Help with London accommodation

oxist258

oxist258

oxist258

Associate
Joined
22 Mar 2006
Posts
286
Hey,

Moving down to the city in 4 months to start working - I'm going to be based in Blackfriars. Absolutely hopeless at this though... does anyone have any suggestions as to which area to aim for and likely cost. I'm moving in with a couple of friends and we're allowing for about £130 each - but we do want something central which is safe and within walking distance for me at least.

Any advice?!?!?!
 
I've been through rightmove and findaproperty - have found lots of properties, but am finding it hard to narrow places down. Really need first hand experience or guidance of actually living there... have never lived in London before, so not sure of how long travelling times and safety (my hours, when I start, can be anything from 9-5 to 7am-midnight!), and how far in advance I have to sign up to a lease.
 
Ideally I'm looking for a commute of no longer than about 20-30 minutes - I know I'm possibly being a bit optimistic here, but single girl wandering the streets in the early hours of the morning after finishing work (law) does not appeal hence the need for safety! Rich, how long would the commute from Clapham be? I heard that South London could be a bit dodgy, although I've been looking at some places there literally just south of the river. Camden/Islington sound good as well. Is a relief that I have a few months to go as well :) A couple of friends recommended Docklands and Tower Hill area - any opinions?

edit: Forgot to say thanks everyone - this is incredibly helpful!
 
Rich_L said:
Islington is the Clapham equivalent for North London, full of young professionals etc.

Take a look at www.rollonfriday.com and the accomodation finder - it looks a bit budget but if you're looking for flats with other trainees or even advice on flat hunting around Clapham/lawyer haunts then it's a good site, should give you an idea of the amount you'll be looking to pay in the various places :)

*edit*
Re: Docklands/Tower Hill

Advantages are you can get a nice, sparkly new place, possibly with nice views of the river for a very reasonable price (for London!). Disadvantages are it's pretty dead in the evenings and a pain in the rear to get back to if you're out in Central London or anywhere else for that matter. Depends what you're after really with regards to aprés-work entertainment :)
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thankuthankuthanku :) Hmm - am liking the sound of Islington... am thinking that the best plan now is just to go down and start looking around. Flatshare not going to be a problem as have some friends who are moving at the same time. Is there much difference in looking for 2 or 3 bedroom apartments? Would love brand spanking new sparkly apartment, but think I'd prefer a social life and convenience a bit more ;)
 
Rich_L said:
I would advise 3 bedroom over 2 bedroom for a few reasons (despite living in a 2 bedroom :rolleyes: ). For a start bills like council tax and your broadband/telly etc will be split 3-ways which actually makes quite a difference, plus your utilities don't go up directly with the number of people so you'll be paying less for that too. Also it can get a bit claustrophobic unless you get on with the other person or are incredibly laid back (fortunately I'm both :p) so it can be nice to have the extra person around. Also you will get an equally nice place with 3 beds as 2 beds but it will up to £70-100 cheaper per month per person, just because of the extra person using the kitchen & bathroom etc, though if there was 3 of you I'd advise at least getting a flat with seperate bathroom/shower & toilet. Also definitely make sure you get a power shower...water pressures in london can be ridiculously lame in places so you might end up with a trickle shower which sucks hugely.

Hmm what else...oh yeah you'll need to slap down a months deposit (minimum) before you move in so make sure the 2 or 3 of you have the cash available to do that when you sign the contract.

Best bet is definitely to have a look round though, although again when I first moved up to London I didn't even see the flat before I signed for it :o
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Sweet... you have (all) been a fount of knowledge - thank you :) think I may be popping down that way in a couple of weeks, so will start putting all my new found info to the test! :)
 
dymetrie said:
Pimpage!

A good weekend to come down and meet a lot of the members who live in (and around) London... Plus there's beer, and a megaphone :)

Rich_L has given some sound advice and I can add nothing more to it :(
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I know... I do keep thinking about it - only in Oxf at the moment anyway, but that's a crazy two week period for me already :(
 
Holy thread resurrection, but just to say quick thank you - finally found a place which is absolutely perfect (esp thanks to Rich, as rollonfriday led me straight to the front door!). Count me in for London meets :D
 
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