How do I get a cheap flat?

There are 2 methods,

1.) Share a flat, since you can pick up rooms for around 120 even in Central London.

2.) Live further out of London

Option 2 is far superior in my opinion. Very few people realise travel costs are almost identical no matter where you live in London. Since a 1-4 travel card is only a few pounds more than a 1-2 it makes only a little difference. The savings you make on your property more than makes up for it. For example you could get a great flat for 150 rather than 220. Travel times if you live near an over ground line will be similar to living in zone 1 even if you live as far out as zone 4.

I cant reference the study because I forgot where I read it however it said that people who live in zone 4 are 30% happier than those in zone 3, those in zone 3 are 20% happier than those in zone 2 and those in zone 2 were 5-10% happier than those in zone 1.

Essentially the further you live out of London the happier you will be, as long as you live near good transport to work.