Allen & Overy

Smart move 

This section of the website has been contributed by Louise Howarth - trainee, joined March 2006

It's dark, it's raining and I'm standing in an alien part of London wondering how the fifth estate agent of the day has failed to materialise.  Finding your London pad is no small task - there's so much to consider: the nearest cash point, the journey to work, the transport links, the proximity to the parks, the nearest supermarket not to mention the distance to Selfridges, your team's home ground and the quality of the drinks in the local.

For those of you who already know London/own a house in London/live with your parents/are considering making an offer for the £85 million house in Hampstead which is about to be put on the market, this is probably not relevant, but when I arrived in London 18 months ago from deepest, darkest Derbyshire I was grateful for a few pointers.

Before your search, you need to decide on a few basic facts - housemates, budget, and location.

1. Housemates

Well, housemates can be advantageous - especially if they are perfect cooks, highly skilled in fixing washing machines and have a penchant for cleaning.  They can also be expected to contribute to the rent and bills.  On the other hand, noisy, messy housemates who don't quite understand your love of 80s cheese could prove problematic.  Decide who, how many and how the bills will be dealt with from the outset.  A&O also has an intranet service for those looking for housemates or see the links section for further ideas.

2. Budget

Obviously everyone will have different circumstances.  However, let's assume you're earning an A&O first-seat trainee salary of £36,200 which, after various deductions, will leave you with around £2000 per month.  Most trainees probably spend £600-$800 per month excluding bills.  It's worth considering some of the hidden costs - expensive boroughs such as Westminster have the lowest council tax; living in a well-connected area may save on taxi costs; living closer to work may gain you extra sleep.

3. Location

Location is all-important and is inextricably linked to transport.  Decide on your preferred route to work - whether that is walking, cycling, tube, bus, riverboat, canoe or chauffeur.  Consider the distance to any frequently-used overland train stations, parking, and the location of the nearest conveniences.

4. Transport

Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf (the train/tube stations nearest our offices) are both extremely well-serviced by public transport.  See the links section for more details on public transport.  A&O has parking provisions for bicycles and shower facilities at both Bishops Square and Bank Street offices.

5. With Hindsight...

Personally, I worked at Canary Wharf for the first six months of my training contract and am now based at Bishops Square.  I chose not to live near Canary Wharf as I relish the weekends in Marylebone and the fantastic transport connections to both Canary Wharf and the City (as well as having Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Selfridges within a 10-minute walk).  I would recommend living in an area that has some life, after all London is one of the coolest cities on earth - you deserve to make the most of it!

6. Links

Rooms available and rooms for rent - www.rollonfriday.com; www.gumtree.com

Bus links to Liverpool Street - http://www.quickmap.com/movie1liv.htm; www.tfl.gov.uk

Transport for London journey planner - www.tfl.gov.uk