Moving to a new country is exciting. It can also be a big challenge. New language, new food, new systems. Sometimes it feels like everything is different.
The good news: you don’t have to do it all at once. Small steps over time will help you feel more comfortable and at home in Austria.
Here are 7 simple tips that may help you to feel at home – in your new life abroad in Austria.
Table of Contents
1. Build routines that make you feel stable
Having a routine gives you structure and comfort. It can be as simple as:
- Going for a short walk every morning, or making it a habit to take an evening bike ride.
- Becoming a “regular” at a local café, coffee shop, or bakery. Pick somewhere nearby that is easy to visit often. Familiar faces and small interactions can make all the difference.
- Shopping at the same market every Saturday. Here’s a list of some great local markets and farmer’s markets in Vienna.
Routines make your new city feel familiar and safe, and finding your favorite local spots is a great way to get familiar with your new surroundings.
2. Learn your neighborhood
Take time to explore the area around your home. Find the nearest:
- Pharmacy and post office
- Park, bike path, or walking path
- U-Bahn, tram, or bus stop
Knowing where things are makes daily life much easier and reduces stress when surprises come along. Google maps can be a huge help in guiding you around your local village or city. For those in Vienna, keep on top of local transit updates with the WienMobil app.
3. Join community spaces
Meeting people helps you feel at home faster. You can join:
- Expat meetups: Explore groups that fit to your expat niche if you are looking for others with similar experiences. There are many groups, including The Vienna Family Network (for parents).
- Clubs or sports groups: Find a local running club, fitness group, or even get a membership at a local gym to get connected to others like you
- Language cafés: A great way to build your language skills and make new connections.
These spaces are friendly and open. They give you a chance to practice German, make friends, and share experiences.
4. Start with a few basic phrases in German
You don’t need to be perfect. Even small words can help. Start with the basics while you’re working up your confidence for more.
- Danke (Thank you)
- Bitte (Please / You’re welcome)
- Entschuldigung (Sorry / Excuse me)
- Mit karte bitte! (With card please – the perfect response after someone tells you the total you need to pay)
People will appreciate your effort. It shows respect and opens doors for connection.
5. Blend old and new
Bring a piece of home with you. Cook your favorite food when you miss it most. Maybe it’s a challenge to cook your favorite meal from home, all from ingredients from your local supermarket. These comforts of home in your new place might be just what you need.
Join in for local celebrations like the Kaiser Wiesn in Vienna, Aufsteirern in Graz, or Salzburg’s Rupertikirtag.
Balancing old and new creates comfort and adventure at the same time.
6. Keep your paperwork in order
In Austria, documents are very important. Keep your most important original documents organized and at-hand. It helps to also make digital copies.
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Health insurance
- Rental contract
- Work contract
At mypaperwork, we built tools to make paperwork simpler.
Get started today to gain access to document storage, and step by step guidance including:
- Document checklists so you don’t miss anything.
- Application tracker for deadlines.
- Book-a-buddy option if you want support at your appointment.
7. Give yourself time
Settling in takes weeks, months, sometimes longer. That’s normal. Celebrate small wins:
- The first time you find your way home without Google Maps.
- The first conversation you have in German.
- The first local friend you make.
Every step counts. Be patient with yourself.
Quick recap
Life in Austria has many opportunities. The first months can be hard, but they also bring many new experiences. Step by step, you will feel more at home.
And remember: you don’t have to deal with bureaucracy alone. mypaperwork.ai is here to support you with tools, guides, and friendly help. So you can do more living. Let us help with the paperwork.
About mypaperwork.ai
We’re a startup based in Austria, making migration and paperwork easier using AI. Our tools are personalized, multilingual, and built to help you settle into your new life — faster, cheaper, and with less stress.
Let’s make your move smoother — together.
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