If you grew up in Bermuda, your surroundings are inevitably very familiar by the time you reach 18.
You know where to find all your favourite spots, from The Terrace on a Friday night, to John Smith’s Bay and the Railway Trail on a Saturday, to your Nana’s house and Yo Cherry on a Sunday.
But while the jump from our 21 square miles to a big university city is incredibly exciting – so many places to explore, people to meet and adventures to be enjoyed – it can also feel a little intimidating for the islander accustomed to their home comforts.
Here’s our guide to getting out of your campus and embracing your wider surroundings.
Walk with your eyes open and ears peeled
The best way to get a feel for a city – the culture, the history, the vibe and those quirky hidden gems – is on foot.
This is how you’ll find your first café with its friendly staff and homecooked scones and hazelnut latte, or the bar that serves flatbread pizza for under $5 before 6pm.
Just as importantly, you’ll get a sense of the place you’ll be living for the next three or four years.
You’ve got to ditch the earbuds, though. Listen instead to the sounds of the city: the traffic, the birds, the winds, the people with their local dialects. Look out for the small details: the architecture, the nature, the alleyways, the stores that sell artwork, toys, books or weird things like Ouija boards.
Silent walking, as it’s known, is also proven to reduce stress, gives your brain a chance to wander, and opens the door to interactions with strangers – and who knows where that might lead.
Take a bus tour
Many universities or colleges host free bus tours or orientations around their cities during Freshers’ Week.
These are perfect for gaining a quick grasp of the main places you need to know: theatres, restaurants, historic sites, parks and libraries.
They’re also an excellent way to meet people who, like you, are getting to grips with life in a strange city.
Use technology
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the basics, it’s time to get more specific.
With your cell phone in your hand, you can research where you want to go and get there without fuss.
Websites like TripAdvisor will suggest spots to visit; Google Maps will help you get there – far easier than the student from yesteryear scrambling about with a tourist guidebook and fold-out map blowing in the wind.
If the technology fails, don’t be afraid to stop a passerby. Cities are full of friendly people just waiting to be asked for directions.
Organise a group trip
You know the drill when somebody finds out you’re from Bermuda: yes, I do go to the beach, and yes, sometimes I wear Bermuda shorts, and no, I’ve never got lost in the Bermuda Triangle.
Break that tedium with your roommates by dragging them along for an exploration trip.
It will give you something to talk about other than that what it’s like living on a tropical island. Plus, trying out some of the coffee bars and pubs together will help seal the deal on those early friendships.
Say yes (most of the time)
If one of your fellow freshers wants a buddy to explore the mall, say yes, even if you hate shopping.
If the person down the corridor is organising an outing to the pottery class on the other side of town, say yes, even if you prefer to buy your mugs, not make them.
If the hiking club president hands you a flyer about a walk over the hills at 6am next Saturday morning, say yes, even if you don’t own a proper pair of boots.
If your roommate invites you to The Red Lion to take advantage of the Red Bull double vodka special offer every evening from Monday to Sunday … just say yes on the Friday – even if you’ve got a hiking trip at 6am on Saturday that you don’t want to go to either.
Sometimes, life is about opening your mind and going to places you don’t fancy. Allow yourself to be surprised. You might just like it.
You don’t have to forget about home
Homesickness is all part of the deal when you go to college or university.
Of course, it’s not just your favourite Bermuda places that you’ll miss: it’s the people, no matter how irritating they were when you actually lived with them.
Remember it’s OK to feel homesick. Make video calls a part of your routine. It’s nice to catch up on what’s happening in Bermuda, but even better to share what’s going on in your new world.
And embrace your environment. Even a trip to the local supermarket can take your mind off your anxiety and focus on something practical instead, like what shapes of pasta you’re going to cook tonight.
Take your time
You don’t have to become an expert in the first week.
