I have just moved to the UK from the UK, with the understanding that i could stay with a friend until i found a job. Unfortunately, he's a bit of a loner, and after just a few weeks, he's asked me to leave by May 1. (This is a guy who's spent about a total of six months or more with me over the past five years in the US).

I don't want to get a flat until I find a job, since I would like to live somewhat close to where I work. IE, I don't want to have a job un Surrey and a flat in North London...

So, I am looking for short term (2 months or so) digs in London. I'd rather have a single room, I am too old to share with some backpackers. I hear that universities and colleges rent their dorm rooms - that would work....

Any suggestions? THANKS!

Do you know about Craigslist.com? Used quite a bit in NYC, I notice they also have London section. Don't know how popular it is there but you can have a look.

I had forgotten about Craigs list. I used it to sell stuff when i left the US. Thanks!

Any others?

Did 2 searches for you here, university rooms in london and self catering london. Here are some of the threads that came up but there may be others you'd like.

Here's a thread about a room for 23 GBP/night at Kings College
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34561568

Another
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34475155

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1353554

Here's another thread from today about self catering in London with some interesting info for you.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34601445

and 1 more for 1 month stay in London

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34555625

Thanks, Mclurie. The issue is that most of the colleges and universities don't rent rooms until July, and I need to be out by May 1. I have a somewhat limited budget, since I wasn't expecting to have to move out so soon, or that it would take this long to get a job... and I don't know how long I will have to make my funds last.

I did my best from this end. In your place I might check the local papers and I would definitely write your own ad on Craigslist. You might also find out if there are any similar websites to Craigslist for London. I will try to do the same and post back if I get any info. Good luck.

Check www.thegumtree.com there are heaps of classifieds for flats - all sorts of offers, to share and otherwise. It sounds like just what you are after. Good luck!
Kay

Try here:
http://www.studios92.com/
http://www.venuemasters.com/holiday_search.asp

I fear you might be in the wrong season to get a private student room.

Also try http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com - the UK branch.

Great suggestions, especially Gumtree. I didn't know about that site. I am looking hard for a place to live and a job, so things are stressful. Especially living with someone who doesn't want me around, in a place where I don't know ANYONE!

KayE - gumtree was great. i found a terrific houseshare here in cardiff that i am going to do instead of moving to london. the guy who posted it said he'd just heard of gumtree the day before and posted on a whim, and i'd just heard of it and checked it on a whim. it looks like a perfect solution for the time being. thanks so much to all of you for your help. as usual - fodorites came through!

Good luck! Just curious about the logistics of looking for a job in London when you're in Cardiff?

Doing the initial research on-line, since the job i do is semi-specialized (fundraising for charities), then going to London once a week to meet and interview. It's not a job where I can just walk around showing up and talking to people. I am at the senior level, so it's networking, etc.

Fairfax - glad the Gumtree site worked out so well! I look at it occasionally as we have been talking (forever it seems) about relocating to the UK from Australia. We can work legally there but it's a scary proposition to quit our jobs here, rent out our house and then try and find work in the UK. So I can sympathise.
Kay

Kay- when i left, i felt like i was taking a step off a cliff and didn't know whether the next step would be three inches, three feet or three miles. i still haven't hit the step yet, but i feel like i am floating towards the bottom, not plummeting. if you want any information or to ask me questions, e-mail me at fairfaxfieldingataoldotcom.