7 Tips for Moving to Medan to Reduce Homesickness
Medan is the third largest city in Indonesia, after Jakarta and Surabaya. The capital of North Sumatra has undoubtedly become a metropolitan city that many people aim for to seek a livelihood there. It is not uncommon for many prospective students to desire universities in Medan as their future campus.
If you are targeting Medan as a city to migrate to, there is no need to worry about living there. There are many interesting things and the cost of living is not too burdensome if managed properly. You can check out the following 7 tips to get an idea of what the atmosphere in Medan is like for living.
Understanding the Dialect
If you are a migrant from Java, especially Central Java and Yogyakarta, the dialect of the people in Medan may come as a bit of a shock. They speak with a higher intonation, which is quite different from the low and not too loud dialects of Central Java and Yogyakarta.
No need to worry, the way people speak does not reflect someone's character. The seemingly loud dialect in Medan does not mean they have a fierce character. After all, Indonesia's diversity in regional languages is indeed interesting to learn, right? Take your time to understand how to speak appropriately. You might experience culture shock, but over time you will surely adapt well.
Find Out About Boarding House Costs
As a big city, Medan certainly has many boarding house rentals available, both near campuses and in areas with corporate buildings. In Medan, you will find more room rentals than entire houses for rent. Similar to the rental progress in other cities, in Medan you can also rent boarding houses through lodging rental applications and websites on the internet, making it easier for prospective migrants.
If you are looking for a cheap boarding house, you can look for one that is quite far from the campus or workplace. However, this should also be adjusted to the energy efficiency spent. If the cheap boarding house makes you more tired due to the distance, it certainly needs to be reconsidered. Being more comfortable is certainly better, right?
Make Many Connections
If it's your first time migrating to a city far from your original home, it is indeed advisable to have family around so that when you need help, it can be easily obtained. However, if the decision to migrate to a distant city is made without having family there, it can be compensated by making more acquaintances.
Nowadays, with the sophistication of technology and social media, it is very easy to find reliable friends. Being sociable in a new city can certainly be beneficial for the future. For sure, being friendly and polite in a new environment can make you a memorable person, leading to many connections.
Cheap and Delicious Street Food
Living far from family will certainly be closely related to finances. When you are a new student who has just migrated for the first time, you need to pay attention to your monthly expenses. The good news is that Medan is a big city with a cost of living that is not too high, unlike Jakarta, Bandung, or Surabaya.
Finding cheap food in Medan is not too difficult. For sure, the price of food sold on the streets or even in small alleys will significantly affect the price. If your boarding house has a kitchen, it’s better to set aside time to cook to save more. This can also help improve your cooking skills, right?
Economical, Public Transport Serves Many Routes
If you decide to look for a boarding house that is far from your workplace or campus to get a cheaper price but do not have a private vehicle, don’t worry because there are many public transport options available everywhere in Medan. Public transport such as village transport, motor rickshaws, rickshaws, buses, and motorcycle taxis almost serve all routes, allowing you to move around easily. The transport costs usually range from Rp2,000 to Rp5,000 depending on the distance traveled.
Always Remember the Purpose of Migrating
Migrating will be synonymous with homesickness. After all, home and family are our comfort zones. However, don’t waver! Feeling homesick is certainly normal, but don’t let it shake your initial intention of why you chose to migrate so far to Medan.
If you are a worker, always remember that the initial intention is to build a career to become someone who can be relied upon by yourself and your family. If you are a student, always remember that the ultimate goal is graduation!
Keep in Touch with Family
No matter how busy you are, don’t forget to keep in touch with your family at home. Even though you are considered an adult now, as age is no longer that of a toddler, family will surely worry when they haven’t seen you for a long time. Sometimes, keeping in touch with family at home can also provide a boost of motivation as it can alleviate homesickness.
Well, the 7 tips above can be applied so that you don’t feel too homesick. The city of Medan is certainly beautiful, so when homesickness strikes, you can take a short trip around the city or even to neighboring cities on the island of Sumatra. Invite your campus friends or colleagues so you’re not alone and the longing for family can be somewhat alleviated.
Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa
