London has the potential to be one of, if not the, coolest cities on Earth. This all depends to a great extent on where one lives and who one lives with.
The Trip
Sad but true, one of the most important things to think about in choosing your pad is your commute. Those on the LPC will all be heading to the College of Law on Bunhill Row, the nearest station being Moorgate. Thereafter you will be expected to present yourself, all shiny and ready for work, at one of Allen & Overy's super-swish London offices - either Bishops Square (Liverpool Street station) or Bank Street (Canary Wharf station). A word to the wise – don't forget about London's sprawling bus network, cheaper and much more pleasant than the tube on a hot day.
The Cash
Realistically, rent is going to be your single biggest outgoing and you must decide for yourself how much to part with (trainees currently start on £38,000). Trainees spend somewhere in the region of £600 - £700 a month on rent (excluding bills and council tax). That said you can pay less or significantly more. It goes without saying that the more desirable an area, the more you pay.
The People
Flat sharing is an ideal way to cut down on bills and have some company on those long, dark winter evenings. Decide how many people you want to live with and agree early on how bills and other outgoings (think TV licence, internet…) will be dealt with. A&O runs an intranet notice board for staff looking for housemates.
The Pad
London is a BIG place, so we can only offer a few suggestions here:
Angel – bustling, central, plenty of shops and great bars and the more active can walk to work. Plenty of trainees live here and it is ideal for students and young professionals alike.
Borough – south of the river and best known for its stunning food market, Borough boasts a whole host of trendy bars, pubs and eateries and is close enough to the City to make the commute a breeze.
Shoreditch – a stone's throw from the office and achingly trendy, Shoreditch definitely should not be overlooked.
Mile End / Bow – we can't pretend that living in the East End is the most glamorous thing in the world, but there are advantages (well two anyway): it offers a good commute to work and you get a lot more for your money!
Brixton – something of a wildcard entry, Brixton is a great place to live. You get value for money, good transport (direct bus to Liverpool Street as well as tube and overground) and there is a lot happening on the Brixton Scene, including the world famous Brixton Academy.
The Links
Rooms for rent - Roll On Friday and Gumtree
Flats/houses for rent - Find a Property and Prime Location
Plan your commute - Transport for London