London Internship Accommodation (Mayfair/St James’s)

Based on the most helpful WSO content, finding affordable and decent accommodation in Mayfair or St James's for an internship can indeed be quite challenging due to the high cost of living in these areas. These neighborhoods are among the most expensive in London, and while student accommodation can offer a more budget-friendly option, it's rare to find such facilities directly in Mayfair or St James's.

Given your previous bad experience with flatmates via Spareroom, it's understandable you'd want to avoid a repeat of that situation. Here are a few suggestions based on insights from the WSO community:

1. University Halls during Summer: Some universities in London rent out their student halls during the summer months to interns and visitors. While these might not be in Mayfair or St James's, they could be nearby. It's worth checking out the accommodations offered by universities like the London School of Economics (LSE) or University College London (UCL) as they sometimes have availability in central locations.

2. Short-term Rental Platforms: Besides Spareroom, consider looking at other platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com for short-term rentals. You might find a studio or a private room in a shared apartment with good reviews, which can give you a sense of security regarding the quality of the place and the reliability of the host.

3. Corporate Housing or Serviced Apartments: These are more expensive but offer fully furnished apartments with services like cleaning and maintenance. Companies like SITU or SilverDoor Apartments specialize in such accommodations for professionals and interns in London. They might have options closer to your desired area.

4. Expand Your Search Area: Given the high costs in Mayfair and St James's, you might want to consider nearby areas that are still central but potentially more affordable. Look into areas like Marylebone, Fitzrovia, or even parts of South Kensington. These areas have good transport links, making commuting relatively easy.

5. Networking and Forums: Use your network or forums like Wall Street Oasis to ask for recommendations. Sometimes, the best opportunities come through word-of-mouth. You might find someone who knows of available accommodation or someone looking for a flatmate in a decent place.

Remember, London's public transport system is extensive, so living a bit further from Mayfair or St James's could still mean a manageable commute. Always visit the property and meet potential flatmates (if any) before committing, to ensure you find a place where you'll feel comfortable and safe.

Sources: London Rent / Living Arrangements 2019, Q&A: London REPE MF Associate, 2020 San Francisco Summer Housing, Where to live in London?, International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?