I used SpareRoom many times after I moved to London about 8 years ago and it’s been a great help to me over the years. I’m an animal lover and my favourite place to be is by the ocean, so I’m going to spend the money on a dream holiday by the beach, swimming in the ocean with its amazing aquatic life! I can’t wait. Thanks so much SpareRoom!!

I am so excited to hear that I’ve won the prize draw, as I’ve been using the site for a while now and entering diligently each month! I have been entering with the hope of eventually winning, and I’m thrilled now that I have! This money will be greatly impactful for myself and my partner, as we are preparing to move home this summer! This money will be spent on purchasing new furniture and affording the move! This money means a lot to me and it will definitely help ease the weight of tenancy bills for a month.

I’m thrilled to be this month’s winner - it couldn’t have come at a better time as I’ve just booked a holiday to Portugal! I’ll certainly be having a couple more ports and pastel de nata than intended.

I used SpareRoom to find my last two housemates who became great life long friends - I’ve known my first housemate for 8 years now! I’m going put this prize money towards a holiday this year! Thanks so much SpareRoom!

Having used SpareRoom since I was an UnderGrad, I’m incredibly grateful to win a month’s rent as a prize! Though I no longer live with my family, this prize gives me an opportunity to express my deep appreciation for my mother. I plan to use this pize money to treat her, as a small gesture of gratitude for everything she’s done.

Hey there, I’m Stelios, I enjoy travelling, good food, jogging and until today I didn’t believe in the Greek goddess of Tyche (until I received an email saying that amongst thousands of entries, I had won Live Rent Free for a year!). I joined SpareRoom as a student to help find accommodation and have been entering Live Rent Free ever since. With the prize money I plan to travel more as I’m ready for my next adventure. I’m also going to give some of my winnings to charity and get involved with local volunteering opportunities in my area as I believe in paying forward good fortune . Very much appreciated!

I just started a postgraduate degree in Economics and have moved into a student house share. With this prize money I will get myself a nice evening dress!

I have been living in Cambridge since 2016. My fixed term contract at my workplace ended at the end of July so I was so happy to find out that I was the lucky one who won this month’s prize. I have been entering ‘Live Rent Free’ for quite a while now hoping that it could help a little bit given the fact how expensive Cambridge is. We live in a rather difficult time now because of this economic crisis so winning this prize is such a blessing for me.This extra money gives will be a great help especially now when I am still looking for a new job opportunity.

I’m so happy to have won! Thank you so much.

I started out in York doing a self-funded PhD, meaning I had houseshare to crunch my costs as much as possible. After I finished, I continued to share because the cost of living crisis settled in. Winning SpareRoom’s Live Rent Free will finally enable me to put savings towards my house fund!

I’ve been house sharing near my work for the past 2 years, as it allows me to save a little bit for the future. I entered as I thought with the rising costs of living it was worth a shot. I’ll be putting the money towards covering some of the day to day living costs, but also towards a weekend away as a treat!

I haven’t been on a holiday since 2017 because of bills and working towards my career, so this money will certainly help make that happen!

I still can’t believe I won one month’s free rent! Thank you to the SpareRoom team.

I’ve been sharing for six months in Newcastle, although previously flat shared for many years in London. I moved up from London after a career change to become a teacher. At the moment I am working as a TA whilst applying for teaching roles. I’ve entered the competition for years and am so excited to have won! I took a dip in salary when I decided to change careers, so this will really help me out in the day to day. I’d also love to spend some of the money visiting friends and family.

I’m shocked to see that I’m a winner as I have never won anything before. I moved from Kent due to work location, found a room in house share through SpareRoom and sharing house with 4 other generous people in Surrey for almost 6 years. I’m so glad that I joined the competition. I’ll be spending the money on my summer holiday. Thank you so much SpareRoom.

Sharing helps keep things affordable and allows me to have some cash to enjoy life. Although to be honest, I don’t think I could afford to live alone in this market regardless! I’ve been sharing ever since I moved to London over 10 years ago. My last place was a four person flatshare bit I’ve recently upgraded to a two person now that I’m a bit older and appreciate the space and quiet more! I’ll almost definitely put the money towards a spring or early summer holiday.

I’ve been sharing with my current housemates for years now, haven’t had to move much luckily and we all get on well which helps because renting can be so difficult. Winning this is so amazing, I’m a photographer part-time so this will help me with getting some new equipment I’ve been needing for ages!

Thank you very much, I’m really excited. I found my last 2 places through SpareRoom and it was a great experience. I met so many cool people from different countries. Now I need to find separate accommodation and I’ll be using SpareRoom once again! This money will help me with my deposit as well as covering some of my relocation costs.

My name is Chloe and I have lived in our lovely shared house for nearly three years. I live with two of my best friends plus one girl who joined recently via SpareRoom and has instantly become really good friends with us! We have so much fun living together and love the area - especially the summer weekends. I enter the competition every month so can’t believe I have won! I’ll save some of the money for a house deposit and the rest can be put towards buying some nice Christmas presents for friends and family this year!

It has been challenging to make ends meet recently with the prospect of rising energy bills and the prize money will help with that alot. I would like to use this opportunity to thank my NHS colleagues for all the incredible work they do, have done in the pandemic and carry on doing during the recovery phase. They are my heroes. Thank you Spare room!

I have been sharing since I came to study in England, so about 10 years now. I was planning to buy a property this year but with the prices going up for everything, I need to save a bit more and wait for potentially another year until the situation improves (hopefully!!!). I entered the competition a long time ago but never actually expected to win, just thought ‘maybe one day’. I will spend the money on my car’s MOT and full service which is due this month. The remainder will be spent on my 2nd solo trip to Copenhagen which I have planned at the end of this month. I still cannot believe I am starting the month with such good news, thank you very much and good luck to everyone else!

Woohoo! I've been entering the competition for many years, it's great to see it pay off. I've been living in London since my early 20s, and I've used Spareroom to find several of my flatshares, as well as to find people to fill spare rooms. The extra money will come in very useful as everything continues to get more expensive…

I was living in London, but moved back up north to be near to elderly mother. I’ve been here 2 years and I’m a painter. The money would be jolly welcome in these times of rising bills…

I first started entering the ‘Live Rent Free’ competition five years or so ago, when I was flatsharing in London. While I have since moved back to Suffolk, the money will still come in very useful indeed, not least as my fiancée and I are getting married in July! I used SpareRoom firstly to locate the two flats I inhabited in London, before also turning to you to find a really great landlord in Portsmouth, where I did my PGCE to train to become a teacher. I have found it to be an excellent way to find not only affordable accommodation but also new people who have since become good friends! Thank you to everyone at SpareRoom for the brilliant service you provide, and of course for allowing me to win this competition!

I work as a Musical Theatre Actor, Singer and Singing Coach. Like most industries, the Performing Arts industry has had a devastating time during the pandemic and the industry, and all that work in the industry, is still trying to get back on its feet. I’ve been renting most of my adult life, since leaving Drama School in 2008. With house prices the way they are, it is so difficult to get onto the property ladder, but I’ve always been fortunate to live with friends in house and flat shares. I need to update some new headshots for my work as a performer, so this money will definitely go towards some new headshots and any money left over will go into savings.

I’ve been flatsharing pretty much all of my adult life, since I’ve left my parents home, so it’s almost twenty years, twelve of which were in London. I’m afraid flatsharing is the only way to go for many people these days, with property prices higher than sky. Being nearly 40 years old I kinda gave up on the idea of owning my own place, too. I entered this competition a few years ago and I cannot say that I had any big hopes or was expecting to win, as I never won in any competition of this sort. I guess for the moment this winning will go to my savings.

Money will be very handy. I’m preparing myself for the MMA fight for Cancer Research in my new town in the spring. Then I’m planning to restart my online shop with sunglasses from the spring. A 40-hour job is not enough these days, after all, taxes and deductions. I’ll use the money to restart my online shop.

What a great start to 2022! I have been sharing in London since graduating in 2015 and have used Spareroom many times to find both rooms and roommates. Most recently I’ve been sharing with an old school friend turned best friend through living together. I have been entering this competition for as long as I can remember but never thought I’d win - this is amazing! I will be putting the money towards a trip I have planned to visit some Greek islands in July, providing all goes well with the pandemic. It has already been rescheduled twice so I guess this is third time lucky! Thanks so much!

I had a home of my own but had to sell it back in 2017 as was in mortgage arrears and had lost my job and I have been renting privately and flat sharing since then. I entered the competition because to win just a fraction of what I have paid out in the years would be life changing to me, this means I could treat myself and buy a little gift, and feel happy again.

I’ve lived in London for 7 1/2 years and house shared most of that time using SpareRoom mostly up until this recent move in with a friend. I’ve entered the competition basically every month so I’m delighted to have won! The money will go towards Christmas gifts for my friends and family which is much needed this time of year!

I am a single parent with a 17 month old, gorgeous crazy little boy. My spare room is let out to my old friend who works away some of the year. Been sharing now for 2 years, it’s really to help both of us, it works for him as renting a full house or flat when working away is more money and helps me out with money. Entered the competition in the hope to win, I am over the moon and will make our Christmas special this year.

I never imagined I could have won this! Thank you Spareroom!! I have been living in London since 2012, I can’t believe how time has flown by so quickly. I have been flatsharing since I moved here; my plans were to stay just for a year….but then things changed and I am still here :) I have been lucky enough to share flats with some amazing people and make friends along the way! I have been contemplating for a while about replacing my beloved bike with a more performing one. This money would definitely help me finding the right replacement for my bike and dashing out around London!!

