When you first arrive in Paris…

So you’ve just moved to Paris. You’re tired from jet lag, disoriented, grumpy and quite frankly a bit overwhelmed. So now what? While there is no direct answer and each person will have different scenarios that come hand-in-hand with their move, here are a few suggestions on where to start.

Settle into your apartment. If you don’t have one yet, then get to your hotel and start working towards finding your humble abode in Paris. Otherwise, head to your new address and start unpacking! Even if your apartment is furnished, there may be a few things you’ll want to add. I’ve taken three trips to BHV already to pick up a few things that would make me feel more at home in my new surroundings, and I’m still on the hunt for some other items to help me organize my things. Hopefully you arrived a few days earlier than you needed to be here so you have time to make the new location your official home.

Give yourself a minute. Maybe a week. Enjoy Paris for Paris. Take it all in with a cup of espresso or glass of kir at a French café with outdoor seating. If you are feeling even a bit like I felt when I first arrived, you’ll be in somewhat of a shock. I honestly felt like a transplant – a kidney in a body not my own. It was a weird feeling especially since France is anything but foreign to me at this point. Sitting on the grass in a park or walking along the Seine helped me get my feet back underneath me.

Mail in your OFII Form. If you have a long-stay visa this form should have been sent back to you with your passport. Don’t lose it! Instead, keep it in a safe place and when you have your permanent address be sure to mail it in. You’ll hear back from them (them, they – no one really knows who they are) within three months for a mandatory medical exam. Don’t worry, all expats have to do it and everyone hates it!

Take care of a few more logistics. Find the nearest branch of the bank you’re interested in opening an account with and make an appointment. Ask for a list of the documents you’ll need (usually you’re passport, lease agreement, and a bill showing proof of habitation at your address). Also sign up for a cell phone. If you aren’t ready to dive into month-to-month plans, you can buy a cheap pay-as-you-go phone although credits do add up.

Explore your neighborhood. Just wander around! The first time I moved to Paris, I spent the first two weeks site seeing. But I had never even been to the city before. Unless you’re itching to see the Mona Lisa, then the Louvre can wait; instead focus on finding your favorite local café, grocery store, cheese shop, etc. So far, I’m just enjoying getting a feel for the surrounding streets, checking out local shops and finding all the in’s and out’s that may come in handy someday – after a week I’ve only left my environs twice I’ve had so much to see here! It’ll take weeks, even months, before you know it like the back of your hand, but it’s a nice feeling when you realize you know exactly how to get home no matter which direction you’re coming from.

Find groups and activities you’re interested in. School hasn’t started yet? No one at work seems interested in getting to know you? No worries. That’s Paris for you! But no matter what you’re interested in, I’m sure you can find a group or organization where you can meet people who share your same interests. It’s also important not to rule out groups centered on expats. Sure, you’re in France and French friends would be cool, but even cooler than that is just having friends! So don’t let nationality keep you from making wonderful connections!

Know it’s ok to miss home. I do! This is my third move to France and proving to be the toughest one yet! Sure you’re in Paris, but the Eiffel Tower’s not really good for hugs (who’d have thought). Missing comforts only home can provide is natural and healthy. Just think, if you weren’t missing home, then who back home would be missing you? Now that’s just sad. Whether your a seasoned expat or a newbie, adjusting takes time. In fact, even if they don’t want to admit it or have a hard time empathizing, every expat has felt waves of homesickness somewhere along their journey. So give yourself the freedom of balling your eyes out without the guilt of feeling like you should be on Cloud Nine. Maybe pick out some special frames for pictures of family and friends back home or spend some extra time on Skype – little things like this when far from our loved ones help us feel as if there isn’t that much distance after all.

All in all, have faith! Moving somewhere new is not easy, especially the first few weeks. A dear friend once told me “You’re not awesome because it’s easy. You’re awesome because it’s difficult but you went anyway.”  In time, you’ll begin to see your new and exciting adventure taking shape. Be patient with yourself in this new world and enjoy the process! It’s not everyday you get to say you just moved to Paris!

Tagged as: Lists, Moving to France, Paris