Get a job first, or a place to stay in first?

I just arrived in London a few days ago on a Tier 5 youth mobility visa.  I don't have a job or a place to stay in, and I am unsure if it would be better to get a job first, then find a houseshare based around on my commuting needs. So far, I've received a few calls from recruitment agencies for jobs but nothing definite as of yet. I've been staying at temporary accommodation (hostels) but would like to start renting a room right away, since it would be cheaper than staying at hostels while having more privacy. Plus, I'd want a place to stay in before the Olympics start because costs will be crazy, even for hostels. How hard is it to get a houseshare/flatshare while being unemployed? I'm sure there are thousands of aussies/kiwis/canucks who have been or are currently in the same situation. Job first or is getting a houseshare first ok?

I'd say getting a house first... it'll ultimately be cheaper than hostels, and you have no real way of knowing how long it'll take to find a job. It's fairly easy to get around London on public transport, and isn't uncommon to have a 45+ minute commute... so the hope of having a job right by where you work can be hard to achieve at the best of times.

I would say try to find a flatshare where you have a month-to-month contract. I know too many people who have locked into a year contract then gotten a job on the other side of the city, unwittingly setting themselves up for 2 hour long commutes.

If you absolutely love TfL, or dead set on the area you wish to live, this might not be a problem- but generally I suggest trying to find a short-term contract until you are employed.

I know this dates me but are there still hordes of Australians/South Africans crashing thirty to a house around to a London? Back in the days of my youth, I had a couple of friends who lived that way for a few weeks and it was dirt cheap. It was decidedly a twentysomething experience but one worth having once.

There's also your standard bedsit. None too attractive either but non-account draining. No one will bat an eye either if you break your "contract."

Thanks guys. Because the Olympics are coming up (and of course, higher hostel costs), I eventually found a room within 5 minutes walk from Fulham Broadway for £100 a week. Somewhat expensive, but cheaper than hostels and more privacy.  I found the place two days ago, and moved in yesterday morning. There's no contract but has a 4-week deposit which I will only get back if I notify them 4 weeks in advance when moving out. Due to some good luck (or bad luck, depending on how you look at it), I am about to get a job (I just have to sign the contract), but my first project might be in the Leeds area. Depending on how keen they are to send me there, I might not see my £400 deposit back.

Well Nick, I do hope you get your deposit back if you need to move. But the good news - Leeds is a great place to be & cost of living cheaper than London. Quite a few forum members (including me) are up here & one of my best pals (Mapleleafgirl72 on here) is Canadian - from Vancouver. So give us a shout if you need help w/Leeds. Good luck!