I’ve been flatsharing ever since I came in London in 2013 and since then I’ve been taking part in this competition of yours, so winning now after all these years feels great, thank you. I’ve moved to many houses, met so many interesting people and such nice places. Later on I met my partner in one of the houses and after we decided to move together with some other friends of ours. As our relationship was moving forward a little bellysharer came in our lives, no need to say that after that it was a bit more difficult to find someone who enjoys the lovely singing of a newborn at 1am or basically anytime of the day. As the little one was getting older we could sometimes find other people but that wasn’t enough so we decided to move up north, the rent is a lot cheaper compared to London. Even so this last year with covid has been challenging and not having to pay this month’s rent is going to be a huge relief. Thank you so much.

I am a secondary school geography teacher, working in West London. COVID definitely was a lonely and emotional time, being away from friends at work and the kids. It made me realise I definitely want to be in a flat with people I can socialise with. I have been entering the competition since I started my PGCE in 2016, never thought I would get it! I think I will spend my money on a holiday, hopefully if everything pens up again according to plan 😅

I have been flat sharing since finishing uni in 2019 in order to allow myself to save some money to move out properly. The last year has been hard and very much a struggle, however it’s made me more determined to save up and now that I’ve won this competition it will be a massive help to me. Thank you Spare Room for making my month!

Dear SpareRoom, thank you so much for having me as your competition winner - I can’t believe it, I never win anything! I have been flatsharing for a while now, and I am currently in a flat I found through your site. Flatsharing is the only real way to make ends meet in London, and I’ve made some really good friends in the process. The last year and a half has been so tough for everyone in so many ways, and I have had my share of issues, including financial. This couldn’t come at a better time! I will put the money towards my rent, get a nice bottle of something to celebrate, and keep a little aside for the times when it will be safe to travel 🙂 Again, thank you so much SpareRoom, and keep up the good work with Crisis.

I’m a senior support worker for a young people’s charity in Edinburgh helping vulnerable young people find and maintain their own accommodation.

I’ve been sharing in Edinburgh since I moved up from England in 2015. To have my own place would cost me quite a bit so sharing allows me to save money so I can do more of the things I enjoy whilst also having somewhere nice to live and having extra company can always be nice, especially with the pandemic and lockdown I think it’s been good having an extra person around for my mental health.

I have been living in a shared house since I moved to London in 2015. After a few great years in our Brixton house we sadly had to move as our landlord sold the property. After a stint of cat-sitting, house-sitting and staying with some very generous friends (all the while with my many plants in tow), I found a great new house, sharing with some lovely people. Living this way through Covid has given me a massive appreciation for living in a shared house, where we have a sense of community, have epic dinners, dance parties, film nights and a (mostly) productive workspace in the week (shoutout to the Shework!), all without having to leave the house!

If you take the time to find the right fit, then living in a shared house can really add so much value to your life. I learn so many new things every day from the people I live with.

Sadly, after only 7 months in the new place, we are facing the same situation; the landlord is selling and we have to move on. Being a renter really keeps you on your toes! But it also provides us with another opportunity to find more like minded people to share home with. My partner, Sarah and I are going to be moving in together, and we are looking for a shared house.

This past year has been quite a financially straining time for many, and as a freelancer I definitely felt the effects of it, so I will be using the money to recoup some of my losses, and definitely splash out on some new vinyl that I’ve had my eye on…

SpareRoom has been a great help in all my years of flat-sharing. Whether it was to find new flatmates or to find a new home, so thank you!

I work as a machine worker in Nottingham and I’m currently a key worker, as it’s to do with food. I’ve been sharing for about four years now - it really helps with cost. This money will go towards my rent, and my remaining Christmas costs.

Thank you!

Wow this is amazing news! Thank you so much. I enter all the time and never think I’ll actually win.

I’ve been sharing in London since 2016 when I moved here to work in fashion. I’m currently living in a house share with three amazing housemates! Lockdown has made this a very weird year and I’m not sure I could have coped with anyone else. We’re actually looking to move this year as we’ve decided we really need more space and a garden. So I’ll be spending this money on moving expenses, and (if possible) any holidays I can get!

I just can’t believe this! What a fantastic and unexpected end to what has been an interesting and disappointing year.

I’ve been renting ever since I came to London in 2009. I’m an actor so my work is varied, sporadic and not as well-paid as some people would have you believe! But it is fun and very rewarding.

I’ve been renting in a variety of places, most of them found on SpareRoom (so thank you for creating such a handy resource!). I’m happily settled in my current place. We all get on well, eat weekend meals together and share a fabulous garden.

I’ve been entering this competition for a while now, hoping to put any prize I won towards new photos or a showreel but never expected to win the big prize! I’m going to be able to make Christmas extra special this year, and when the pandemic is over I’m going to use this money to visit the family I haven’t been able to see and support the hospices that helped those I sadly won’t be able to see again.

I can’t thank you enough. You’ve saved Christmas!

This is SUCH exciting news! I’ve been entering since 2014 so I can’t believe this.

I’m about to move into a new place (lockdown pending!), so this couldn’t have come at a better time. This will help me contend with the deposit - you know what it’s like in London!

I joined SpareRoom back in 2013 when we were looking to let out a room in our six bedroom flatshare – then a group of us downsized to a three-bed. I’ve been using SpareRoom a lot again over the last few months to find the perfect place to move into – I never thought it would happen, but I’ve ended up finding somewhere right around the corner.

Thanks again!

Thank you so much! This is the best news!

I’ve been living in London since 2015 and have been in Islington for three years, sharing with my lovely housemate. Lockdown has made this a very weird year (as for everyone) but I really think it’s made us even better friends - and I’m not sure I could have coped with anyone else in this bonkers time.

It’s very weird timing but our lease expires at the end of this month, so I’m about to live by myself for the first time! So I’ll be spending the money on moving expenses, as well as a nice dinner for me and my housemate, and maybe put anything left towards a holiday when we’re allowed to travel again. 2020 could do with a pick-me-up!

I am over the moon! I can’t believe I’ve won this. What a pleasant surprise to get in such a challenging time.

I’ve been living in this place for over a year now and I really like the lovely people I live with. I love to meet people from different backgrounds around a good meal - I love trying food from different countries.

I’m sharing because London is far too expensive for me to have my own place. I’ll probably spend the money on going on holiday when possible as I really need a break!

Like many, job security and the ability to pay rent month to month during these challenging times is a constant worry, so this has come as a lovely surprise and also at a perfect time.

I first used SpareRoom back in 2015 while studying at university in Manchester and when I moved to London a couple of years ago I didn’t hesitate to use it again! I’ve not only found flats to rent through SpareRoom, but I’ve found friendships that I will have for life - so thank you!

The majority of this prize money will be put towards next month’s rent, but I’m sure I’ll use some of the funds to have some celebratory drinks in the park!

Thank you so much.

This is amazing! I really didn’t expect it.

I’m a part time MA student and Finds specialist from North Lincolnshire. When there’s no COVID-19 around, I love to dance and wander around places - especially places of historic interest and museums.

What do I intend to spend this money on? Hopefully it’ll go towards driving lessons at some point in the near future (when it’s safe to take them again) and/or maybe a holiday…

Thank you again!

I feel like I’ve won the lottery! I’m in shock about this great news.

I’ve been sharing as I can’t afford to rent or buy on my own, and I’ve been doing so for the last three years. I enter this competition every month but never thought I’d win. Things like this don’t happen to me.

This has come at a great time as I was furloughed for a month, and it’s my son’s sixth birthday next month.

Thank you!

This is such good news to get in these hard times!

I’m currently living in Milton Keynes and have been for four years now. I work in retail which makes me a key worker right now. I’ve been house sharing because it’s a good way to save money.

I always hoped one month it would be me who wins this, but I never believed it would actually happen. I guess it’s a bit like hoping to win the lottery!

I think I’ll spend the money on a nice holiday once the Coronavirus crisis is over. Thank you SpareRoom!

I’m flatsharing because I’m an international student, and sharing has been the most affordable option for me. I’ve been sharing for about one and a half years.

I entered the competition because being an international student means my expenses are quite high - between tuition, books and overall living costs… a little extra money really helps out.

I’m planning to use the money towards my graduation trip! Thank you so much for this opportunity.

I’ve used SpareRoom a number of times over the last few years in Oxford, Islington and now in Sheffield where I’ve just moved to start a new job. I’ve met some great people through sharing, whether talking politics in the kitchen or going for drinks as a house.

As I’ve just moved, I’ll probably spend my winnings on exploring and getting to know Sheffield’s foodie scene!

I got a job here after finishing my degree, and found my current house using SpareRoom - I’ve been sharing there for 18 months now.

I always enter this competition to win a bit of extra cash. I think I’ll put this towards a holiday!

I’m a 64 year old gent who rents part of a house in Birmingham - not far from the airport. I’ve rented for several years both here and up in Liverpool, and have made several friends.

I always enter the competition but never dreamed I would win it. I will almost certainly be spending the money on a decent computer!

I’m so happy and grateful to have won - thank you very much! I’ve been living in London for just over 6 years now. I moved here to go to university and since then I’ve lived in a variety of places - and always in shared houses. I really enjoyed sharing throughout my student years. I actually ended up meeting one of my closest friends on SpareRoom. It would be nice to have my own place, but sharing can be fun too when housemates are lovely.

I have entered the competition many times now - more often recently because I’m saving for a trip to South America. So this money will be going straight into my adventure fund! Thank you!

Thanks so much. I never thought I’d win!

I’ve been sharing for at least five years now because I can’t afford to get on the property ladder. I’d like to use the money on a short break - maybe Valencia…

I’m currently working as a civil servant. My job is to make sure any coordination and admin for the team I work with is completed. I moved quite a distance from where I used to live for my job, and I wasn’t sure how long I’d be in the area for - so sharing seemed like the easiest and cheapest option. We managed to get a decent house without having to pay more than we could afford.

