Category: City & Society
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The new barriers to belonging
How Britain’s 2026 policy wave of visas, rental, and employment rights is reshaping who gets to stay in London For many expats in London, 2026 is not simply another year on the calendar – it feels like a quiet stress test of whether staying is still realistic. From soaring visa costs to housing reforms and…
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The canvas of power
Understanding British politics through the paintings of satirist Kaya Mar For anyone who came from another place, politics in London can feel overwhelming. Newspapers shout from tube stands, television panels fill with suited commentators arguing, and everyone seems certain about which side they are on. It is loud and confusing. This is a city where…
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Red threads
Tracing London’s most persistent colour – from public space to everyday moments Walking in London, you always spot the colour. At first, it stands out as pure infrastructure – an iconic phone box, a passing double-decker bus, the Underground logo, or a row of bikes catching your eye against the grey. As time passes, red…
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Fox tales
We follow London’s wildest resident to learn how someone can find their place in a city that isn’t theirs The first introduction to London often happens in silence. The boxes are still unpacked, the flat is unfamiliar, and the city outside the window feels like another world. We often orientate ourselves by reading guidebooks or…
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Clocking in: Updating to the London OS
How newcomers learn the unwritten rules of the London workplace Whether it is 7 a.m. outside Westminster station or 5 p.m. under the clocks of Canary Wharf, the city’s rhythm remains the same. Cyclists shuttle across bridges while commuters pour through the ticket barriers. No matter where you are from or where you are heading,…
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Where the city breathes
Eight liminal spaces in London that belong to everyone London is fast and demanding. But if you look closely, hidden between the chaos are pockets of silence – somewhere that belong to no one, and therefore, belong to everyone. Spaces to pause, catch your breath, and let the city flow around you. 01. St. Pancras…
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Dealing with domestic violence as Latin American women in London
How a “by and for” charity creates a community of mutual support for those in need Domestic violence often leaves a lasting mark on the lives of migrant women in London, reflecting the systemic barriers and inequalities embedded within the city. For many, these experiences remain hidden within the home and go unreported to authorities.…
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Does a postcode actually affect your safety?
Does a postcode actually affect your safety? A practical breakdown for students deciding where to live in London. As a newcomer in London, the search for a home does not really start with the rent. It starts with a warning. For example, a person might say that a specific postcode is sketchy. A parent might…
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How to register for council tax
The essential guide to understanding and setting up Council Tax in London When first arriving in London, Council Tax can feel confusing. It can be hard to know what it really is, how it is worked out, who has to pay it or whether you need to pay it at all. It is one of…