What I Wish I Knew As A Mom My First Months At KAUST

 You can never 100% prepare yourself for moving to a new place, especially somewhere so unique as KAUST.  I’ll never forget my first few months at KAUST, although now they feel like distant memories. We moved in at the beginning of August and I remember many sweaty and lonely days going to playgrounds with my son while pregnant.

Everyone we met on campus told us: “KAUST is the best place to raise kids!” I didn’t understand at first what they meant as I was still adjusting to the new home and just starting to make other mum friends. But now, looking back just a year later our social calendar is overflowing and KAUST now feels like home. 

Here are some pieces of advice from other mums here at KAUST on managing those first few weeks and months:

• Be patient with yourself, you just moved! There may be suitcases and boxes everywhere - it is normal to feel overwhelmed. 

  
  

• Focus on the essentials: eating healthy, getting good rest, drinking lots of water, getting outside once a day, exercising or walking even just 10-20 minutes each day (make use of the wonderful indoor gyms and temperature-controlled pools) - these basic routines will help you make it through the first few weeks and set up great habits for future months. 

  
  

• “Get involved with as many groups and mums meet ups as possible,” Fern, from England (3 years at KAUST) shared. Even before moving to KAUST you can join our playgroup Whatsapp chat or KAUST-Pregnant and New Parents Facebook page. Ask questions, message members. Don’t be shy, we’ve all been where you are!

  
  

• Once you feel ready: “Go out, make friends, join the mom community and take advantage of all the free activities at KAUST,” Ayesha, from India shared (3 years at KAUST). Check out our activities page for a complete list of all KAUST has to offer for young kids. 

  
  

• Attending weekly kid activities is a great way to start making mum friends. “Get to know the activities provided for kids. These will help help you to get to know other mums,” shared a Mum from England, (6 years at KAUST).

  
  

• Don’t feel defeated by the hot weather. It will get cool soon. But do “try to avoid coming at the beginning of summer, especially if you come from a cold climate,” shared Polina from Russia (1 year at KAUST). Knowing that each month in the fall  is getting you closer to cooler weather helped me a lot in my first year at KAUST. And even when it is hot, you can go out early in the morning or after sunset - “The weather can feel intimidating in the hot months but it is absolutely possible to navigate,” said Sanne Pfefferkorn, from Austria (2 years at KAUST).

  
  

• Think ahead about finding a way to get around: “Get a car and baby car seat. I love walking but is impossible (in the summer) to walk before 5pm or go out with kids,” Fendy from Mexico shared (2 years at KAUST). Even though KAUST is a small(ish) campus - having a golf cart, bike and bike trailer or car is helpful when transporting kids, strollers, diaper bags, groceries…

  
  

• Don't hesitate to ask for help - KAUST offers wonderful nanny, housecleaning and babysitting services. “Get a nanny or house help,” Anastasia, from Russia shared (5 years at KAUST). 

  
  

• Lastly, take a breath and settle into your new home. Whether you are planning on being at KAUST two years or indefinitely it truly is a wonderful place to raise children and our community is so happy to have you.

  
  

Send us an email using the form below with any questions you may have!