Hi all,I'll be starting my new (first) job in the summer. The office is a couple of minutes walk from Euston and Kings Cross. Also, after tax, NI, student loan etc, I'll have about £400 in the bank each week.Is it possible to get a 1bed flat in an area I can look out of the window without fearing for my life from this and still afford to live? How much of this do you think I'll realistically need to spend to get a decentish place?I've had a look on gumtree, rightmove etc, but as I don't know the areas well, I'm hoping for a bit of insight from some London dwellers,Thanks a lot

Are you a big jessie or one of those people from out of town who fear anyone who is not middle class or above? Kings cross is fine but try Caledonian road for a cheaper place or even Holloway. NO one will mug you if you dont walk around looking like a victim.

John, Peckham, Camberwell, New Cross are all safe, pleasant and harmonious areas.Hackney, Stoke Newington are also pleasantZB

As a fresh grad and a London newbie, sharing would be much cheaper and a better way to meet people while getting to know the cityEven in a flat share £400 (inc bills) isnt going to get you much. You will be very lucky to find a good one bed flat for that

400 in the bank every month ???? What job do you have ??? Even flipping burgers at McD would pay you more than that

He said £400 left in the bank each week not month+ dont listen to ZB

Apologies for jumping the gun - You have clearly mentioned 400 per week - My Bad.Angel is a good option - 15 min walk from Kings Cross and not too high rents

Personally I think your mad to spend £1800 a month on rent as a grad, particularly in this career path. Likely you'll be away most of the week!Get a share and look to spend £1200 max!

As Casino mentioned, if you are away most of the week, why getting a flat in expensive london anyway?

Don't rent by yourself, go onto flatshare.co.uk or gumtree and rent with a couple of other young professionals - a lot more fun. Rule of thumb it that the maximum rent you should pay is around 30% of your income so for £130 a week you can find something reasonable in Angel/Camden and be close to work. Try finding a reasonable one bedroom in those areas for £130 a week will be difficult.

Despite ZB's sarcasm, I lived in Camberwell for five years and it was quite pleasant, as are the nicer parts of Peckham (e.g. Bellenden Road area) so don't write off South-East London without trying it first!EC

Chelsea> It will be a box but if you are away most of the week then it will be a nice base for the weekend. I would sooner live outside london than in SE - You will not be living the "true" london life in those areas. your choice.

Since when is Zone 2 not the 'True London Life'? And who wants to live in a box? There are some great parts of SE London, well worth a look for those on a budget.