[Chamiga]

Hi all,

Im moving to London in June, shortly after graduating from university.

Im 99% sure I can live with a friend, but if he should bail out before I can find a solid job and I am forced to work in a bar or smth(Im graduating with a bachelor's degree from law school), then will I still be able to pay the rent, all the bills, for the transportation and food?
Ideally I'd live in zone 1

thnaks

[jasmin]

Hi Chamiga;

If your planning on barwork, you probably will have to downsize on living. Would you consider a flatshare? You would probably end up paying approx. £90-110 pw for a single room and that includes all bills. Most pubs and bars offer their live-out staff one meal per everyday working so you could work that into your budget.

I'd suggest looking at live-in work. I used to work in a pub in Russell Square (extremely central London) and make about £220 per week and 2 meals a day were thrown in. Live-out work at a pub never pays as much and you don't get as many hours so you could be stuck.

Good luck!

[CaLi]

Hi Chamiga.I saw your message just today!So, that means that since it was March when you wrote it, now you must already live in London and already overcame the first difficulties.So, HOW IT IS?
The reason I'm asking is cause I am probably moving there within the next 3 months (I am from Athens).I am a bit worried about the monthly expenses.I am going to share a flat (of course!!!!)but I know that life is quite expensive there.I know that I can find a descent room for 400-500 pounds per month (incl. bills) but what about the rest?
Can you help me out??

[Bluey]

CaLi,

I think you worry too much about the expense. It's hard to plan a budget without knowing your actual outgoings and salary though its good to be prepared.

However, at the end of the day, you are forced to live according to your means and you compromise or make lifestyle changes to do this.

If your wages are a little low, catch the bus, cycle or walk instead of using the tube/trains which are dearer.

Make use of the free activities in London - parks, museums, events instead of going to the cinema which can cost £10. Google 'London for free' to get ideas how to spend time cheaply.

Make your own lunch and take your own coffee in a flask instead of spending £5 a day in a local cafe.

Learn to cook cheap, healthy meals for the fraction of the price than buying expensive cuts of meat or processed food.

Buy clothes, books, cookware, bedding from charity shops.

Have friends round for drinks instead of paying for rounds in a pub.

Hopefully some people on this forum that live in central London and earn a low wage can share with you how they manage on their budget.

[Catherine]

I live in East London. pretty close to the city, well as close as I can afford.
And like Bluey says you just have to live by your means.
I rent a 2 bed flat with a friend and i spend half my wages on rent and bills. I spend £100 a month on travel. I buy a monthy pass at the begining of each month so I know thats [aid for and I don't have to worry. Then I have my debts ect to pay and the money I have left i split into each week so I know how much I have to spend each week. If I have a bargain week I have more to spend the next. I also invite people round as its lots cheaper and shop in the pound shops, they are the best!!

[shineyshoes]

Check out the jobs offered on this website and on www.ukgrapevine.com and you'll get an idea of what you can earn, then compare it against the places to rent on the rooms to let pages of this website.

[CaLi]

Thank you a lot guys. You've been very helpful.Really!!!!!It's nice to know that if you want sth really bad you can find ways to make it possible!