I just moved to Philly from Michigan where I have lived all of my life. I love the city and everything but I feel really sad about everything I left behind. I know that some people on here have made a cross country journey to make Philly their home. If anyone has any tips on how to make the homesickness subside I'd appreciate it. I start my job on Monday and I hope that helps. Thanks a lot.

Awww, I know how you feel. I've lived in Philly for several years now and I still get homesick for NYC, but that's not as far as Michigan. Maybe you can schedule a few trips back home every couple of months?

I know how u feel I've felt the same way anytime I've moved to other places and left Philly behind. Dunno how you could go about connecting with individuals but if at all possible try to connect with those that are from your area. At least the things you have in common may help I know getting around homies that said Soda instead of Pop when I lived in the midwest for college always brought me pure joy

And as was recommended be sure to get back home as much as you can.

Congrats on the new job!

Yeah, my parents get upset sometimes that I don't visit more often, but they're planning on buying an RV--and I found a spot they can leave it near Marcus Hook and another one in the NE that they could park it and come up and visit for a few months and use SEPTA and taxis to get around and see all that there is to see.

I have family connections up in New England and NYC, so I don't feel to terribly bad--but it does help getting to know people here. It will be about a year or so before you shift away from home and you start considering this your home.

When you realize how mild winters are over here, then I think you won't miss home so much.

BRR!

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WHYY pays their CEO $750,000 a year. So WHYY should I renew my membership? Seems they have no problems finding money and spending it unwisely.


And this is why you should donate to PACCA, not PETA:

In September, PETA made headlines in Vermont and across the nation for asking Ben & Jerry's ice cream to use human breast milk in their ice cream, instead of cow milk

When I had my first post-college job and moved across the country, I was in culture shock and so homesick that I sobbed in my car on the way back from work -- tempted to keep driving for three days until I got home -- and called my mother sobbing. So, I think I know how ya' feel! It'll get better.

Some ideas: if you have a college alumni association, check and see if there's a chapter here. You may be surprised. If you didn't go to college or didn't go to college in Michigan, you might connect with a Michigan alumni group anyway to watch games and find fellow Michiganders in Philly.

Check out the Philadelphia Art Museum site for details, but I think that on Wednesday nights, they show movies or have some kind of event aimed at getting people to the museum to have fun and meet each other. Once you meet some people here in Philly, it'll start feeling more like home.

Go to Barnes & Noble and Border's and see if they have book clubs. I'm fairly sure at least one of them did. They both also have author lectures on a regular basis, as do the Free Library of Philadelphia and Joseph Fox Bookseller. It'll get you out of the house and to a place where you might find like-minded people, if you like to read.

There are hiking clubs and other outdoor activities. The Inquirer's web site, philly.com, has listings of outdoor activities. The link might be philly.com/outdoors, not sure.

There's a new upscale bowling alley in Center City called Lucky Strikes, Don't know if they have leagues but you might check it out.

Whole Foods on South Street has interesting programs and activities, like Scrabble night, where you might meet people.

If you attend church or synagogue or some other religious institution, of course, that's always a good way to connect with people.

If you like art house movies, treat yourself this weekend to your own little film festival at the Ritz Theaters in Society Hill. Be sure to read the Ritz Filmbill; it usually mentions a group that watches movies together and discusses them afterwards.

Take a continuing ed class at University of the Arts or Temple University Center City. Those types of classes can be a lot of fun and a good way to meet people.

To me, meeting people who become good friends is the best way to ease homesickness. Also, check out the things that help give Philly its flavor, like the Italian Market and Reading Terminal Market.

Welcome to Philly, and good luck with your new job!

Check back in and let us know how you're doing.

I think the best way is to just dive right into the action here.

My wife came all the way from France. The first few years were very rough for her. She had spent parts of two other years here (the U.S., not Philly) prior to our marriage, but living here on a daily basis as her "home" was a big change for her.

What helped her significantly the last few years is just diving into things here and feeling a part of the city.

QV's advice is definitely a starting point.

Ah, yes. I remember when I moved to Philly from Pittsburgh four years ago. It was the strangest feeling because I left behind all my friends and family that I had known for 22 years and arrived in a city where I knew absolutely nobody. The worst of it was the first Friday night after I moved in. Of course, I hadn't started work yet and a storm was sweeping through the area, causing the power to cut out in my apartment. So I recall just sitting in the dark apartment with nothing to do or nobody to converse with. It was an awfully stange feeling.

Since then, I've met so many people and come to discover an incredible city that has exceeded my expectations in every respect. There are a lot of people in your boat. You just need to find them.

One thing: After moving to Philly from a midwestern city, it was a bit of a "culture shock" getting adjusted to people's attitudes and personalities. People are a bit more gruff and not as receptive and open when you first meet them. Don't take this personally. That doesn't mean they don't like you or don't want to hang out.

P.S. Headhouse Books, a very nice new bookstore in Queen Village, also has author lectures. Check out their Web site.

Awwww, Beth I am sorry you are feeling bad.

Being homesick just stinks.

All good thing to you in your new job on Monday. I bet when you start meeting co-workers you'll feel more comfortable. Also maybe if you have someone send you the local Michigan newspapers, and perhaps some food you are missing which is native to your hime state it will help.

Hang in there, Beth.

Better yet....

find someone you know... date, anybody... and go to ALLLANNNIC CIDDY!!!!


I just came back with $1,000 courtesy Trump Plaza. God I love roulette!!!!!!!!!!

__________________
WHYY pays their CEO $750,000 a year. So WHYY should I renew my membership? Seems they have no problems finding money and spending it unwisely.


And this is why you should donate to PACCA, not PETA:

In September, PETA made headlines in Vermont and across the nation for asking Ben & Jerry's ice cream to use human breast milk in their ice cream, instead of cow milk