Really rogue question, but when you start the PGDL or SQE, how do people afford to live in London? I’m coming from Leeds and having to move down with my partner and for the life of us cannot see how we will manage it. Those who’ve done the SQE or going to, how do you make it work? Most firms I’m looking at give a 10-15k bursary but I’ve no idea how to make that work :/
- sorry if this is a really daft question, but I’ve tried to do some research and thought maybe this could be a good place to discuss since we will all (or majority) need to move down to London at some point?
Hey!
Absolutely not a daft question at all - this was something that really stressed me out too, especially as I didn't grow up near London and knew many firms require the PDGL/SQE to be completed in person.
Honestly, it is a tricky situation! I'm quite fortunate that my course provider is fully online, so I've been able to stay in my university city while completing the SQE and will move to London when I start my TC. However, it definitely isn't a perfectly solution - I have to get the train at 6am on my office days, and it is relatively expensive to commute (thank you British rail!).
From speaking to others in my cohort, particularly those from outside London, a lot of people ended up house-sharing to keep costs down. That said, I completely understand that can be difficult when moving with a partner and you don't want to share with others, as I was also in the same position. Living further out and commuting in can help with rent, although travel costs can add up quite quickly!
When I did my placement year in London, I was on around a similar salary as those bursary's and lived an hour commute away. Combined with my partner's salary, we did make it work, so there are definitely ways to balance it - it just takes a lot of careful planning and compromises. I'd have a look at commuter towns around the City, as you might be able to find a good balance between renting costs and travel costs.
Some firms also do offer interest-free loans and other ways of supporting those who would struggle to afford to live in London on the bursary/maintenance alone - I would definitely encourage you to reach out in the future, as the worst thing they can say is no!
I hope that provides some insights, and at least reassures you that you're not alone in worrying about it!
