When I applied to volunteer in Vancouver I had researched and secured housing in advance. I wasn’t as confident about my chances for London, so I hadn’t done anything to find housing. As soon as I received my offer letter for London I immediately started doing research. With only nine months to go, the challenge was finding a place available that was reasonably priced and located close to the venue where I’d be working. In Vancouver the location of where I stayed wasn’t an issue because I reserved a rental car. However, in London because of expense and fear of having to drive on the opposite side of the road my plan is to utilize their great public transportation options. I researched online through the accommodations portion of the Games website and asked friends with London visiting experience for suggestions on accommodation options. Unable to make calls due to the cost, I sent out email inquiries to more than 24 properties for all types of housing — from host homes, hostels, and apartments to dorms. We’ll see what happens…