For many people, fall marks big life changes, like moving to a new city alone, starting college, and making friends in a new city. If you’re moving to a new city this fall post-grad or moving to a new place for college, you probably have a lot of questions you’re asking yourself: How can I make friends? Where can I get my hair done? And most importantly, how can I make this new environment work for me?
These are all questions I asked myself when I was a college freshman in 2020, and I absolutely adore the college I am at. However, I am a bit envious of people who are moving into college or a new city now because they have their new virtual BFF, big sister, and relatable queen, Kristi Howard, to look to for advice.
If you don’t know who Kristi Howard is, you’re about to meet your new favorite TikToker. She is your go-to girl on social media for relatable content, hauls, and cat content. She also knows a thing or two about moving to a new city, as she moved to Nashville all by herself, without even visiting the city before moving there.
I spoke to Howard about her move to Nashville and what advice she has for people moving to a new city, how to take care of your mental health in the process, and how to find your favorite spots.
Facebook groups are your friends, and they can help you make them.
Howard’s biggest piece of advice on making friends and discovering your new home is using social media. “I used social media, primarily TikTok, for everything,” she says. “I documented my whole moving process on social media, and I talked about how there is a lot to do in Nashville, but I’m a homebody, so I didn’t know if I would do much.”
Turns out, using social media proved to be Howard’s most valuable tool when it came to meeting new people. “People would reach out to my videos talking about Nashville and say things like ‘Hi, I just saw your video and I know you don’t like to do anything but I don’t either. I won’t take this the wrong way but if you’d ever want to meet up, I’d love to.’ I would be like ‘You’re speaking my language now!’”
Even if you’re a homebody and don’t like to do much, friendships are vital to one’s well-being and function in life. Howard did not know anybody when she moved to Nashville, so in addition to posting about her move on social media, she also joined online groups that connected her to other people who lived in Nashville. “I joined a Facebook group called ‘Nashville Girls Group’ or something like that,” Howard says. “It’s the same vibe as a college Facebook page. It was a great way to network and meet people. It was also helpful for finding places to get your hair or nails done or restaurants!”
Social media can help you out in so many ways. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are such great ways to make friends, find things to do near you, and create an online community! If you’re looking for the most convenient way to meet new people, social media is your BFF.
Everybody is going through something, so why not talk about it?
People commonly say, “Everybody is going through something” in regards to mental health, financial situations, friendships, and more. And let me tell you, it’s always true. “Freshman year of college, I went across the country to Arizona. It was a risk, but it was something I felt I kind of had to do,” Howard says. “I learned a lot about myself in my first year of college and I don’t have any regrets.”
So, when you’re moving to a new city alone, remember that you’re not alone in your feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Chances are someone else has felt the exact same thing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or particularly upset during your move, remember that help is available. “A lot of people are going through similar issues,” Howard says. “Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and stay true to yourself.”
Trust your gut.
Making the decision to move to a new city all alone shows a lot of confidence, determination, and trust in your character and senses. If moving to a new city is something that’s in your future, Howard has some advice on trusting your gut and making that leap. “I got to a point in my life where I felt stuck — everything was the same,” Howard tells Her Campus. “It was 2020, I was doing school online, and bartending. I thought, ‘If not now, when?’”
Howard has also always been independent, so she felt confident moving to a new environment on her own. However, remember that these decisions aren’t permanent, and if it doesn’t work out — that’s totally OK! “I didn’t really care where I went geographically, I just wanted to get out and into a new environment,” says Howard. “And I thought, ‘If Nashville doesn’t work out, I always have home.’ But, I love Nashville!”
The phrase “trust your gut” is one that you’re probably sick of hearing your parents say. But, if Howard is telling you to do it, you gotta do it. Think of this advice in a different light, like it’s coming from your BFF or big sister.
If you find yourself in the mood for a change of scenery or if you’re relocating for school, you’re secure with this great advice from Kristi Howard. Stay true to yourself and utilize your resources!