I’m really lucky that I’ve ended up sharing with two other girls I really get along with. I think it helps that we all work in the same place (although on different teams) - so if one of us is having a bad day, everyone gets it! We’ve been sharing for almost 18 months and it’s worked out really well so far.

I usually enter the monthly Live Rent Free competitions, so when I saw this one come up I thought why not? I know it sounds very cliche but I genuinely didn’t expect to win. I’m the person that just doesn’t win anything - I don’t think I’ve ever even won anything on a raffle!

I’m not 100% sure what I’ll be spending it on yet. I suppose the grown up answer is to save it and put it towards a house deposit, BUT I love travelling and have such a long list of places I want to go… so to be honest it’ll probably be going on that.

Thank you so much. I still can’t believe I’ve won!

Wow, this is amazing news! I’m so shocked I’ve won.

I’ve house shared for over a year but I’m hoping to buy somewhere with my partner in the area eventually. I’ve entered the competition for a couple of years now, because it’s so easy to do!

I’ve just booked a holiday so the money will be going on that. Thank you so much!

This is amazing! I’ve been entering the competition for about 18 months but never for a second thought I’d actually win.

I started using SpareRoom when I moved to London for work, and I’ve been in my current houseshare for ten months now.

I work with different people all the time in my current job and it can end up being a bit lonely - especially when you’re in a new city. So I’m really grateful to be in a living situation where I can go home every day to people who’ve become really good friends.

This couldn’t have come at a better time for me - I’ve been thinking for a while about changing jobs and this will give me a bit of breathing space to do that without stressing.

What a brilliant start to the month!

This is awesome news! I’ve entered this competition every month for at least the last few years, so to hear that I’ve won is amazing and very unexpected.

I moved to Manchester from North Wales just over four years ago so I could further my career in IT. I’m sharing at the moment until I move in with my girlfriend - I’ve lived in various shared houses for about seven years or so.

I entered the competition because I always thought it’d be nice to have a rent-free month so I could treat my girlfriend to a weekend away. Now I think I’m going to take her on a romantic glamping trip to Yorkshire this summer!

Wow this is amazing! What a way to start the week.

I’ve lived here for 18 months but I’ve always shared since I moved to London from Huddersfield about seven years ago for work. Sharing is a great way to meet people, and I’ve made friends for life by moving around.

I first entered this competition years ago after using SpareRoom to look at potential flatshares - I’ve probably been entering for five years, because winning my rent always seemed appealing! I should really save the money (I work in music so money’s always tight), but I’ve also got the urge to start looking at holidays…

Thanks so much!

Thank you so much SpareRoom! I’m so happy, I’m crying!

I’ve been living in shared accommodation for the past five years now as I’ve always enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. Through sharing accommodation I have made friends for life who I’ve got amazing memories with. Shared accommodation has also helped me learn more about different cultures and upbringings.

I entered the competition because I’m currently in a really difficult position -I’ve handed in my notice to work without another job lined up. The last month has been extremely difficult as I’m figuring out how I’m going to pay for my rent moving forwards. If I didn’t have new a job by the end of this month, I would have had to ask my parents to support me with rent (which isn’t what anybody wishes to do in their mid-20s!) This competition has given me some leeway to look for more jobs and still have the opportunity to live in London whilst I do that for at least another month!

I want to thank SpareRoom for this competition because it’s helped me at a time where I needed it the most. It could not have come at a better time! Thank you very much!

I’m sharing at the moment as I can’t afford to buy yet, so I used SpareRoom to find likeminded professionals of a similar age to live with. I live with two other girls who over the last 6 months have ended up becoming lifelong friends, not just flatmates!

I’ll probably put the money towards a much needed holiday…

This is great news! I’m so pleased.

I run a support service for a health charity, offering peer support to patients, families and carers. I’m saving up for my own place so I’ve been renting a room for 6 years.

I entered the competition not thinking I would win at all, so this is a lovely surprise. I hope to use the money for a holiday so I can rest and recharge.

This is amazing news. I’m so pleased!

I’m a Heritage Consultant working in Nottingham and I live with four other housemates, in a house I found on SpareRoom. I’ve been in the property for a year now and it’s been a fantastic experience so far.

I entered the competition on a whim after my girlfriend sent me a link to her entry. I’ll put the money towards our holiday to Rome in May so we can share it!

Thanks so much SpareRoom.

I always use SpareRoom because it is the only site I really trust - I’ve found great places on it!

I’ve been sharing on and off for a few years - I’m sharing at the moment because it’s so convenient for bills. I entered this competition because it’s such a great prize. I never thought I’d actually win!

I try to write screenplays, so some of the money will be used to enter screenwriting contests. I won two quarter finals in 2018, so fingers crossed for this year! The rest will help me breathe a bit on bills and other things.

Thank you SpareRoom for helping me!

I’m so overwhelmed to have won this competition! I have entered every month for the past 4/5 years, and it couldn’t have come at a better time after a bout of terrible bad luck (breaking my laptop and phone, amongst many other things!)

I started using SpareRoom when I was living in London and found some really great housemates on there for flatshares. I don’t know what I would have done without it to be hones.t

I’m self employed, so this is a festive lifeline that’s very much needed. Plus, I never win anything! This has made me so happy. Thank you so so much!

I’ve been in flatshares since my uni days but have been in my current home for the last 10 years as I have such a great landlord. In that time I’ve had a few housemates, all of which I’ve met through SpareRoom - and discovered your Live Rent Free competition!

I enter religiously every month and still can’t quite believe I’m this month’s chosen one. I’ve been busy saving for my own place, but I’m really grateful for the people I’ve met through sharing - one of whom I will be a bridesmaid for at her wedding next year!

Thank you SpareRoom. The winnings are going to be a great help with Christmas on its way, so I’m sure it will be spent on treats for friends and family - while trying to put some towards those crucial savings…

I’ve been entering this competition since 2015 - I never thought I’d win, and can’t believe I actually have!

I’ve been sharing for a few years because it’s easier. You get to meet really nice roommates and not worry about the full cost of bills etc each month.

I’ve had a hard few months due to a family bereavement, and have had a few things to worry about. Hopefully this is a sign that better things come when you’re least expecting it!

I think I’ll probably treat myself to something nice with the prize. Thank you so much!

This is great news!

I’m a junior doctor working in London and I’ve been sharing since my 2nd year of uni - 8 years ago now. I’m currently sharing with my fiance Cameron, who I met at med school.

I’ve been religiously entering this competition for the past 7 years since I used the site to look for accommodation at uni. I’ll use my Live Rent Free competition money to put towards our wedding fund!

I moved to West London near the end of 2016, as I was starting a job nearby and wanted to be able to avoid the commute for a bit of extra sleep and a little less expenditure. I’m currently sharing with five other professionals and our wide range of jobs makes for some interesting conversation…

I’ve been entering this competition since I started looking on SpareRoom - I like how it rewards repeated attempts, and how easy the process is!

Ironically, I might put this money aside as a useful sum to dip into as I’m looking to move slightly nearer to central London. But I also found out the other day I’ve got loads of holiday days left for this year, so I might put this towards funds for a break. Or an expensive Christmas!

Oh my gosh I can’t believe it. I totally want to jump up and down!

Why am I sharing? Easy question to answer - London prices, London wage. I live with a friend who is likeminded so living together is so easy. I moved in in April, but before then I shared with two other people.

I enter this competition every month but never did I think I’d win out of all the millions of people who enter! I’ll use the money to pay off my credit card, take a much needed holiday or maybe just to indulge my one true passion and love in life… DIOR. I haven’t quite decided yet.

I can’t wipe the smile off my face! Thank you so much.

This is great news!

I’m sharing while I save up to build my own house - I’ve been here for two years now. I work in the building trade and have entered your competition every month for a while, so I can’t believe I’ve actually won! I’ll be using the extra cash to finally fix my work van.

This is just amazing news! Totally made my week.

I’ve lived in Wandsworth for 5 years, with five different flats in that time - as they kept being sold, had building works or were too far from work. I work freelance for charities so my salary can be unstable, below average, and makes it impossible for me to save for my own place.

For the last two years I’ve lived with an awesome landlady in Putney who has become a great friend, and has given me the stable home in London that I was missing for my first few years here.

I’ve entered this competition every month for years to give me a break from my money worries and let me get some savings together to pursue my career dreams. The month rent free will pay my deposit for yoga teacher training, which I’ve wanted to do for years! Thank you SO much SpareRoom!!

I’ve been living and working in London for six years. Flatsharing has been a great way to meet new people as I didn’t know many people here, and also London is just crazy expensive to live in by yourself!

I’ve been entering this for a few years now, so I’m so stoked to have actually won. It’s my best friend’s birthday next month in Hong Kong, so this will be a nice addition to the travel funds!

Thank you so much!

I’ve been working in the Midlands for 5 years and this is my second house share. I moved down here from Middlesbrough to work as a contractor alongside an automotive manufacture.

People advised me to use SpareRoom and it’s been a great way to find the best areas to live, considering distance from work and amenities.

I’ll use this prize money for my annual holiday in August! Thanks so much.

Wow! This is amazing news.

I’m a nurse currently working hard to save for another summer tour/trip to Portugal. I’ve been housesharing since my son went to university last year - in this time I’ve bought a live-in van to do up and travel around in. By sharing I can save money on my monthly outgoings and over time add to my long term travel fund!

I’ll be using this money to put towards that summer trip to Portugal I’ve been saving for. Thank you so much!

