Most places come fully furnished which is a bonus to those that arrive with nothing but their clothes. The cheapest option is invariably a bedsit, which is often located in a house where tenants share a bathroom. Hot water and gas will usually be included in the rent, while electricity is often paid through a coin meter, as are some flats. An alternative is a room in a flat share or house share. A typical situation is a group of friends that split renting costs, and may place an ad in the paper looking for one or more persons to share additional rooms in the house.
Sharing is one of the best ways to meet people from all over the world.
There are studio and one bedroom flats on offer but the prices can be prohibitive. As anywhere else, read the contract before you sign. Find out about whether you will be liable for Council Tax, a rather high tax that most landlords invariably pass on to the tenants. Check all amenities and what your rent covers, ie use of washing machine, TV, video, and what bills are included. Most landlords will want to see references, like bank details, employment, references from hostels you've lived in.