One of our favorite recommendations for how to make a new city feel like home when you move for an assignment, is by taking a group class that interests you! These classes are a terrific way to test your talent (or patience) while meeting people in your area. Each city will have a different selection of classes you can take, we recommend looking at Facebook Events or Groupon to find local classes that interest you, or you can check out one of these staple classes:
Instead of buying a new set of wine glasses or a beautiful serving dish, try making your own! Glass blowing classes have become popular in recent years and give you the chance to create something incredible. Not only can you meet other creatives in these classes, but you can make the perfect homemade gift for any occasion. Most glass blowing studios offer workshops for different skill levels, so you’ll continue to be challenged as you grow your glass blowing skillset.
If glass blowing seems a bit overwhelming, give a pottery class a try! Pottery is a slow, mindful hobby that can help relieve stress after a couple of long shifts. Working with clay will allow you to create a piece that is satisfyingly functional. If you’re not looking to get your hands dirty, you can always try out a pottery painting event! Design a piece perfect for your space without having to scrape clay from under your nails after class.
There is just something about painting - the swirling of colors on your palette, the ability to create whatever your mind imagines - that is so soothing. Whether you're a total beginner at painting or have been creating your own works for a while, a painting class can be a wonderful way to unleash your creative juices and unwind from a stressful week at work. There are tons of painting studios in every city that allow you to bring in your favorite adult beverage to enjoy while they teach you how to paint, so you’re bound to have a blast while creating some art.
Participate in the clean beauty movement by learning to make your own soap with essential oils and botanical ingredients. Your skin will thank you, and you'll have great homemade gifts to give loved ones. Soap making studios offer numerous options for beginners, from basic cold soap to organic goat's milk soap, and even cosmetic grade liquid soap! Not only can you learn a new skill while making friends, you may just make the perfect soap to soothe your dry hands after a long shift!
Jazz up your homemade meals by taking a cooking class! Not only is this a practical skill that you can use every day, but it can also help you master healthy cooking habits for when work gets busy. Whether you want to learn how to make Asian fusion dishes, bake tasty cupcakes or elevate basic pasta, you'll find the perfect class to suit your cravings. If you’re a foodie, this is the perfect place to meet a group of friends to try new restaurants around the city with!
This is just a small sample of the classes out there - find one you are interested in in your area and sign up today!