I cannot believe this is really happening! I’ve never won anything in my life…

I moved to London six years ago from Iceland, and since then I’ve moved house 5 times already - always using SpareRoom. I’ve met some really incredible people and friends for life. I flatshare because I think it’s more fun than living on your own - you can share silly moments, and create memories for life with great people. Since April I’ve been sharing my fab house with two incredibly positive people and I can’t tell you how happy I am.

Believe it or not but I’ve entered this competition 56 times! Totally worth it. I’ll use the money to cover my trip to the Dominican Republic in February for my birthday.

You’ve given me not only the perfect start to 2018, but also an amazing birthday gift. I’m so incredibly grateful!

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m struggling to believe this is real.

I recently went self employed having completely changed my profession, and so this additional money is a real lifesaver right now! I’ll use some it to buy Christmas gifts for my family, as I am visiting them at the end of December in South Africa. It’s the first time I’m seeing them in two years, so this is unbelievable.

I’ve been jumping from house share to house share every since I moved to London over 9 years ago. The lifestyle suits me, because it’s more social and I’ve made some of my best friends in the world thanks to places I’ve found on SpareRoom, so I already owed you guys massively!

I enter the competition every month, and have done so for years. I honestly had no expectations of it ever coming true.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!

I’ve entered the competition every month since I used SpareRoom to find some new flatmates a few years ago. I can’t believe I’ve finally won!

I work as a video producer and there are several new bits of kit I’ve had my eye on, so now I’ve finally got an excuse to buy them. Thanks SpareRoom!

Thank you SpareRoom for a very welcome surprise! I’m an IT engineer and have been housesharing for four years now. I’ve been entering the competition ever since I found my first flatshare four years ago (via SpareRoom, of course) but didn’t really expect I’d end up winning.

Sharing just makes sense in London. You get to live a bit more central for cheaper than just by yourself, and I love the social aspect of it because you get to meet a lot of people. It’s certainly made for a lot of very memorable nights out!

This prize money will be spent on finally committing to a much needed holiday in December, since I’ve been saving up to get my own place sometime next year. Thanks again SpareRoom!

I’ve been sharing in this flat for two and a bit years. I love it as I have mostly shared with Aussies and Kiwis and they’re so much fun. They’re great friends and great housemates, plus there’s loads to talk about when you live with people from other countries. I’m a professional athlete in the GB Rowing team and it’s nice to have great housemates to come home to, chill and recover with before the next day of training!

I’ve entered this competition pretty much every month for the last two years. It’s kind of a habit. As a part-time Master’s student, I’ll be using my winnings to pay for my university fees this year.

Thank you so much!

We are sharing because it means we can afford a little bit more money at the end of the month. Moving from our parents out on our own is a scary task, but much better when you have other people to move in with.

We are allowed pets at our house and are hoping to buy a little puppy with the money, we have been looking for weeks! And with this money it will mean we can afford our little furball!

I can’t thank you enough

I’m originally from Lithuania, but moved here almost 6 years ago to study Architecture. I came across SpareRoom before I came to England as it was an easy way to find a place to live while studying.

After graduating I started to work in a small gallery / framing shop and sharing was the only way I could afford a place. I kept entering the competition every single month, hoping for the best… that worked out! The money has come at a perfect time as I’m moving to Cornwall to start a new job! Thank you so much SpareRoom!

I help manage a high end cocktail bar, the reason I’m sharing at the moment is because I split up with the mother of my child two years ago. I moved in with a friend from work so I’d be able to have some money to help support Oscar. It’s his birthday next month so this extra money will allow me to do something special for him.

I don’t think it’s even sunk in yet. It feels so surreal. I’d given up hope last month when I received the email saying SpareRoom had picked the next winner, I hadn’t been contacted so I thought it clearly wasn’t me.

I’m learning to be a dog groomer so setting up my own business is really important to me. I’m looking at getting a mobile grooming van which is quite expensive. I’ve had all my quotes done already but I haven’t progressed with it because I don’t have the money. You don’t know how much this will help me progress the business plans.

I’m currently at university studying physics. I’m sharing a house with friends from uni because I wanted to get the full experience of university and finally living away from home!

I began entering the competition after we started looking for someone to fill a room in our house, that’s when I came across SpareRoom and Live Rent Free.

My girlfriend and I booked a holiday to Tenerife a couple of weeks ago so this definitely helps with spending money while we’re there!

I’m so excited and happy to have won this competition as I try every month without much hope!

I work in the travel industry and will probably use the money to see more of the world - most likely for a weekend away in Rome!

Thanks so much, Spareroom - I always have and will continue to recommend you to friends.

I’m originally from Sweden, but have moved around a lot since college. Sharing suits me, as it’s flexible (and in London, the only ‘affordable’ option!) and I can save up money and travel. I’ve found most of my flatshares via SpareRoom, and keep entering the competition on the off-chance I’ll win. Which worked out! I’ll mainly put the money away for a later date, but am going to celebrate by making dinner for my girlfriend, complete with a totally over-the-top good bottle of wine as she’s into her wines.

Yes, this will definitely come in handy :-)

I’ve used SpareRoom ever since losing my flat in a fire 3 years ago. I’ve entered the competition nearly every month, not thinking I’ll ever win it and can’t believe I have. So I would say keep entering because you never know it could be you!

I’ll definitely be putting the money towards some nice things for my home.

This is definitely one of the best ways to start the new year! The most I’ve won is £20 on the national lottery so this is a major win for me! I have been doing this competition for around 4 years now so it’s become more of a habit to enter the competition rather than having any hope of actually winning it. Before I found a flatshare on SpareRoom in 2012 I was living with my sister and her husband but I was in urgent need of finding a new place to live after finishing my A-levels and gaining an apprenticeship. SpareRoom really helped speed the process along in finding an affordable place in London in such short notice and now I’m using the site again to find another room. This money will definitely help in my search as 2016 has seen me pay for my first car, 2 big holidays and recently all the Christmas presents. Thanks to the guys at SpareRoom for choosing me and Happy New Year!

Many thanks, Spareroom! Apparently I earned 53 entries and used them well as I have been competing every month since I first used your service several years ago. Flat sharing is great for every young professional coming to London. It helps to make new friends while spreading relatively high rent, so it is pretty much a win-win situation. It is December now so this money definitively comes in handy for some nice Xmas presents ;-)

Wow thank you Spareroom, I’ve entered your competition every month since arriving in London 5 years ago from New Zealand and I can’t believe I’ve actually won! Flatting in London has allowed me to live centrally and get the most out of the city, while having enough spare cash to be able to do the odd bit of travelling in Europe. This extra money has come at a particularly good time as I’m just about to buy flights for a trip back home.

My name is Yann and I live in London. I moved from France six years ago to work in the video game industry and have been entering the competition every month wishing I’d win some day. And this day has come! As most people here, I had to move a few times over the years, and never failed to use Spareroom. It was already brilliant, but winning this competition makes it even better!

I haven’t completely decided how I’ll use the money, but I’ll make sure to save some, give some and spend some.

Being a motorcycle rider, my spending will most likely go on funding better protective gear (that we should ALWAYS wear) and my advanced rider training at IAM RoadSmart. It is a UK registered charity formed in 1956 that has spent more than 60 years making our roads safer by improving driver and rider skills through coaching and education. They are great, check it out!

Thank you very much! :)

Thanks so much Spareroom! I have been in London for about four and a half years now, and have tried to enter this competition every month, so now I can’t believe that my efforts have paid off.

I moved to London from Ireland to work in an architects office. I use Spareroom to find all my accommodation, starting off with my first place in Islington and then in Stratford, Fulham and now, only very recently, Wandsworth.

I like flat sharing because it means I can live with friends while it is also an affordable way to live in central parts of London. I am living with some amazing flat mates at the moment which is always a joy to return home to after work.

I have booked a trip to Las Vegas next summer. Saving up for it was going to be a challenge so this prize money is really going to help a lot! Thanks!

I’ve been living and working in London as an artist and sharing different apartments in the city for the past four years. I would like to use the money for rent and future savings. Thank you so much Spare room!

Thanks so much to SpareRoom for this surprise, I’ve been entering this competition for 5 years now and have found 3 rooms using the service. They have all been great and the housemates I’ve been placed with have been brilliant as well.

I’m in the process of moving in with my girlfriend at the moment so the extra money this win provides will go on a nice treat for her as she is having to get rid of some shoes to accommodate my possessions! Thanks again and keep entering everyone, it’s well worth it!

This is absolutely incredible, thank you so much. Honestly, this win could not have come at a better time, as I’ve been having a pretty tough time recently, however it has really restored my faith in the universe again. I have been entering the “Live Rent Free” competition diligently every month for the past 4 years and never in a million years thought I would actually win. It’s weird because yesterday I checked my emails and spotted an email from Spare Room informing me of a room that “matched my search”, for a split second moment I thought “Oh the Live Rent Free competition, I hope I remembered to enter, be nice to win it” and then today: “WOW!”.

My fiance Timothy and I have been flat sharing in London for 5 years now, and although it is tough financially, we thoroughly love the vibrant community we have come to call “home” in Walworth, South East London. We have made some amazing friends and met some wonderful people from the local area and being from Yorkshire there is no better feeling than walking down the street and people saying “Hi Helen, how are you?”. We first came to London having both been made redundant in Sheffield. London wasn’t even on the cards back then, because we were very happy flat sharing in Sheffield, however I believe everything happens for a reason. Spare Room has been incredibly helpful living in London and we have found some lovely places to live over the years, so thank you.

We dream of moving to Brighton and buying a house, getting a dog and a cat, (starting a family?), so this money will certainly go towards making our dreams a reality.

Thank you again, you have made my day, week and year!

Oh wow , thank you SpareRoom, this indeed has made my day.

