TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hanz123]

Did it follow the True/False/Cannot Say format?

one element was that yeah

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Hi guys, for a firm like Perkins where the cover letter length is not specified, would two pages be alright? Especially since they’re asking two separate questions

I did one and a half pages but at a Zero Gravity event it was said that up to two pages is fine

 

[xMontmorency]

Hi everyone!
I know this is a thread for applications but I cant find anything anywhere else and this thread is very active so hoping someone can help!

I have secured a TC in London with the SQE commencing this September. I do not live in London so will need to relocate.
My question is, how are people affording this and does anyone have any advice of where in London I will actually be able to afford to live? 😭

Firm pays a £13k grant and I can apply for post graduate student finance. But I will have no family help and I am really worried about being able to afford rent more than anything else.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Depending on where you are, 13k just about covers your rent (maybe even with utilities). Find a flat outside of central but with tube connections. Ideally rent with 1-3 other people - the more roommates the more you spread the cost.

In terms of areas to search, I'd recommend:
- Either end of the northern line (tooting, morden, high barnet, woodside park, colindale)
- Elephant & Castle / Bermondsey
- Angel / Islington
- The west end of the central and elizabeth lines (ealing, ruislip, hounslow)
- Stratford

Obviously depends on budget and vibe tho ofc. I might try to avoid North East London and places like Lewisham, Peckam and Whitechapel.

Defo apply for whatever finance you can get. Might be worth asking your firm if they offer interest-free loans for SQE students (some do). If you have a job rn try saving up as much as you can.

Get a part time job while studying. Waitressing, bartending, paralegaling, retail, anything. If you have experience, try walking in and handing your CV to one of the bars and restaurants around soho, covent garden, camden, brixton or the City - they are often hiring and pay quite well.