaceful, the people are friendly and the company I work for pays me. What more can you need in a location?
Let me tell you what I think might have been helpful to know before I moved to start work.
Firstly, some people were aware of their managers, and were able to contact them. This helped them gauge on their location of work. Where I work there are several places where you can be based; so, depending on what kind of person you are and how you relate to commuting, that can influence your decision on where you end up living. So, it’s best to ask the coordinators who are handling your transition for that information, because they will know who your manager will be. They may take some time to respond, but wouldn’t you prefer to settle in a place where you are comfortable and makes your new working life less stressful, or do you prefer new situations to crash on you like an avalanche? Personally, I like the former, but instead I lived the latter. I ended up moving into a terribly managed house and my transition into adult working life was traumatic, to say the least. If I had been given my managers contact details, firstly I would have found out how amazing they were, and secondly, I would have moved to a place, which either had transport facilities to take me to my place of work, or let me walk there, rather than forcing me to drive every time I go in.
West Cumbria is rural. So, being able to drive is very handy when it comes to going on holidays, or day trips to basically anywhere. Even the Lake District. Don’t get me wrong, some towns have train stations, some have bus routes. But either way, it’s going to take you roughly an hour to get to the nearest motorway (M6) or an hour to get to a train station on the main line (Carlisle). However, since it’s rural, train and bus times can be less frequent than the city, so if you’re strapped for time having a car can be handy or just travel earlier.
However, just because it’s rural and somewhat isolated, it has beautiful views. Living here means you have access to nature right outside your front door. From my place I can see Dent Fell from my windows, and one day the sun was shining, and I decided ‘Why not? Let’s go’. It was a 2.5-hour round trip (excluding my 10-minute drive to the car park) and counted for my weekend fresh air and exercise. It was really refreshing. You can also invite friends (or fellow graduates/placement student), but I quite enjoy walking at my own pace and admiring the views by myself. It’s good for the soul (and your mental health). For that I’d recommend coming with an open mind to do more nature based activities and to get a pair of walking shoes/trainers, it can get quite muddy.
I wasn’t the kind of person who went out drinking at uni, but I have noticed the nightlife is unique and quite enjoyable. The towns are small, so staying out until 4 am is only for the bigger towns, but they can be lively. They are affordable too, but if the social aspect isn’t for you, then having a Tesco Clubcard can go a long way. However, Uber doesn’t exist here (and I don’t know if it ever will), but consider staying at a friends place who lives near the town you decide to go drinking in, because taxi’s aren’t very cheap when you’re paying per mile, and these towns (and villages) are well dispersed within West Cumbria.
Moral of my story:
- Ask your coordinators for your managers details- There is no harm in asking for those details, your manager can give you information about your work, which could help you settle into a new location.
- Plan your travels- Anywhere rural, you should plan ahead if you intend to use public transport, that can help when choosing a place to live too.
- Find a quality to admire of the area– If you find one it can help get you outside, and active, maybe social, but it will be something that will be good you. You know it!
- Explore socialising events– Really look at what google has to offer, and if you can get some information from the locals, to help you establish which location is best for you.