I have been sharing with others since my university days and really enjoy living with others, also due to cost of livings these days it is much easier to share. I live in London with two great housemates and I have lived around the London area for most of my life. I have no idea how long I have been entering this competition but it has been for quite a few years now and glad I kept at it. I will be saving this money for now and will look at booking a well earned holiday later in the year.

Again thank you so much SpareRoom

My name is Neil and I live in Edinburgh, but from St.Helens originally. I have been renting my whole adult life and have been quite transient - living in various places, from Scotland to Norwich to New Zealand. I have finally settled in Edinburgh, first moving here in 2002 till 2005 then back again in 2010 where I have seemed to have finally slowed down!

I have been living in my current shared flat for over 3 years now. I am settled here for the time being, it’s a shared flat which makes costs a little cheaper and currently saving for a deposit for a mortgage with my fiance and her family, and looking forward to moving in with them soon.

I am so happy to win this competition and will be putting the win towards the deposit saving.

I’ve been living in shared accommodation since my days at university, but it became essential when I moved to London from overseas (Canada) all on my own! I spent a lot of money on finding a decent job and getting settled, so I’ve been entering the competition every month for 2 years in the hope of recouping some of those costs… I’ve managed to bounce back on my own, but this will now help me fly back to Canada for a friend’s wedding in October. Thanks so much for an amazing birthday gift!

I live in a shared accommodation because of change of circumstance, I found out about SpareRoom about 2 years ago when I was looking for a place around Brighton and through SpareRoom I managed to find a place, I’ve been participating for the last 24 months, winning just after Christmas is absolutely awesome. I would recommend SpareRoom to any looking for a place.

On top of my years sharing at university, I have been sharing since I moved to Birmingham in 2013 whilst I save to buy my first house.

I discovered SpareRoom when looking for my next room to rent in 2014 and initially entered the competition in the hope to offset the previous deposit I had just lost as a result of my landlord not protecting it.

I have entered every month since on the off chance that one month it might be me! Now I am finally getting closer to buying a house, this money will be much appreciated addition the “furniture fund”!

I started living in London 7 years ago. I’ve been always sharing since I enjoy having an accompany around. It took me a while to find a suitable place in London. Thanks to SpareRoom, it makes my room hunting a lot easier. I just enter this competition every month, nice and simple. But I can’t believe that I won this time. My Christmas holiday is approaching.I will certainly enjoy it more with this money!

WOW! I cant quite believe your email, that is amazing news - THANK YOU! I read it last night but had to read it again this morning for it to sink in. Im honestly so shocked and happy. Today actually marks six months since I moved to London, so its uncanny timing.

I’m an Australian teacher who moved to London six months ago to work and travel around Europe. I moved into my flat which I’m sharing with 2 girls whom I’ve been living with since moving here. I found the flatshare through SpareRoom (of course), our contract ends in January so I will start looking for a new flat in the next month or so. I’ve entered the competition each month but never expected I’d be lucky enough to win. I fly out to Iceland in November, so the money will definitely come in handy for this!

I’m delighted to win the Spareroom competition as I’m devoting my time to volunteering with climate change mobilisations and encouraging ethical banking at the moment and London accommodation is costly! I’ve recently started a green ShamrockSpring Facebook page where those inclined can submit their eco action shots. I love London and capturing it’s urban art photos and striking eccentricities. Thanks to you I shall treat myself to a new phone with a better camera so I can share these photos on Facebook.

Am a strong believer in Karma capital - I guess this is divine dividends!

Thank you! I’ve entered the competition every month hoping that it would be me one day!

I live in Central East London and I love getting a proper feel of that East London buzz

I’m a Norwegian and first came to London in 2008. I’ve been flat sharing ever since as it’s such a great way to meet people and share the costs of living centrally. I’ve made great friends this way too. Spareroom was a gem when I wanted to find a flat mate, as I could easily get an impression of the people that were interested. The impression I got off people’s profiles were spot on every time, and that really helps.

The money is going to come in extremely handy - thanks guys!

I moved from New Delhi, India to London for work in the last week of April and had one month to find a room.

It took me three days to lose all hope because the property market here is so fickle. But with SpareRoom I found a room in the next two days in the East Village - the area reminds me of home and it’s new and clean and modern.

I have been sharing for a month and a half now, because to be honest I cannot afford to live in my own flat in a nice area just yet. I entered the competition to see if I will get lucky in this country, and looks like I did. My vacation to Berlin is round the corner so the money is going to be spent there! Thanks SpareRoom!

“Before I moved to London I never won anything but I think I have the luck of the Irish since moving here as I have won a few things, this being the biggest and best. Its fantastic to have won the SpareRoom competition as I have been entering it monthly since arriving here two years ago for work, when I used SpareRoom to find my first home. It is not easy finding a room in London but SpareRoom makes it easier.

I lived in Dublin before moving to London, because everyone should live in London at some stage of their lives. I just moved flat for the second time here recently and found a fab place in Peckham. It really is the best new vibrant area of London and I’m loving it!

I am going on holidays this week to Turkey so I will be spending my winnings on this holiday.

A big thank you SpareRoom.”

I am pretty new to London. I moved here in January after travelling as I didn’t want to go back to Manchester (as much as I love Manchester!). I absolutely love London and every weekend I try and see a new and different place. I guess I am still in traveler mode - perhaps it will never leave me. I work in Canary Wharf. I’m a bit of a gypsy in the corporate world!

I used SpareRoom when I was looking to move from the North to London and I found it an absolute God-send trying to orchestrate the move out of the city. I have and would recommend it to anyone.

Not to sound cliche but this is the first thing I have ever won! My competition game has not been strong lets say..so I am absolutely delighted at winning this. I am going to use the money to pay off traveler debt to my parents (boooo) and help go towards my holiday with my Brazilian friend touring Europe, who I met in Bolivia. Thank you Spareroom.

I can’t believe this is real - I never thought I’d win anything when it comes to lotteries! I share because London is too expensive to live by my own plus I love to have someone to socialize with, chit chat and make food/hang out with since I’m single.

I’ve been sharing for a few years now, gone between larger apartments with more people to double sharing as I’m doing right now.

I entered the competition day dreaming - who wouldn´t want to be able to live rent free?! I love travelling so this will go towards that! I couldn´t help but use a photo from the last time I was in Mexico to celebrate the occasion!

I currently live in a 3 bed flat in North London, sharing with 2 amazing flatmates. I’ve lived in London for most of my life, and I’ve been living in house/flat shares for the last 4/5 years. I entered the SpareRoom comp just on the off chance, but never really though I’d win. What will I do with the money? Totally going to treat my flatmates to a pizza :)

I am currently renting a room in a large, three-bed semi, sharing the rest of the house with my live-in landlord! I have a nice landlord. A couple of times a month, we get takeaway, which is a nice treat. Other times I cook a meal for the two of us (cooking for one is a bit dull). I’ve been flat-sharing for the past two years, but previously lived in a cottage on my own, which was quite isolating and more importantly, expensive! I like to flat share because you are never alone and you can meet new folk if you are new to the area, as I was when I moved in. I have been entering this competition for years so I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to finally be a winner!

My name is Tom Nordheim and I'm a Norwegian PhD student doing a degree in Planetary Science at University College London. I've been living in my present flat (which I share with 3 others) ever since I moved to London 2 years ago. Even though it’s quite expensive to live in central London, I really love the convenience of living so close to campus. It’s a huge time saver, especially when I’m quite busy with my research. I'll probably use the competition prize money to buy some Christmas gifts for friends and family! The timing couldn't have been better :-D

This has made my week. I never win anything!

I first used spare room when I moved to St Albans for work (easy commute into London) shortly after leaving University. I didn’t really know anyone in the area, but through the website I found a great housemate. We’ve been living together for over three years now, and have become great friends. I have been entering the competition ever since, as I always thought it was a fantastic idea.

Thanks to spare room I wasn’t alone when I first moved to a new city and I made a friend for life.

With Christmas coming up, the money will come in very handy for treating my family and friends a little bit more!

That’s great news! Thank you very much. Here is a little but about myself: I’m sharing at the moment because I am a contract worker. I have been sharing since March, before that I was in a one bedroom apartment by myself. I was told the work contract would last until March and so I gave up my place at the end of February. Then when they surprisingly extended me at work, I looked for a share house and found one here.

I entered the competition because one month’s rent is a lot of money, and I have entered many times because I lived in London before where it was even more money!

I’ve been told that my contract will now finish the Friday before Christmas. Therefore I’m moving back with my parents for Christmas and then flying out to South East Asia to go travelling for a month. I plan to spend the prize money when I am out there. The money will come in very handy indeed. Thank you for running the competition.

Here is a photo of me at the foot of the stairs in my house with our new next door neighbours’ cat, who climbed in through the window while I was at work.

What an amazing start to the week. I still live with the amazing housemate who I ‘recruited’ a few years back and was my first foray on SpareRoom!

We grown to become amazingly close friends and she’s by far the best housemate I’ve ever had, so thanks must go to SpareRoom for bringing us together and I’ll be sure to treat her!

I’ve lived in London for 14 years and by a weird twist of fate the place I now share was the first place I ever lived in when I came down in August 2000.

I’ve lived all over London - when the chance occurred to live in Kew again I jumped at the chance.

I love the area and while expensive it the perfect antidote to working in Central London.

Thank you to all at SpareRoom. I always advocate your service to my friends and recently to my nephew who came down from Liverpool after graduation and found a superb houseshare in a day!

Wow thanks again - things like this don’t happen to me - but they do now!

