Agents - room rentals

Hey,

I'm wondering if anyone here has rented a room through an agent and whether it is worth the fee. Are apartments generally more expensive than the local market? I did check by comparing the availabilities with Gumtree and some were more expensive, but others not by much. Then again, it's a small sample. Is it worth just paying the agency fee for the convenience and peace of mind factor, even though you may not have a living room?

The possibility I have is about 120 GBPs near Bethnal Green tube station. I realize that it's not the nicest area, but the apartment seems to have been recently renovated and it has excellent transportation access (three underground lines, overground and rail all within walking distance). I'm tempted to take it, but don't want to get stuck paying more than I should be. There's also no living room, which I'm starting to realize is not as uncommon as one would expect.

I would try to stick it out and find a place with a living room. It makes the flat a bit more social and feels more like a real home (in my opinion).

Bethnal Green is an aright area though, there are some nice bits and being near the tube is good.

Hey Rainbowhaven, thanks for your response. You're definitely right - it is weird to have to sit in your room when you're home. I've been spending a lot of time at coffee shops!

I thought I would follow up on my original post just in case anyone has the same question down the road.

PROS of the Agency:
-well-maintained apartments
-was able to see photos before leaving
-they are easy to verify as legitimate (I researched the business before sending money to make sure it wasn't a scam).
-had a place set up before I arrived
-can transfer my lease once I get more settled and know where I'll be working (by the way, if anyone here is hiring...)
-didn't have to provide a reference because they deal regularly with international people

CONS
- in my case, no living room, which seems common with the agencies
- they cram a lot of people into the apartment
- you don't get to choose your roommates. I am very laid back about cleaning, but when I moved in last week I had to clean because none of the *four* people in the apartment had done it in over a month. yikes!!
- fees. It's only worth it if you really don't mind paying for the convenience.

As I said above, it was a good place to start and at least I have a base from which to get to know the city, to see apartments/meet potential roommates and to find a good deal.