HELP! Cheap Accomm. in London - is it possible?

[muddyfox470]

I have been lucky enough to be offered an internship at an engineering consultancy in central London for 8 weeks.

However there is a big problem - cost of living. I have sent a lot of letters to London Universities as most let out their self-catered rooms - but I have been quoted as much as £1600, which to me is a lot for 8 weeks (July - August) for basic accommodation as well.

Have any of you had to deal with a similar situation, or do any of you have any pointers of where to look/visit when looking for accommodation for such a short let. Websites / Agencies etc ?

Anything is much appreciated. Unfortunately hostels are out of the question as I need my own private room to keep my things safe and together... but also needs to be as central as possible (yes increases cost a fair bit!)

I don't know where to start, though have listed some WANTED threads on suitable student accommodation boards.

Please help

Cheers!

[Lucio]

You might find it better to pick up a shared room, or cheap(er) B&B on the edge of London and traveling into Central London

[Mithrandir]

Depends on which area which want to live in and also comfort level.

There are rooms for around 100 or so a week.

Try Flats to rent London, jobs in London, flatshare, free classified ads UK


but for short term Im not sure if they're available at the cheaper rate.

[greenalien]

LOOT's always worth a try :

Loot Property - Property Ads - Loot.com

or a small ad in Private Eye may pay dividends. Good luck!

[explicitlyrics]

Imperial college has accommodation in South London area for £140/week which is still pricey but is not that bad.

[Mithrandir]

Also have a look at YMCA. There are two locations in Central London - HERE

A colleague of mine stayed in the Wimbledon one a long time ago.

EDIT: Just found another link - HERE

[muddyfox470]

Cheers everyone keep them coming! I've been looking through those websites but I'm guessing it could take some searching, so will have a look each day

Imperial for £140 sounds good. It's a bit of a shock coming from Durham private letting where 70/75 is considered expensive! lol.

With regard to Uni's this is who I've sent emails to:
Imperial, Westminster, LSBU, Goldsmiths

I've heard a reply from LSE but that was a bit expensive.

Mithrandir, thanks for the hint about the YMCA the prices do look attractive. I'm just wondering what amenities they have, but have sent more emails away

[schmunk]

Mithrandir, thanks for the hint about the YMCA the prices do look attractive. I'm just wondering what amenities they have, but have sent more emails away

They have everything that you need to enjoy. You can hang out with all the boys.

It's fun to stay at the YMCA.

[muddyfox470]

They have everything that you need to enjoy. You can hang out with all the boys.

It's fun to stay at the YMCA.

I knew there'd be someone...

I was just wondering whether they'd have internet access and the likes - because that is a benefit of the Uni's as I presume you can use their internet in the rooms.

[schmunk]

I knew they'd be someone...

Happy to oblige...

[Zyte]

Plus point for LSE is that its student bar is crazy cheap for central london. As for you accomodation problem, you need to think about looking for residence far from central london and take the hit with the commute and a 1 month oyster/travelcard like most londoners do, living in central is simply not possible for most people. Try looking as far out as Surbiton/Kingston as there is a large uni there and the prices wont be as high. Dont forget that your travel will be expensive from anywhere approx £140 for the month

[TheAnimus]

might be a bit too obvious, but i take it the consultantcy your interning with couldn't make any sugestions?