You got the news; you’re going to Atlanta. You’re packing and wondering, “What do I do”, “Where will I stay”. You’re excited but starting to feel overwhelmed.
You think “I don’t know anyone there”. The first step is to find a place to stay. Whether you're a traveling nurse, a corporate professional, part of a film crew or a student, you need a comfortable place to stay and to feel at home.
1. Just Because it is Temporary, It Doesn't Have to Feel Temporary
A comfortable place to stay can make all the difference in the world. You shouldn’t feel out of place. We here at Arbor Home Stay have travelled and know that being away from home doesn't mean you have to feel out of place.
If you have a comfortable place to stay, create a few familiar routines, and you are willing to explore your surroundings, you can quickly feel at home wherever your assignment takes you.
Because we understand that comfort matters, our fully furnished accommodations are designed to help traveling nurses, professionals, students, and film crews feel welcome and at home while you’re in Atlanta.
Because when you feel at home, you can focus on what brought you here in the first place.
2. Change How You Think
You might be like other people on a temporary assignment thinking, "I'm only here for a short time." But even if your stay is temporary, you want to be comfortable.
You’re not in another hotel room you’re in your home away from home. So, think of it that way. Unpack your suitcases, organize your things, and create a space that fits you. You be able to feel more relaxed and feeling more relaxed might even make you more productive.
3. Create a Simple Daily Routine
As I stated we have travelled and we know you can feel disconnected from your family, your friends and even the city itself. Creating a simple routine can help you feel like you belong. Here are some things you can try...
- Wake up at the same time each day.
- Eat at the same time, if possible.
- Walk to relieve any stressful feelings.
The routine you create can quickly make you feel more at home.
4. Create Your Space
If you are reading this and still packing, make sure you bring some personal items with you. You want your space to be yours. You want to own it for the time that you are there. These little items can make you say, “this is home”. Do you have:
- Photos of your family, your pet, or something you love?
- Your coffee mug, with your favorite saying?
- That blanket that makes you feel warm and relaxed?
- A favorite book that you always wanted to read again
- A small plant that will travel well and make you smile when you look at it?
Familiar things like these can make you more relaxed no matter how far you are from home.
5. Go Exploring
Arbor Home Stay residences are in some great places. Getting out and exploring will not only help you be familiar with the area, but maybe even a little more connected.
So, what do you see around you? Are there:
- Nearby grocery stores, so you don’t have to drive?
- Coffee shops, for a quick run?
- Restaurants, so that you don’t have to cook all the time?
- Parks and walking trails, for you to get your exercise?
All these things lead to a more settled feeling and help you to feel relaxed.
6. Reach out to Loved Ones
We are in the technology era and you can stay connect with loved ones more easily than back in the 1950’s.
Make sure you schedule time to check-in. Schedule phone calls, Face-Times or video so that you can reduce feelings of isolation.
You’re going to need to make sure that you balance that time. You don’t want to be connected so much that you don’t enjoy your stay.
7. Meet People
You don't have to become best friends with everyone you meet. You want to make connections that will help you enjoy your stay. What you can do is…
- Meet your neighbors.
- Go to the local coffee shop or store and meet clerk.
- Use the local event platform to find local events.
- Connect with at least one coworker or classmate
Small things like these can help you feel like you belong to the community.
8. Take Care of Yourself
We get it. You’re here for a temporary assignment. You’re going to have a fluctuating schedule that comes with demands. Things like long hours, really tight deadlines and cram sessions might be on your agenda, but you are still in control. Make sure you prioritize things like:
- Getting your rest
- Eating healthy meals
- Working in exercise
- Hourly hydration
While you may be getting more experience and building a new skill you still need to take care of yourself.
Below is a checklist we created to jumpstart your stay.
Quick Checklist: 10 Ways to Feel at Home Faster
☐ Unpack your suitcase within the first 24 hours of arriving
☐ Set up a comfortable workspace
☐ Locate the nearest grocery store
☐ Find a favorite coffee shop or restaurant
☐ Create a morning routine
☐ Schedule regular calls with family and friends
☐ Explore your neighborhood on foot
☐ Add personal touches to your living space
☐ Introduce yourself to someone new
☐ Plan one fun Atlanta activity for your first week
Goal: Complete at least 5 of these items during your first week and notice how much more comfortable and settled you feel.