Moving countries is hard. There’s no mistake about that. I moved from Auckland to Sydney in 2025 to study ballet, and it was the hardest thing I ever did. But it was also absolutely the best thing that I ever did- the amount that you learn from solo travel is completely mind blowing. I learnt about myself, my faith, my dreams, who I am- it was crazy. Along the way I gathered a few things that really helped me when I moved- some of these things I did, and some I wish I did. I hope you find this helpful, and please know that although it is hard and can be scary, it is fully possible, and you can do it.

• First of all, make sure that you prepare as much as you can before you go. Make sure you will have somewhere sable to live, and you’ll be able to get around- whether that is knowing how to get an Uber or taxi, or having the right card to use public transport. Make sure you know all the details for your study, or have researched potential jobs, the qualifications you need, and the best way to get them.

• Once you’ve settled in a little, try to make your space your own. That could be anything that works for you- I made photo wall with my family and friends and special memories from my life, that I loved looking at when I was lonely. I put up my favourite artwork from home, and grew plants on my deck. It made my house, that was far away from my home where I had grown up my whole life, feel like a special and cosy place.

• Invest in making friends- this is so important, probably the most important thing. You have the opportunity to meet amazing new people, so please grab that opportunity with both hands. I know it’s scary, I know you might feel insecure, but honestly most people I have met travelling are lovely, and you don’t have to be perfect to be liked by new people, they aren’t either. I made some great friends at my ballet school, and it really helped to organise activities on the weekend, so we could explore the city and hang out. I also made great friends at my church connect group- which I highly recommend- a good connect group can be a life saver when you are in a new city or country. Put effort into quality friendships- these are the people you are building your new life with, and often the friends you make while travelling are friends for life.

• Take time to explore your new city. This is a great thing to do with friends both who are new to the city too, and ones who have lived there all their life. Find places you love, whether it is museums, markets, walks, cafes, beaches or malls. This is really exciting, especially if you love travelling, but also helps with homesickness, because you are creating new memories that are precious in your new home. If you don’t know where to start, ask people who live there, or just do a quick google of your city or town and top things to do.

• Create new traditions. This goes hand in hand with exploring, but can also be little things that you do every day to fill up your cup. It could be the cafe you go to every week for coffee and Bible study, alone or with a friend, the supermarket you shop at, the route you run, your favourite walk, a weekly movie at home. Create things that you enjoy and work for you, that help you to enjoy your new life, and make a sense of stability in your life, especially with the stress and upheaval of moving.

• Don’t cut off the friendships you have back home. There is a balance between investing in new friendships, and still keeping the ones you have back home, because in the end, they are the people you grew up with, and often your family, which is very precious. I would recommend making intentional time each week to talk to close family and friends back home, and maybe also choosing a friend you don’t know quite as well each week to message and check up on and encourage. Friendships can actually become stronger over distance if you give them room to grow!

• Find things about your new place you love. It may be hard, you may be homesick, you may be tired and overwhelmed at times, but I can guarantee you that there are amazing blessings that are in your life, if you only look for them. Try to look out for those things every day, and thank God for them. I also kept a weekly journal of things I was grateful for, and that was really helpful. Remember, in a new place you have no one who sees you a certain way, so you can start fresh with who you are if you want to.

And in the end, God will open the doors to the things He is in, and He will order your steps. This could be the beginning of something amazing, or it could be a beautiful season that will eventually come to an end. Make sure you are seeking God for the things He wants you to do, and so much growth will come out of your move.

I hope it goes well!

~Hannah xo