People living in London on a budget includes almost everyone living in London. Everyone, that is, except the very lucky who have inherited millions or found another way to breathe without exhaling their entire pay check in one breath. Following Moscow, London has been rated the most expensive city in Summer 2007. So, I had to find a few tricks to save money because not only am I living in London, but I’m also paying back my student loans. Here are ten tips.

1. Pack a lunch for work. Even though you may only spend 4 each day buying lunch on your break, it adds up quickly. Spend that money in a trip to Asda or another cheap shop where you can pick up a loaf of bread, some sandwich filling ingredients and a few containers of yoghurt for slightly more than what you spend in one day and it will last you all week.

2. Take advantage of free activities. There are plenty of free museums like the Natural History Museum, the National Portrait Gallery. Take walks and explore the city or wander around the old cemeteries. There are always free gigs in pubs. Invite friends over for drinks and movies or do what we did and build a bon fire pit in the backyard for hours of cheap entertainment.

3. Though the quality may not be as great, instead of paying for newspapers everyday, pick up The London Paper on the way home or The Metro in the morning and catch the rest online. Check out The Londonist for some obscure news and great free events as well at www. Londonist.com.

4. Though buying magazines galore may be tempting, take advantage of the Foyle’s Cafe or Starbucks in Borders and read while you sip a cup of tea.

5. The bus is cheaper than the tube so take that whenever possible. Even better, walk if you can. If you get out from underground, you’ll be amazed at just how close those underground stations really are. Plus, it’s a bit of fresh air and some exercise.

6. When you go shopping, visit markets instead of the high street. Portobello, Camden, Spittalfields and others offer great deals on clothes, jewellery, antiques, etc. You can also bargain for a better price if you play your cards right.

7. If you don’t feel like cooking and can’t afford to go out to eat, try Camden Market after 6pm when the vendors are selling what’s left of their food at a discount price. For 2, you can get a great big stack of Chinese noodles and various types of chicken.

8. Save your change. If you break a fiver on a loaf of bread, toss the rest of the change in a jar. At the end of the month, bag it and throw it in a savings account or leave it in a drawer. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it ads up.

9. Instead of buying books in Borders or the shops along Charing Cross Road, write down the titles you’re looking for and scour the shelves of the local charity shop. Not only will you pick up great copies of the same books for 1 or less, you’ll be helping a good cause.

10. Be aware. There is always a cheaper way to do something, you just have to be resourceful. If you want to travel outside London, be flexible and you can find cheap tickets. If you’re looking for cheap accommodation, live with flatmates and you’ll make some great friends as well.

All it takes is a bit of creativity and you can s-t-r-e-t-c-h those valuable pounds as far as they will go and still enjoy the city of culture and opportunity. If you’re still strapped for cash, check the internet for freelance work, get some cash in hand for giving out flyers on a Saturday afternoon, or search under the couch cushions.