I have been renting a room in Bedford for just over two years whilst I have been studying for a research degree at a local university. Thankfully I finished recently and have been looking for work in higher education. I consider myself fortunate to win, not only due to the amount of entrants but also I will probably be moving from Bedford as soon as I find a job. I therefore saw this entry as one of my last chances to bag the prize! Lucky me and thanks a lot, SpareRoom!

OH MY GOD SpareRoom, you have made my day, month, maybe even year!!! This is amazing. The most I’ve ever won before is a packet of smarties when I was eight!

I’m sharing with a lovely girl I met through SpareRoom a year ago. We live in a flat in Clapham, right by the station. I’ve used SpareRoom to find all 4 of the flatshares I’ve had in London, and they’ve all been great. I’ve entered the competition every month for over 2 years now but never dreamed I’d win. I think I’ll put the extra cash towards some new clothes and I might pay off a few bills (yawn).

Thanks again SpareRoom!

Wow! I’m absolutely amazed that I won! I started entering the competition a few years ago when I was looking for a house share in Newquay on your website. Now I’m settled in a nice house with good people and even though I entered the competition every month I never thought I would win! Thanks SpareRoom, this money will come in very handy! I’m planning on using the money for a ticket to a music festival this summer and some spending money.

Is this real? Have I won?

If this is true I can definitely say that from now on I will worship Mondays.

What a wonderfully unexpected message, I know it sounds like a cliché but simply I'd never have expected that I actually could win!

I entered the competition over a year ago when I was looking for accommodation in Manchester.

I’m Polish and came to the UK a few years ago to work, and since then I've been living in shared accommodation.

I chose Manchester because it is a large city with many opportunities and its favorable location in the middle of the country allows me to easily visit and explore interesting places all over the country, which is important for me as a foreigner.

Living in shared accommodation allows me to live in homes or neighborhoods I couldn't afford to rent on my own. By sharing you can meet new people and make friends, which is always nice. Sometimes however it can be challenging especially with individuals of different customs, temperaments and expectations. But I think there are far more advantages and benefits of living in shared houses and for the time being I'm going stick with it.

About the competition itself I thought very little just one click in response to your e-mail.

And the result? Who would have thought... this is absolutely fantastic. Thank you SpareRoom.

Amazing! The money couldn’t have come at a better time, as my girlfriend and I are trying to find somewhere to buy at the moment. Only a couple of months ago, she asked me why I still bothered entering this competition, almost three years after finding my first flat in London through SpareRoom. So, you know, at least I get the smug joy of saying ‘I told you so’. This is the first thing I’ve won since I won a packet of jelly beans at uni. Feeling pretty happy right now. Thanks SpareRoom!

I’m working for Southlake’s Housing as a Gas Surveyor and live in a houseshare in Kendal with two others, which is handy for work. The money will come in useful - thanks SpareRoom!

What a great and unexpected surprise! It sounds unreal but exciting at the same time, an amazing way of starting the new year :D What can I say? I’ve been entering the competition every month for the past two years, since I registered on your website, and this is the first time I win prize money in my life (except for scholarships when I was at Uni)… For sure this prize comes in handy and I will use it for paying part of my university fees as I have just started a Masters course this academic year. I now live in a small but cosy flatshare between Southwark and London Bridge, a lovely, safe area very close to the city centre and some of my favourite areas in London. I’ve always lived in a flatshare since when I moved to London as my income does not allow me to live on my own as yet and also because it’s much more fun, especially when you are lucky enough in finding great flatmates as it’s been happeing to me so far! I’ve been living with my current flatmates for almost six months now and I’m quite happy, we have fun together but we respect each other’s space and privacy. I warmly suggest all Spareroom users to be persistent and continue entering this competition every month and I wish you all good luck, may you be the next winner! :)

What a delight it has been to learn that luck has struck and my name came out ;) Santa seems to be a bit early this year, thanks a lot SpareRoom! I am so glad that I have chosen to donate my prize to Shelter to support those less fortunate who are struggling to keep a roof over their head. May everyone enjoy the festive season and may warmth of the heart beat the cold weather!

Wow, Ive been entering this competition, every month for at least a year or more, I never thought I would actually win! I’m sharing at the moment so I can save for a house deposit (which feels like it is taking a lifetime!) and because with my current flat share…it’s good fun!

With Christmas creeping up so quickly I think i will use the money to make sure I can see the festive season through with some extra special gifts and a good few nights out without my bank account yelling stop! Such a lovely surprise on a grey Monday up north. Thanks SpareRoom!

Wow! I am very happy to win this amazing free rent competition. I will save the money for my Christmas holiday. I am 34 years old working as a Handyman in London for about 3 years. The reason why I am sharing a house is because I want to buy my own one in London and sharing is helping me to save more money.

I am really happy about finding the SpareRoom website and winning the competition. With the money that I have won, I will save that money for a christmas holiday. About myself: I’m 19 years old and I’m studying biomedical sciences at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. I’ve been sharing a house for the last 2 years.

I moved from Glasgow to London around 4 months ago for work and was recommended by a friend to use SpareRoom.co.uk to find a place to live. I managed to arrange loads of viewings over one weekend and was able to secure a place to stay within 2 days sharing with some great flatmates with an easy commute to work! SpareRoom was so user friendly and was a great way for me to find my ideal place to live.

Winning this competition is great news and the money will come in very handy as I am going on holiday this month! Thank you SpareRoom!

Thanks for the great news! I’ve been using SpareRoom since 2010 when I came to study in the UK. No other site was able to match the ease of use and quality of people that I found on the site. When I saw the competition on Facebook I decided to enter since I’ve had such a great experience finding flats in London. Now winning has made that even better!

I finished my Master in International Relations but decided to get involved in London’s “Tech City” which is located around Old Street. I started interning there for a startup and met a lot of cool entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. It was a great experience that led me to working with a company called Yammer which is a social enterprise network for companies. My day to day work includes meeting with customers and helping them discover new ways of working and getting more value for their business. I get to travel a lot and every day is different. I love my job! I recently moved and will use the winnings to offset some of the cost for new furniture and perhaps a holiday in August.

This is great news! Thanks very much! I’ve been sharing flats and houses ever since being in university. I’m now a postgraduate at the same university, though Spareroom.co.uk was really useful when I had to find somewhere to live near Oxford for 6 months as part of my PhD in particle physics. I then lived near Geneva for a year and on my return to the UK SpareRoom was once again useful! I’m not sure what I’ll spend the money on yet but whatever it is it will be nice bonus on top of what I usually get as a student!

Is this real? I really hope it is!!! I’m in complete shock! Thank you so much!

I had first heard about SpareRoom.com while searching for some room mates about 3 to 4 years ago to share my flat after leaving uni. Living in London can be very expensive and I knew flatsharing was a risk but I’ve met and lived with some really cool people from all over the world. I have been entering this competition on and off since then but I would have never imagined that I would have won! I work Monday-Friday 9-5pm and daily I dream about getting away from my desk for even just a week and this money will make my dream come true! Its perfect as I can book a nice weekend away in Europe during the bank holiday weekend!

Thanks again for making my dreams come true, its such a blessing :D

Thanks very much! I first heard about Spareroom.co.uk 3 years ago when on holiday with a friend. She asked to borrow my laptop to check her emails and then started squealing when she found out she'd won the free rent competition. That night she treated me to a slap-up meal at a local restaurant to celebrate. Since then, I've been entering every month. I don't normally enter competitions but having personally known someone who'd won, I thought the chances might be better than with other competitions. Then this morning when I heard I'd also won, I emailed my friend straight away to tell her I owed her a meal :)

I moved into our Southfields flat in November last year with 2 other vegetarians who were interested in the raw food diet and living in an eco-friendly flatshare. In fact, we're currently looking for another flatmate so if you're a non-smoking veggie interested in living in the Wimbledon area please check out our ad!

I'm currently saving up to move to Barcelona because I cannot stand a British winter another year! So this money will go into my savings pot. Thanks again Spareroom.co.uk!

Wow, thank you so much, guys! I think I’ll use the money to buy some books I need for work and also some presents for family and friends. But, before doing so, here’s a little about me…

I am a veterinarian and researcher from Italy and I’m completing my PhD in the UK. I decided to rent a room using spareroom.co.uk because I found the website very useful in my area. There are usually quite a few options in my town all year long, so I decided to try house-sharing. I found it very nice, I got to know nice people and I have never had any problem with my housemates and landlords.

I have recommended the website to other friends and colleagues and I’ve been entering the competition for about a year or so, maybe a bit longer. House sharing saves a lot on the bills and so on, but it also gives you a chance to start new friendships. It’s really important for foreign students like me. I’ve started renting exactly 3 years ago. I’ve now been living in the same place for almost 2 years and I’m very happy.

Hi all you lovely people at Spareroom. How amazing is this? I didn’t actually believe it till I spoke to Sam in person (there where tears—but happy ones!).

Thank you so so so much for this! I have entered the competition since I moved to London 4 years ago—each month, always hoping but never really expecting to win!

Living in London is tough but fantastic at the same time, while sharing a house/flat can be challenging, it is such a great way to learn about different cultures and make friends for life. For the last 4 years I have shared houses with so many people from all over the world, which means that now I have a hug waiting if I ever come visit them in New Zealand, New York, Germany, Sweden, Thailand etc… How amazing is that?

This prize couldn’t have come at a more convenient time for me, as I am currently in my final year studying Hospitality Management here in London. Studying hard and writing my dissertation does not leave much time for work—so money has been scarce! The extra money will be partly spent on spoiling my boyfriend who has been so sweet and supportive during my time at uni. I will also be buying the Uni-girls a round of pancakes at our favourite cafe (I have to promise this, as they were all there when I found out I won) and finally my mum’s birthday is coming up so this year she will get a nice present, not just a text apologizing for being a poor student who can’t afford gifts. Thank you again!

