Hey all, long time reader but first post.I'm joining a strategy consulting firm (think Bain / BCG / LEK / Oliver Wyman) as a graduate later this year and was wondering if anyone had any tips on where to start looking for places to live in London.Presumably living near to the office is less beneficial in consulting given I'll rarely be there, should I be considering somewhere with quick access to Heathrow / Canary Wharf or am I getting too ahead of myself!? Equally is it wise to be looking to minimise rent by living outside London and commuting in (and not letting an expensive place go to waste if / when I'm sent abroad)?Any tips appreciated!

Just get yourself into a house share - you could even contact HR at the firm you are joining and ask them about what grads are doing when joining as they may even be able to hook you up with others in the same situation.Main thing is try and keep your rent low, find reasonable housemates (you'll want some sleep!) - you don't want high rents weighing on your mind and causing performance anxiety, and you will also have a life outside work which will need attending to - better to have some cash available for fun too, so you can blow off steam and keep everything in perspective when work is demanding a lot from you.

[quote]Just get yourself into a house share - you could even contact HR at the firm you are joining and ask them about what grads are doing when joining as they may even be able to hook you up with others in the same situation.Main thing is try and keep your rent low, find reasonable housemates (you'll want some sleep!) - you don't want high rents weighing on your mind and causing performance anxiety, and you will also have a life outside work which will need attending to - better to have some cash available for fun too, so you can blow off steam and keep everything in perspective when work is demanding a lot from you.[/quote]And try not to live too far from major transport hubs..

I'd optimise to be closer to the office over the airport because you'll be going to the office at least once a week (and more when you're on the beach, doing training or doing a London based project) vs. to the airport where you'll be going a maximum of once a week and many weeks not at all.I'd definitely suggest living in London- it will make it easier to go to evening social events and will come in handy on London based projects.When I was consulting, South London (Southwark, Borough, London Bridge) and West London (Earls Court, Barons Court, West Kensington, Chiswick for those with families) were popular. West Hampstead too.I've started www.theconsultingcoach.com to give advice on getting a job in consulting and working as a consultant.

Great thanks all for the advice. Will look places in London including those mentioned by TheConsultingCoach, seems as though London Bridge may work well if I can find somewhere that doesn't eat up too much salary!

[quote]Great thanks all for the advice. Will look places in London including those mentioned by TheConsultingCoach, seems as though London Bridge may work well if I can find somewhere that doesn't eat up too much salary![/quote]London Bridge would be super convenient for nearly everything but good luck finding somewhere cheap...