There are few things that compare to the excitement of moving abroad. Nevertheless, it can be a daunting and stressful process, and whilst those moving abroad alone do not have the responsibilities of a spouse or family, they can be faced with other challenges. However if you are moving overseas by yourself there are certain steps that can be taken to ensure a smooth transition.

It goes without saying that you should thoroughly research your location before you consider moving. Try to visit your destination at different times throughout the year, in order to gain a more realistic picture of what living there would be like, for example summer resorts can become deserted during the winter months. When there, try to build up a picture of what your day to day life would be like, by conducting many of the routine activities such as visiting the local supermarkets and shops as this will help build a more accurate image of how your life overseas may be.

Making friends is often the prime concern of those moving alone, however there are various steps which can reduce the stress of finding new friendships. Expat Internet forums can provide a great wealth of information. By chatting to like-minded people, many of whom may have been in a similar situation, you can often ascertain useful advice and even develop friendships before you arrive in your destination.

It is also a good idea to research recreational activities in the local area. If you are a keen sports person (or perhaps just fancy your hand at trying something new) joining a local sports club or gym can be a great way of making new friends. If sport does not appeal to you there are plenty other ways to meet people, whether this be through volunteering for a local charity, attending events in your area or hosting coffee mornings or weekly book clubs. By continuing your existing hobbies in your new location you are likely to expand your social network and it can also be a great way to establish a sense of routine and familiarity in your new lifestyle.

One commonly overlooked factor in finding friendships can be your choice of neighbourhood. There are obviously a huge amount of factors that will influence your choice of new home, such as where you end up working or what your budget is. However, certain neighbourhoods may be better situated for singles, for example there may be limited opportunity to meet like-mined people if you live in a family neighbourhood. That said, given the importance of finding the right property for yourself, this should only be taken as one of many factors when deciding where to live.

If you are moving to a country where English is not the first language, it is advisable to enrol in a language course. Where possible try to build up some basic knowledge before you move, as it can be far easier to engage with people on arrival to your new country. Even if you can only say some basic greetings in the language, your effort is bound to be appreciated. Once you have arrived try to use your language skills in your new location, and if necessary improve on these skills by enrolling in a local course. Again, by doing so this can be a great way to meet others who may also be new to the area and looking for a friend.

Meeting people in a new place can be hard at first, but the best bit of advice is to be bold and take the initiative to strike up a conversation with people.