Living Solo in London: Tips and Advice for Independent Living

London, renowned for its vibrancy and diversity, can be an expensive place to live. However, with some well-thought-out insights and tips from my own experiences, you can enjoy independent living in one of the best cities in the world!

Neighbourhood Matters

Find a Safe Neighbourhood

Choosing the right neighbourhood is crucial for your safety and overall experience in London. Here are some points to consider:

• Safety: Research areas in London that feel safe and align with your personal preferences.
• Proximity to Transport: Many people prefer to be within a 10-minute walk of a station, making commuting easier.
• Suburban Areas: Consider neighbourhoods just outside the busy city center that are near stations, offering a balance of tranquility and convenience.

Pricing in Neighbourhoods

• Cost Variation: Depending on the distance from Zone 1, rent and house prices will generally fall. This can also be influenced by factors like parks, schools, and overall quality of life.
• Thorough Research: A neighbourhood known for being highly sought-after might be just a few roads away from a more affordable area that offers a similar experience.

For instance, in 2023, out of the 32 boroughs of London, only 8 are below the London average of £532,000 :

• Barking and Dagenham (31% lower)
• Bexley (8% lower)
• Newham (16% lower)
• Havering (12% lower)
• Croydon (12% lower)
• Sutton (7% lower)
• Hillingdon (2% lower)
• Greenwich (2% lower)

Rent

Here are some examples of rental prices across different neighbourhoods:

• Whitechapel: £1,407 for a studio up to £3,883 for a 5-bedroom flat per month.
• Harrow: £1,166 for a studio up to £3,798 for a 5-bedroom flat per month.
• Croydon: £1,386 average in March 2024, up by 10%.

Closeness to Work

Travel costs can add up quickly. Consider how many trains or buses you need to take to get to your place of work or education, as this can significantly impact your budget.

Consider Different Types of Flats/Apartments

• Flat Sharing: There are plenty of opportunities to flat share in London, which can be more economical and social.
• All-in-One Rentals: Modern luxury apartments offer all-in-one rentals, such as The Ark, which includes utilities, gym, cinema, library, dining facilities, and enhanced security.

Socialising

Living solo in a bustling city like London can sometimes feel lonely, especially if you are on a hybrid or remote working contract. Here are some unique ways to put yourself out there and meet new people:

Supper Clubs

• The Bridge Club: Offers British cooking that celebrates nostalgic classics with a touch of European cuisine. It features hearty dishes at different locations across London .
• Shanghai Supper: Hosted by Chef Lillian Luk, it offers a dinner party feel with Shanghainese cuisine, held every 6-8 weeks at The Royal Oak, Marylebone .
• Khao Suppers: Showcases Gujarati cuisine in an intimate setting, with a summer residency at The Bridge from June to August 2024 in SE1 on the last Saturday of each month .

Alternative Local Clubs

• Book Clubs:
  • BookBar Book Club: Brings people together through books, with virtual and in-person events .
  • Rebel Book Club: A monthly club that explores various topics through books, documentaries, and podcasts, offering both in-person and digital memberships .
• Park Run: Join fellow runners every Saturday across the UK for a 5k run.
• Black Girls Hike: Offers hikes and outdoor experiences specifically for black women, fostering work-life balance and new friendships .
• Worklife Balancer (meet ups): Connect within your hobbies and interests through regular meet-ups in areas like art exhibitions, literature, music, nature, and more.
• Private Members Clubs: Such as Soho House, Home House, Allbright, and Christabel’s offer exclusive social environments tailored to various interests. Click here to watch my video featuring some of the best private members clubs across London.
• Life Drawing at Vaulty Towers: Near Waterloo station, this pub runs weekly life drawing sessions on Saturdays and Sundays in a unique setting.

Living solo in London can be an enriching experience if you navigate it wisely. From finding the right neighbourhood to engaging in social activities, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your independent living journey in this amazing city.