So you’ve decided you want a room in the perfect flatshare – how do you go about finding it? The first thing to do is decide what ‘perfect’ means, don’t forget, it’s got to be your perfect flatshare - everyone will have different ideas of what that is.
Points to consider
Do you want to live with a lot of people or in a quiet flat with maybe one other person? Would you be happy to share with couples, pets, smokers? Would you consider sharing with your landlord (i.e. being a lodger)?
There’s a checklist of things to consider before you start looking, at http://www.spareroom.co.uk/essentialguide/checklist.
Where do you want to be?
Location is just as important when it comes to sharing as it is if you’re renting or buying. Better areas command higher prices but you may just save on transport if you live near to the areas you need to spend most time in, meaning you can afford a little extra on rent. Do you have friends or family nearby? Do you want to live near the places you like to go out to in the evenings or would you prefer somewhere quieter? The perfect location for you may not be the same for everyone else – take your time if you can and look at a few areas before deciding.
How to look
Searching online is your best bet. Not only do online ads contain far more information (including photos, detailed descriptions and maps), but they make it possible to search in an area you’re not already living in much more easily. Have a look at plenty of ads, this will help you narrow down exactly what you’re looking for and, at the same time, get an idea of the going rate in the areas you’re interested in. Use a dedicated flatshare site such as SpareRoom.co.uk; they won’t print your email address online anywhere so you can avoid bucketloads of spam.
Place an ad of your own
Don’t just search for rooms advertised, place your own ‘room wanted’ ad. This will allow potential flatmates who have rooms available to find you plus it also opens you up to the possibility of ‘buddying up’ (joining together with other room seekers to find a place together).
Speed Flatmating
If you’re in London try Speed Flatmating (http://www.speedflatmating.co.uk). This will give you a chance to meet people with rooms to rent in a relaxed setting and spend some time with each before you commit to seeing the room. As often as not you can trek across town to see somewhere only to find, within minutes, that you won’t get on with the flatmates. Meet the people first, they’re the most important thing anyway.
Top tips
1) Work out what you’re looking for before you start looking
2) Shortlist a few areas before you decide exactly where to live
3) Use a dedicated flatshare site
4) Place a ‘room wanted’ ad
5) Try Speed Flatmating
More information on finding a room can be found in The Essential Guide to Flatsharing (http://www.spareroom.co.uk/essentialguide)
