In my last post I discussed about Moving to the area. After moving and settling, it’s best to become familiar with it.
For me this step was a little different. I had already been in West Cumbria for my placement year, so I already spent time back then, to understand the highlights of everyday living. I also moved in a house in the same village that I was in placement year, so getting around and figuring my commute to work took didn’t take too much time for me. But I’d definitely recommend getting yourself familiar with the area, and here are some tips!
If it’s a small area, such as the individual villages of West Cumbria, and you can drive; then I’d recommend getting out there. If you can’t drive and/or you are in a city (of any size), then take advantage of the public transport. Either way, you get to explore the area and get the chance to become a little more comfortable with what’s around you, and the routes you can take.
When I started university, I was in a big city, and I used the buses to help me figure my way around. When I moved to West Cumbria for my placement, I looked at places where I could park my car in each town, and went there. It saved me walking in an unfamiliar place alone, and allowed me to explore with more freedom. Doing it over the weekend, in day light hours meant that I was out when a lot more people were out, which was very comforting, it’s even better if you can explore with someone else (especially if they are in the same situation as you when it comes to moving to the are to start a new job).
Taking advantage of socials organised by colleagues can help too. In my grad scheme we were encouraged to form a group- chat, and every once in a while, a social happens, which I use to learn more about the area. This could be bowling, drinking, beach barbecues, housewarming etc. They got me outside of my house. Whether it’s graduates, placement, or retirement do’s, what’s the harm in getting to socialise and explore the new area?
Take a little risk here and there, but SAFE risks. By safe risks I mean, try doing something different, so instead of going to the McDonald’s for lunch, try one of the local restaurants. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. One weekend I woke up and decided to walk alone, and I went into the wilderness, that was Dent Fell, in daylight hours of course. It all depends on your stages of development and how comfortable you feel. There is no need to rush yourself. I’ll admit, I only explored West Cumbria twice, the whole time I was on placement. I didn’t go anywhere other than work. But I have been in my grad role for 6 months now, and I have explored the area way more than I did in those 12 months. It’s your life, take it at your own pace.
My favourite thing to do in new areas, is just trying out places to eat. Now, West Cumbria is interesting. Not all seaside towns have seaside attractions such as fish and chip places, or an ice cream van on the beach. They have their beach, the attractive views and at least 1 place where you can get an alcoholic beverage with a hot meal. Most of the villages and towns seem to have this franchise business called Chattanooga. Now I had never heard of until I came here, but I do enjoy their BBQ base Chicken and Bacon pizza, and just how funny the name sounds. Whenever I have non-west Cumbrian visitors, I always convince them to try it, because I enjoy the face they make when I say the name, but also it’s affordable and still good food (until you ask for delivery which is a rob and really long, even though there is 1 franchise in each village).
What I have learnt for my time in West Cumbria, both from placement and grad scheme are: no matter how small, there is still night life events that happen in the larger towns (with train stations). Having a car and license is helpful, but the public services are helpful, just keep on top of the timetables. The views are glorious, the people are so friendly and welcoming. It’s huge so there is plenty more exploring to come.
Moral of my story:
- Familiarise yourself with the area– Use your free time to get around, locate the local amenities and get comfortable to your new home
- Socialise– Get out with those around you when you can, you can be introduced to new places and make new acquaintances.
- When you’re ready, take those leaps yourself– Exploring by yourself builds character, and gives you a new sense of freedom and independence
- Encourage having non-local guests– If you explore before they arrive, then you know what would be great for them to experience, and what they might not enjoy