Wow that’s amazing news!! This will come in handy for my holiday in a couple of weeks and I will be saving some of it as I’m trying to save for a mortgage. After many years of sharing in London I would love to finally own my own home, so thanks SpareRoom, you’ve got me off to a great new year! I have always used SpareRoom and thanks to you guys I met one of my best friends from my first house share, I will most definitely continue to recommend it to all my friends!

Thank you very much indeed - this is not just good but great news! I’ve been in shared accomodation since leaving uni, as I’m so far from even beginning to look at a mortgage. Seeing as it’s the festive time of year, a large share of the prize will go on presents and entertainment over the next few weeks, the rest will hopefully go towards a diving holiday in the new year. Funnily enough I was saying to a friend that she should use SpareRoom as she’s now looking for somewhere to live in London. I even went as far as to mention the Live Rent Free competition and that I enter every month but never really thought I’d be a winner!

Wow, amazing news! Thank you. I’ve been renting for about 4 years since leaving uni, and I’ve used SpareRoom a few times to find myself a place to live and also to find new housemates. I’ve recommended it to a few of my mates who have successfully used it too. I’ve been very lucky in making a great bunch of friends through SpareRoom (who still live together), so I’ll have to go on a night out with them to celebrate this win! I’ll put the remainder towards a ski holiday this winter. Thank you again so much, this has made my month!

Thank you so much for choosing me, I have been entering the competition diligently for a couple of years never expecting to win. What a great start to October, and in time for my birthday at the end of the month. I am currently living with my sister in Fulham, which is great for a quiet night in, heading to the cinema or a good night out. Looking forward to going away scuba diving to the red sea later in the year with the winnings. I have been diving for about 10 years and am looking at getting my instructorship this year. I currently work in the middle office for an investment management firm based in the west end, and have been with them for 3 months, and enjoying it a lot.

This is absolutely fantastic news! I’ve diligently entered this competition for a few years now and not only did this news come through on my birthday, but I’m also in the process of looking to move from SW London to the East, so the news is both wonderful and amazingly timely.

I’ve loved sharing over the years with friends, strangers who became friends, and also living on my own, but sharing for me is my preferred living style. Not only can it help keep costs down but, when you get the right bunch of people together, it really gives me a great sense of a home feeling; somewhere to truly relax in and not just somewhere people are living together in a house!

Once again, thank you so much for all this SpareRoom. You’ve given this boy a perfect start to the new Birthday Year!

This is amazing, thank you. I?ve always been unlucky with competitions, but this is literally the best news I’ve had in ages! I’ve been living in a flatshare for a year now, beforehand I was living in one in Bethnal Green with 4 others, but me and my friend Anna have been living together in our little house this year and it?s been lovely.

I really like flatshares because you go through the whole thing together, the bills, the funny little things you learn to do like tidying and cooking - it’s just like having a sister! And we’re both only children so I think we appreciate that. She’s now going off to Warwick and I’m staying in London to pursue my career in Fashion Photography after finishing 3 years at London College of Fashion.

Thank you so much for choosing me as the winner! This has come at a great time as I’m living in a hostel in Grimsby at the moment. This money will be a great help as I’m trying to get enough saved to move back to York. It was a great surprise to win this competition as I have only been using SpareRoom for a couple of months and I would like to say thank you to my girlfriend for encouraging me to enter every month!

Thank you so much, this is the best news I’ve had in a while! I’ve been sharing for a couple of years because I don’t have the money to get a flat on my own. I have tried to enter the competition every month as there is no real reason not to because it is so easy to enter, and am now very glad that I did. This comes at a great time as I’m currently trying to get the money together to book flights for my holiday to Greece, and hopefully clear a bit of debt!

The timing is so perfect that it is hardly believable: I am just ecstatic!!!

I currently live in Streatham, and have just returned to work as a teaching assistant in my local school after 9 months of maternity leave, during which credit card debt had started to pile up. My son, my husband and I currently live in a shared house until we are able to afford a bigger place or decide to move to a cheaper location. I have used SpareRoom in the past and I enter the competition every month when I don’t forget about it. I generally share the link on Facebook for friends to join as it is so easy to enter.

That’s amazing news!! I can’t beleive it! I’ve literally never won anything ever!! And after entering every month for over 2 years I’d almost given up hope!

I’m a Quality Assurance Analyst working in Aldgate and living in the mighty Peckham, SE London. I moved to London in 2008 after a year teaching in Japan and moved straight into a shared house. Living in London is so expensive and, with rent going through the roof, sharing is a really excellent way to make it affordable and meet some great friends along the way. I’ve met a boatload of fun and interesting people and sharing definitely helped me settle into London life!

The money will come in really handy as, being 28, apparently I’m at ’that age’ and all my friends have started to get married! So I think I’ll be using the cash to make sure I’ve got some fantastic outfits for the 4 weddings I have lined up this year! Maybe it will stretch to a few glasses of champers too.

I’m a West End theatre lighting technician and had been living alone for seven years before I found my present flatshare on SpareRoom last year. It was a good way for me to move into a new area and find out what to do and where to go. Having just ended a six month contract, I’m using the site again to find my dream share apartment, hopefully with a great social element and in a great location. I’ve entered the competition on numerous occasions and never thought I’d win, it has come just at the right time. I’d like to use the money to go to Barcelona and celebrate a friend’s 50th but I’m sure it will come in handy with my room deposit too!! Thank you SpareRoom

FANTASTIC news. You have made my Wednesday! Every month I enter and never once thought I would be successful! I am currently living in London on a Youth Mobility visa and have been living in the area for 18 months. I share with 2 fellow Australians in the Hammersmith/Fulham hub of good bars, restaurants and nightlife (that’s of course debatable depending on who you ask).

When I am not working in HR/Learning & Development for a bank near the West End of London, I like to travel and spend time with friends. I entered the competition as it is a great initiative (who can say no to free rent!?) and I will most likely be spending the cash on a new wardrobe for travel. I am going to Budapest, Poland and Prague in a few weeks in -20 temps. Might treat myself to a North Face jacket and accessories! (and may shout my friends a round of drinks at the bar if I have any change!)

Thank you so much SpareRoom. 1) for helping me find a house on your site and 2) assisting me with this much needed cash!

I’ve been sharing house for the last 3 years, which gives me the opportunity to live in a lovely area and big beautiful house. I would have had a difficult 3 years if I didn’t share, as I was studying at the university full-time (Monday-Friday 9am -5pm) and have no time to earn much money. Finishing university and starting first year work is not easy either when you have a student loan behind you, so I am so excited and pleased that I won this month, especially this is a first time I won something in my life. I never believe in competitions, same as many other people, but it’s all changed now. I am so excited. I will pay for my mammy’s holiday, so she can finally visit me in Ireland, and maybe visit my friend in Amsterdam.

What a windfall just before Christmas, thank you so much SpareRoom! I’ll spend the money on a some more gifts, wine and chocolate for my family. And some new shoes for me. I share a flat in Brixton with my flatmate who I found through SpareRoom, we’re both saving for a place of our own but in the meantime we’re happily ensconced in a two-bed near the Academy! I always click on this competition and can’t believe I’m the winner this month - Happy Christmas everyone!

I live and work in Leeds. I’m sharing at the moment so I can afford to live somewhere a bit nicer than I could afford on my own. I have had a tough year so it was great to have a bit of good luck for a change, I can’t believe that I won in the month you were giving away an iPad too!!! I’ve wanted one for ages but couldn’t justify the cost. I have a couple of weekends away planned, visiting friends in Galway and Zurich so I’ll be changing the money into Euros and treating myself to Guinness and glühwein.

I am a sales manager working in London and a monthly "bonus" is something I always look forward to. I’ve used SpareRoom a few times before and started entering the competition religiously every month, so it now finally paid off! I have also recommended it to a number of people I know. I live in a very expensive area, Kensington (W14) and thanks to this great news I can pay off my credit card and buy a nice gift for my mum who lives in Italy.

I’ve used SpareRoom a couple of times, and I have been entering the competion each month since last summer. I’m sharing with one other in Vauxhall at the moment, but until recently was living in a house of four girls in Fulham and found SpareRoom really useful for finding new flatmates each year. I’ve built up quite a number of entries - it’s so easy to click on the link in the email each month, but I never thought I’d actually win! The timing is perfect as my laptop has just broken so I will put the money towards a new one, and I am also going on holiday in a couple of weeks so it should fund a few nights out!

I received the good news while on holiday. It was a great surprise as I usually don’t enter any competitions. I will definitely spend the money I have won on a few lovely presents for my loved ones, as well as some books I need for my profession and leisure time. I am just about to move to a new place so the money will come handy to make my new home really cosy too. Thank you very much once again!

Like so many young professional Londoners, I can’t afford to rent a place on my own so sharing is my only option. SpareRoom.co.uk has been my lifeline for the past few years and I have found my last 3 homes (including my current one) through here. It is far superior to other flat sharing websites because it gives you details about the flat / house as well as the flat mates, it is so important to know who you will be living with as well as where you are living. I am going to spend the money on a trip to see my best friend and her baby boy, because I missed his first birthday last month as I was moving to my new flat.

It was a huge surprise when the e-mail arrived telling me I’d won and I’m still in shock about it. I always enter the competition as it only takes a minute to click on the link from the e-mail. I’ve found my past two flatmates on SpareRoom as the website was really easy to use and I got loads of responses. I’m going to Madrid this summer so this will make it an even better trip.

