Renting in London can be a daunting prospect if you are new to the area, but if you approach it systematically then the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Living in London is an amazing opportunity, there is so much to do and even if you are living on a very strict budget it is still possible to go out every night of the week.

When you are looking for a flat in the capital, a lot of the time it can be a very long process, unless you follow a well produced plan.

The first thing to do is decide which area of the city you would like to rent your flat the most. You have to remember the further out from London you are the cheaper it is e.g. zone three. It is very important to live quite close to a tube station, or even the main bus routes.

Make sure you plan your budget correctly - Calculate all expenses which include expected bills to help give you the best decision for your price range. If you share with flat mates, then you can save even more money.

There are a number of websites that are dedicated to helping you find a flat to rent in London, or flatmates if you need people to live with. Consider attending a speed flatmate finding evening (a little like speed dating but to find a flatmate rather than a boyfriend).

When you have an idea of what you're looking for in your flat, begin the search. Make sure you are prepared to visit a lot of flats, if you want things to move quickly, also have the deposit ready when you find the correct flat. Organise your weekends to pencil in a group of viewings with an estate agent. Be clear about your budget, and try to negotiate if you can to reduce cost. When you search for a flat in London, you will probably have the time of your life.

Want to find out more about renting in London, visit Flats to rent in London, then visit Paul Smith's site on the best and cheapest Flats for rent London for your needs.