What I’d do if I were moving abroad again: 5 mistakes to avoid

This blog is all about what I’d do if I were moving abroad again.

Moving abroad is one of the best decisions you can make—but it rarely goes perfectly.

Most people, including me, learn through trial and error. Looking back, there are clear things I would do differently if I had to start over.

In this post, I’m sharing what I’d do if I were moving abroad again so you can avoid the same mistakes and make smarter decisions from the beginning.

If I could go back knowing what I know now, these are the five things I would change.

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Quick Context

I moved abroad to London at a stage in life where I was ready for something new but didn’t fully understand what the transition would involve.

I had done some research, but not enough to anticipate the practical and emotional challenges that come with living in a new country.

That gap between expectation and reality is where most of these mistakes came from.

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Mistake #1: I Would Choose My Location More Carefully

Not all neighborhoods feel the same.

When I first moved, I made decisions based on convenience and price. It felt efficient at the time, but it impacted my daily experience more than I expected.

Where you live affects:

• Your routine
• Your social life
• Your overall comfort

What I would do differently:

• Spend more time researching neighborhoods
• Walk around different areas before committing
• Book a short-term stay first instead of locking into a long lease

Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

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Mistake #2: I Would Plan My Visa Strategy Earlier

Visa planning is one of the most overlooked parts of moving abroad.

I underestimated how important it was and delayed making clear decisions because it felt complicated.

That created unnecessary stress and limited my options later.

What I would do differently:

• Research all visa options early
• Understand timelines and requirements
• Choose a path that gives long-term flexibility

The earlier you understand your visa strategy, the more control you have over your future abroad.

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Mistake #3: I Would Focus on Building a Social Life Sooner

Making friends abroad takes effort.

It’s easy to assume that connections will happen naturally, but that’s rarely the case.

At the beginning, I didn’t prioritize this enough—and it made the transition harder.

There were moments of loneliness that I didn’t expect.

What I would do differently:

• Join groups, events, or communities immediately
• Say yes to more invitations early on
• Put myself in environments where meeting people is easier

Building a social circle isn’t automatic. It’s something you have to actively create.

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Mistake #4: I Would Stress Less About Getting Everything Perfect

I spent too much time trying to get every decision right.

Where to live, what to bring, what the “best” option was—I overthought everything.

The reality is simple:

There is no perfect move abroad plan.

You figure things out as you go.

What I would do differently:

• Make faster decisions
• Accept that adjustments are part of the process
• Focus on progress instead of perfection

The sooner you accept uncertainty, the easier the experience becomes.

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Mistake #5: I Would Be More Confident in My Decision

Not everyone will understand why you want to move abroad.

I spent too much time looking for approval from friends and family who didn’t share the same perspective.

That created doubt I didn’t need.

What I would do differently:

• Trust my decision earlier
• Stop seeking validation from people who don’t understand the goal
• Commit fully to the experience

Confidence changes how you show up—and how you experience life abroad.

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Conclusion:

You don’t need to do everything perfectly to have a great experience abroad.

In fact, some of the mistakes become the most valuable parts of the journey.

If you’re thinking about moving abroad, focus on taking action, learning as you go, and staying adaptable.

You’re going to figure things out—and that’s exactly what makes the experience so impactful.

Feeling stuck on where to begin?
Start with these two episodes to get immediate clarity and direction:

👉 Episode 114: The Next 60 Minutes — simple actions you can take today
👉 Episode 107: Your Month-by-Month Roadmap — a clear plan for your move abroad