Best Tips for Newcomers

Six Settlement Strategies to help you overcome the common challenges of relocation

1. Find a friend
People of any age and background can make great friends. Most importantly, friends can answer questions and share stories with you. Meaningful reciprocal relationships lead to a good quality of life and are important to our well-being. Regardless of how long you plan to stay in your new location, make an effort to attend events where you will meet other people who share either a common interest or who have also moved.  In Melbourne and Sydney, you can attend the monthly Newcomers Network 'Welcome to Melbourne/Sydney' events.  Details at http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/events/index.php

2. Collect local information
The best source of information about the community you have just become a part of is your local council. To find a council, type in the following words into a search query

your state, your country, council (or municipal association), local government

In Australia, councils are also listed in the White Pages Business and Government telephone book.

Contact or visit the council and ask for a 'New Resident's Kit' or Community Information Booklet. These resources provide information on local activity groups and details of council services (like garbage collection).

You can also visit your nearest public library - many of which have computers with internet access available to the public and a lot of local information brochures. The State and National Government websites are usually useful portals to further information.

Familiarise yourself with local public transport options and make sure you have a printed copy of the free local telephone directories.

If you have moved within a country, update your details on the electoral role and let everyone know your new contact details. It is helpful to make a list of services you have used in your previous location and collect new information for your new location.  Check if you need medical insurance, ambulance cover, automobile membership, a new driver's license etc - they usually need to be arranged within three months of arrival.

3. Start new activities
Starting or continuing a hobby, sport or interest will help you meet people with similar interests in a non-threatening environment. These people will also be a great source of practical information, like where  you can find a good hairdresser! Listen to the local radio, read a free home-delivered local newspaper and some of the major daily newspapers.  Consider attending various events, exhibitions and a major sporting event.

4. Expect it to be challenging
A successful transition is largely dependent on your expectations - if you expect it to be challenging, you are less likely to find it difficult. Do not be surprised if settling in the new location takes longer than anticipated - even if you have only moved one suburb! New friends can share your joys and challenges and provide friendly advice and support. Your move has affected you, family that have moved with you and people from your previous location. Nurture distant relationships by using technology (email, sms, phone, Skype) and send photos so that they can 'see' you in your new location. It usually takes about three years to feel like a 'local.'

5. Develop new routines
By creating new routines, like visiting a new place every month, you will create memories and enjoy new experiences. Celebrate your new lifestyle by a regular restaurant dinner, a weekend trip to the beach, short vacations, group outings etc. Act like a 'tourist' and discover the local attractions. Invite your new friends to join you and you will soon create another extended family.  Be careful how much information you share with new work colleagues - it is good to have a mix of friends.

6. Be curious - ask questions
Most people are happy to answer questions and provide advice. No one expects you to know everything and it is a good way to start conversations with new people, particularly in Australia. Newcomers Network hosts two hour Newcomers Information Sessions (with a comprehensive booklet for you to take home). These are very affordable and can be booked online at
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/australia/melbourne/newcomers_information_sessions.php – Saturday morning or Wednesday evening.

First published: 31 October 2006

Sue Ellson BBus AIMM MAHRI
Founder
Newcomers Network
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/sueellson

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Previous content on this page:

best tips

The five best tips we can give you are:

• find a friend
• contact your local council and other local information sources
• start a new hobby, interest or activity or restart an old one
• expect it to be challenging
• develop new rituals and ask questions

Find a friend

A friend will help you realise that you are not alone and there will be at least one other face in Melbourne that you recognise.  This person does not have to be your friend for the next 20 years or be as good as your previous friends were, they just need to be someone that you can talk to or ask questions.

We would suggest that you do not choose someone you work with because some of the issues you discuss with them may affect your opportunities for promotion in the future. You can meet potential friends at your local shopping precinct, in a park, church or sporting club, next door (yes - it is up to you to introduce yourself to your neighbours) - in fact anywhere that people gather. If you would like to form a longer term relationship, look for people who have also moved - they will know how you feel and will make time for you. You may also like to read our article on the one cup of coffee syndrome by Sue or adapting to a new culture by Ray.

Contact your local council and other local information sources

If you ring your local council, you can request a 'new resident's' or 'community' information pack. This is an excellent starting point for anything from a local sporting club to what night to put the rubbish bin out the front. Once you understand what happens around your own neighbourhood, you will feel much more comfortable moving out and about.

All Victorian councils are listed on the Municipal Association of Victoria website and in the front pages of the White Pages Telephone Book. Whether you are renting, purchasing your property or working in the area, you still have access to the services provided by the local council to local residents. You may also like to visit your local library or Citizen's Advice Bureau or Community Information Centre (find your local one by visiting Community Information Victoria Inc (CIVic)). Read the first few pages of your Local Yellow Pages Directory for other great local information

Start something new

Now that you do not know many people in your local area, starting a new hobby, interest or activity (or finding a new outlet for your old interest), will help you meet people in a non-threatening environment. These people are also great sources of current information (like who is a good hairdresser etc).  By starting something new in the local area you will meet more locals - people that you can ask to recommend you to a good doctor, dentist, vet, supermarket etc. This is another great source of friends with similar interests too. Think of the time you will save if you don't have to drive across town all the time!

Make sure you find a doctor you like (before you get sick) and know where the nearest hospital or 24 hour emergency service is.  Also locate a dentist, a vet (if you have pets) and any additional specialists you have used in your previous location.

Join the Metropolitan Ambulance Service (unless you have an appropriate government card) and if you have a car and you are not a mechanic, it is worth joining the RACV.

Make sure you update your details on the Electoral Role and notify Australia Post to redirect your mail (if moving within Australia).  You may also like to take out relevant health, car, and home insurance.

Familiarise yourself with the local public transport options and make sure that you have a copy of the White Pages Telephone Book, Yellow Pages Telephone Book. These are free publications that should be in your new home - if not go here to secure your copies. Visit your local library - they have a wealth of information.

Watch out for your free copy of the local paper and if you are interested in learning more about Melbourne, try listening to ABC 774AM radio or reading the major daily newspapers - The Age and The Herald Sun.

And if you would like to learn some other ways to get involved or participate, the Together We Do Better website has some great resources, links and information.

Expect it to be challenging

There are many other tips and advice on this website.  Whether you had a good or bad impression on your arrival, it appears that a successful transition to a new location is largely dependent on your expectations - if you expect it to be challenging, you are less likely to find it difficult. Finding someone to talk to (about anything) is a really helpful strategy.

This is also the hardest part for newcomers. Many people find moving stressful or challenging - for themselves, their loved ones and the people that they may have 'left behind.' Do not be surprised if you find it difficult - even if you have only moved one suburb!

Develop new rituals and ask questions

There are many wonderful opportunities to enjoy new experiences in your local area. Create weekly or monthly occasions and celebrate your new lifestyle.

We would also suggest that you just ask questions! Most people are happy to provide answers or advice - they just don't like receiving it!!.

Welcome to Melbourne once again - and if you need some more specific advice, please contact us.