Staff writer Matilda Elliott Bunn explores the various communities that shape London.
The metropole, London: characterised by its overwhelming nature of extortionate prices and constant traffic of people. Though it’s the largest UK city, a 2024 study by the Belonging Forum reported that 35% of Londoners often feel lonely. As a hub for those striving for new beginnings, many struggle to find a sense of belonging. Even more, the increasing access to online services, such as food deliveries and streaming, has discouraged people from going out. However, I have recently discovered little pockets of community hidden within the city.
The passion of the London Community
Following work with the community organising group, Citizens UK, I have seen the passion many Londoners hold for their area. An example highlighted within the South London Citizens Assembly. Almost 1000 people gathered to congratulate the successful community action. From school children to government officials, a clear unity between the South London residents prevailed as they all gathered in Southwark’s St George’s Cathedral. The loneliness I felt in the vast city escaped me during the celebrations of everyone’s achievements. Cheering for strangers’ successes in community-led programmes, roars of happiness and excited clapping: physical and emotional isolation was challenged by the unity embodied in the room.
The Bond of Exercise
For the younger generation, communities have formed through the popularisation of running. With Strava reporting in 2024 that memberships of running clubs had surged by 59%, the 20-29 age group have new founded hobbies that offer a culture of fitness and family. Though many focus on this increase in running as a change of social attitudes to health, these community groups provide Londoners with an area to socialise with new people, instead of an isolated activity.
King’s Own Student Community
Within a university, societies are the core of the community. From academic groups to gatherings of common interest, King’s College London has over 400 societies that encourage students to meet like-minded people from inside and outside their course. Societies promote familiarity for students during a period of being exposed to a change of educational and living environment; in connections formed through shared cultures, hobbies or a desire to gain new skills, the communities build university families.
Looking for your own Community?
Though being a student in London is different from the realities of a working life, the city has unexpectedly changed from the intimidating capital to a comforting home. Students can find these communities by engaging in societies that match their interests, such as a sports group, which allows them to bond with people over commonalities. King’s 4 Change, a student society pioneering community organising alongside their partner Citizens UK, can help those in need with members working together on a united goal of social change. The valuable connections formed through these student networks have shown me the small-world nature that characterises London.
