You might be one of many Colorado residents who thrives on new experiences. Then again, you might belong to a different category of people who prefer routine and consistency in their daily lives; in short, the more things stay the same, the happier they are. Perhaps you’d describe yourself as somewhere in between these two extremes, sometimes embracing new ideas, sometimes struggling to adapt.
As someone who emigrated from another country of origin, your first weeks and months in the United States will likely include numerous challenges. If there happen to be other recent immigrants in your neighborhood, you may have a built-in support system there that proves quite helpful. In addition to personal issues, various legal problems may impede your ability to relax and enjoy your new lifestyle.
Take one day at a time
New faces, new surroundings and new laws can make adjusting to life in the U.S. a bit stressful. There’s no way to fast forward through your introductory period of living in Colorado, so it’s best to set small goals for yourself and work toward achieving one at a time. The following ideas may be helpful as you strive to feel at home in your environment:
- Speak, read and write English often: English is the predominant language in the United States. While you could merely study and use it just enough to get you through your immigration interviews or apply for citizenship, it might make daily life a lot less stressful if you try to become as fluent as possible.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: There is no one specific way to adapt to life in the U.S. as an immigrant. Allow yourself room to make mistakes with language and to ask questions about things you may not understand regarding culture, customs or legal issues.
- Leave the past behind: Your personal history will always be a part of who you are; however, if your goal is to become fully integrated in your new community, it may help to recognize that you have had to leave some things and, perhaps, some people behind. Understanding that life in the U.S. will be different from life in your country of origin may help you adapt more easily.
- Mingle: If you never leave your new house and only speak to others who have emigrated from the same country as you, you may not be allowing yourself ample opportunity to become an active, productive member of your new community. While it may feel awkward at first, it is typically best to try to interact with your new neighbors, co-workers and others with whom you now share life in Colorado.
If a problem arises
If you’re having a particular problem concerning English or are struggling to adapt to all the new foods and customs in the U.S., you may want to seek support from a trusted friend or family member who has gone through similar experiences in the past. Do not hesitate to reach out for legal support as well, if a problem with your status or another immigration issue is making it difficult to enjoy your new lifestyle.