Finding accommodation

When you first arrive in the UK it's daunting to decide where to live. Most people stay in London because the job opportunities are greater. When choosing a place to live in London, check out the area first and what shops and ammenities it has to offer.

"A popular choice with new arrivals is 'dossing'"

When it comes to accommodation in London, Antipodeans and South Africans tend to head west (Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, Acton), north (Kilburn, Willesden, Dollis Hill, West Hamstead) or south (Clapham, Fulham, Southfields). But people are also increasing in numbers in the cheap and trendy areas of east London (Shoreditch, Old Street, Bethnal Green, Hackney) and bohemian north-east (Camden, Angel/Islington).

The further out you live, the cheaper it is, but it costs more to commute.

Dossing
A popular choice with new arrivals is 'dossing'. This involves sleeping on a friend's couch or floor for a minimal fee until you find a job and get on your feet — or outstay your welcome. The dossing fee generally goes towards household bills.

Hostels
Many welcome long-term guests and some include breakfast. Weekly rates range from £70 to £200. Hostel tenants can often pick up work in the hostel, which typically comes with cheaper rent. Just ask at reception.

Roomshare
If you don't mind sharing a room in a house with anything between six and 20 people, you can get by on as little as £40-£60 a week for rent.

House/flat share
For your own room in a small household, budget for upwards of £120 per week. In general, though, you're probably looking at around £80-£100 per week for rent. When you move in, you'll usually be expected to pay at least one month's rent as a security deposit and your first month's rent upfront. It's illegal for a landlord to charge more than two months' rent for a deposit.

Going solo
You can get a bedsit (a self-contained room with a small kitchenette in a house with a shared bathroom) from about £80 a week. Hot water and gas will usually be included in the rent, while electricity is often paid through a coin meter. For £100 upwards, you can get a studio, which includes a kitchenette and your own bathroom.

Pubs
Ask at pubs to see if they have any rooms. Sometimes you can get a job and a home in one, and the deal may also include meals and beer.

Squatting
It's not illegal, but breaking and entering is. Contact the Advisory Service for Squatters (www.squat.freeserve.co.uk; 0845-644 5814) and request their handbook.

Bills
Check whether the quoted price of rent includes bills. If not, you're up for another £20-£30 per month for gas and electricity (depending on how many people you're sharing with). Gas, in particular, can be expensive, especially in winter, as most internal heating runs on gas. Then there's council tax. The amount you pay is determined by the area in which you're living (some councils charge more than others); and the value of the property. The average cost is around £30 per month, but it could be anything from £17-£65 a month. Council tax is higher in the larger cities.

Leases
Leases typically run for six or 12 months. Read the small print to be sure of what you are and aren't responsible for. Whoever signs the lease is responsible for the rent and leases can be difficult to get out of early. If you're leaving, it's best to find a new flatmate to take your place on the lease.

Rental flats and houses generally come with basic furniture and you should be asked to sign an inventory list which details the complete household contents and any existing marks and defects (if not, create one yourself and post a copy to your landlord/ agent). Complete this thoroughly to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage when you leave. Most landlords will require proof of your employment; some will ask for bank references and letters from previous landlords are helpful.

Where to look
Hostels: There are six YHA hostels in London — Earl's Court, St Pancras International, Oxford Street, Holland House, St Pauls and Thamseside. Prices start at £25 a night. Call 0870-770 6113 or see www.yha.org.uk. Also try Piccadilly Backpackers (www.piccadillyhotel.net; 020-7434 9009) and The Generator (www.generatorhostels.com; 020-7388 7666).
Renting: Check the private ads in TNT and our website - www.tntmagazine.com/propertyzone. You can also check out the Loot newspaper (www.loot.com) for shared houses, flats and houses.

Know your rights
Housing law in Britain is complicated, but you can get free legal advice from a Citizen's Advice Bureau (www.nacab.org.uk). If you choose to use a letting agency, beware of unscrupulous agents and exorbitant fees. Wherever possible, use an agency that has signed up with the National Approved Letting Scheme (www.nalscheme.co.uk; 01242-581 712). Agents belonging to this scheme have agreed to follow set industry standards. The laws are complex, but as a rule it's illegal for an agency to request payment for:
- Putting your name on their list or taking your details;
- Providing a list of rental properties.
For more information, see www.adviceguide.org.uk.