Sharing a flat is a good way to save money. Not only will you share the rent, utility bills, but also the cleaning. If there are a lot of people living in one place it might be a good idea to come up with a set of rules regarding the cleaning, telephone, smoking, etc. Be prepared to learn to share and be fair, otherwise problems might arise. When you live with people from different background you will sometimes find it difficult, but working out the differences and coming to some agreement so that everyone is happy is worth a while, because sharing a flat can be a great fun!

In order to rent a flat, you might have to go through an agency and, eventually, sign a contract. Estate Agencies do stuff on behalf of the landlord but they might charge for it. You might also get a chance to rent a flat directly from a landlord, which has got is advantages and disadvantages, but, on the whole, proves to be more flexible.

Before you move in, you might be required to pay a deposit, which is usually a month's rent and paid in advance. You will get it back when you move out, unless you have damaged the flat in some way or you owe the agency or the landlord some money.

Before you move in...

Make sure you know what the deal is: How often do you have to pay the rent: weekly or monthly? Are the bills for electricity, gas, water inclusive or exvlusive? Do you have to pay the council tax on top of your rent? Is there a telephone?

Be selective when choosing the people you are going to live with - they might become like your family!

Inspect the flat, its condition, facilities, location, distance from the public transport. Read the contract very carefully and make sure you understand everything!

PROS:

• It can be affordable.
• You can often choose who you live with if you rent it with friends
• You can otherwise have an opportunity to live with people from different countries.
• When living with international crowd you can graetly improve your English.
• You do not feel lonely.

CONS:

• Sharing with people who do not stick to the rules (and do not clean!) can be a real pain in the neck.
• No matter what you have to be tolerant.

EXPERIENCE

This is a very good way to have accommodation in London when you can live with people from different background. Respect to the rules are very important because they help to keep a perfect atmosphera in the flat.

Useful links:

The following Iinternet sites provide services for flat sharing or find a flatmate. They require that you registrate and pay a fee for using it.

www.share-a-flat.co.uk
www.flat-sharer.com
www.flatmates.net