I used SpareRoom when I first moved to London in August 2009 - I thought the best way to meet people would be by living in a shared flat. I found the website really easy to use. I also used SpareRoom again when a flat mate was moving out - the response we had was great and we filled the room in no time! I enter the competition every time I see the email, it’s free to enter so there is no harm in trying. I never thought I would win but it goes to show you have to be in it to win it! The money will come in handy, I will hopefully put it towards a nice holiday somewhere hot!

Thank you SpareRoom.co.uk, couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the email! This will definitely come in handy! I’ve been doing this competition fairly on and off since I signed up to SpareRoom a few years ago when I was living in England. I was looking for new living arrangements and it helped me get in touch with quite a few property shares which I was interested in. It also was a great help when I was moving back home to Northern Ireland as it had a great selection for there also. I’m currently sharing in an apartment near the centre of Belfast with a couple of friends which suits me down to the ground as I’m close to all my other friends and it’s handy for work (and socialising of course). Going to put the money towards paying off the snowboard holiday I’m just back from and it’ll hopefully help me along the way to booking my next holiday sooner than I was expecting! Happy days! Thanks again!

When I received the news, I couldn’t quite believe it – I’ve never won anything, so I’m completely bowled over! I used SpareRoom.co.uk to find a new place to live over a year ago and have been entering the competition almost every month since then – without really expecting to win (I just compulsively enter every competition I come across...). I’ve been living in a house-share in Tufnell Park for a while since it’s cheap and in walking distance of my work, but I’m planning on moving again soon, so the money will certainly come in handy. Or maybe it will go towards my well deserved holiday that I’ve been planning to go on for ages instead…

I am so shocked that I’ve won. I’ve never won anything in my life! I have entered this competition every month for about 2 years and never for a second thought I would get picked. I have been renting in Balham for 4 years but I fancied a change recently and www.SpareRoom.co.uk is a fantastic website in helping you move/look to move, especially when you cant afford to buy yet. I was planning a trip to Paris for my 30th so the money is going to ensure I can have the best birthday ever! Thanks so much.

Fantastic! I will be moving soon (that’s why I’ve been on SpareRoom.co.uk) and could REALLY use the cash towards my new place. I want to stay in the Angel area and I’m looking for a place with more space for doing art, as I am an aspiring painting and sculpture artist. I’m sharing at the moment with a very good friend to save some money and because she’s super easy and fun to live with! :) I entered the competition because I saw it on the site and have entered every now and again for over two years. SO YAY! It worked! :)

That’s brilliant news - will certainly make Christmas shopping a bit easier this year! I’m currently sharing in Mile End with friends - still trying to put off the thought of buying a house yet as renting is so much more flexible (and more fun living with mates). I’d seen a friend post a link on Facebook for the competition and thought I’d give it a go a while back and have kept clicking back each month. Not having to pay rent for a month will be great and will let me spend a bit more on Christmas shopping this year, maybe take a short trip away (and possibly pay off some bills!). Thanks so much - it’s started the week off with a bang!

I don’t believe it! I have been entering for 6 or 7 months now but never expected to win - I am not generally lucky at this sort of thing; what a nice surprise. This is very good timing - my job situation is a bit precarious at the moment, and I’m waiting to find out if I will still have a job in a month’s time, so any extra to put towards the rent will help. Also I can buy some early Christmas presents and will treat myself to a couple of nice theatre outings, because life is too short to worry about money.

Well how shocked was I! I’ve entered a few times and this time had the winning feeling so to win bought a massive smile to my face. I share a house in Elstree and have my own large double room as I have so much stuff. SpareRoom.co.uk was and is amazing and has helped me and friends so is fully recomended. Having a month off not paying the rent and bills has left me free to spoil the ones I love - a nice meal is on the cards and some treats for my yorkies Fudge and Toffee and a stress free massage for me. Thanks again, it was well worth entering.

Wow! Thank you! I’m currently living in central London and used SpareRoom.co.uk recently, as one of my flatmates was moving, and filled the room immediately - the new flatmate moves in this weekend. I find the site easy to use and a really efficient way of filling a vacant room in a flatshare. The money will certainly come in handy!

Wow! I’ve entered this competition every month for the past year but never expected anything to come of it! Me and my fiance moved to Lancaster so I could go to the uni and we only had 3 weeks to find somewhere to live after Plan A fell through! SpareRoom was so brilliant and we found somewhere in no time! We now live in a house with a friend of ours and a cat, Oscar. We’ll all enjoy the bubbly I’m going to buy with this money (maybe not Oscar!) then I’ll be reasonably sensible with the rest! Thanks SpareRoom!!

Sweet lord you have no idea how large this smile on my face is. Clicking the ’enter now’ link became habitual and I never expected to win...definitely couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m living in London in a converted warehouse with a bunch of young lovelies, trying to juggle all manner of things as I can’t imagine having my own place for a little while yet. Amazing, cheers Spareroom you’ve enabled me to breathe a little easier!

Thanks very much! I’m very happy to win. I’m currently living in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk but have been using the site to look for somewhere to live in Cambridge as I have started working there. I’m a 26 year old female and like living in houseshares as a way to meet new people. The money is really going to come in handy as I am about to move again, for the 3rd time in 9 months (!) so it will really help with the costs - hopefully I can use a little bit of money to help me enjoy all this sunny weather.

I can’t believe I really won this month’s competition! I could not be happier, thank you so much SpareRoom. I’m 24 years old and I’m Portuguese - I just moved to London recently and life here can be very expensive, this money will help me a lot. Thanks to the competition I will be able to save some money and follow one of my dreams - to take a web design course

Wow this could not have come at a better time! I am working as a temp and this money is a godsend! It’s been a quiet week for work with not many shifts. I recently moved to the UK just 8 weeks ago and renting in harrow HA3. Unbelievably five years after finishing secondary school in Ireland I am now living the dream in London with my classmates Michael and Rachel. Finding it hard to believe I am here but l love the area and glad to have SpareRoom.co.uk to help me in my search

Im sharing at the mo as things at home changed. The site’s been really helpfully and easy to use - the search is really easy to use and great for getting a room were you want. I never win anything so this is a great surprise.

I cannot believe I have won, I have never won anything like this before and to be honest never thought I would.

With just starting a new job it has been pretty tough catching up with all my bills, so winning this fantastic prize with SpareRoom has now given me the chance to do this and also have a fun month with money I would never have had (and I think a good night out with the lads is very much needed).....cheers SpareRoom.

That is brilliant! This has definitely just made my January! I’m 22 and just about to start my new job this month as a Marketing Co-ordinator, after graduating from Newcastle University last year. As I am starting my new job one month rent free will really take the financial strain off me (and my parents!). I will most likely go and spend the money on beautiful new furniture for my bedroom or maybe a weekend away, and definitely several bottles of wine for me and my lovely new housemate! Thankyou Spareroom!

It’s been a tough year, with the current recession and redundancy halting any plans I had for buying a house, so renting’s my only current option. SpareRoom’s my first port of call for checking what’s currently available in and around the area (as well as all over the UK), and has made looking for a cosy place of residence a lot easier. The site’s just so easy to use!

I entered this competition thinking- "it’ll never happen- but ahh- what the heck...", so to think I’ve actually gone and been picked has really made my Christmas (and year). Inevitably I guess most of the money won will go on prezzies for friends and family but not before cooking up a decent slap-up Christmas meal for me and my mates.

I am a student living in Bristol. I house share with a family (the owners), I’m having a great time but do need to work to help with living expenses, this money will go towards Christmas pressies instead of me having to do extra shifts. Thank you very much, this is fab.

I'm currently beginning a degree course, and I'm sharing a house because its good fun, and the student banter is good! I entered the competition because it seemed worth a try, especially with all the Uni debt I have to look forward too! The money will be a fantastic start to Uni life!

I am 22 and a second year student in Bath. I wanted to live away from the traditional student lifestyle, so I found a room on SpareRoom living with young professionals. Unfortunately the rent is slightly higher than I had budgeted for, so I would imagine that the money will go towards that, while I hope to save a little for a holiday and for my course books. Thank you!

I am 26 and have been living in London for just under 2 years with my wonderful flatmate/landlady Sally (who I found on SpareRoom). With life in the capital being much more expensive than my hometown of Hartlepool, renting a room nearby to my workplace in Brixton was the best and cheapest option. The money will pay off my credit card bill - but I should probably put some of the money towards a mop and bucket, as I don’t do enough on that front! I can’t believe I’ve won - I’m so happy! Thank you!

I was amazed to learn I had won, as I never usually enter competitions and to win is simply fantastic! I hope to save some of the money for when i go back to university in September to continue with my legal studies. I also hope to save some of the money for a little break with my loved ones!

I’m 24 years old, I moved to London from Manchester in order to go back to university, where I study illustration. I first went on SpareRoom.co.uk because it seemed a more personal and friendly way to find people to live with - I entered the competition on a whim then forgot all about it. I have to say when I read your email my brain stopped responding to what I was seeing which is a bit worrying for an art student. Now the shock has worn off only marginally I can say with confidence that I’m pretty freakin chuffed. I have no idea what I’ll spend the money on, I guess once the surprise has worn off (which frankly will take a while) I’ll have a mull around the old noggin. Probably gona be a Cintiq which is a sort of computer screen you can draw on. Then I guess lots of nice books and beer for my friends. In conclusion if I really have won this competition I love you sincerly and forever!

Wow! I?ve never won anything before. I am in something of a state of shock - that?s absolutely fantastic - I?m completely staggered and it couldn?t have come at a better time. I?m 35 - I?ve been sharing housing in London ever since I moved here in 1998, basically because it?s the best way to get yourself somewhere nice to live where you?ll have enough room to swing your proverbial cat, have enough cash to spend some of it on enjoying yourself rather than everything on rent, allows you the flexibility to see a lot of different areas of London before deciding where you might like to settle (I have lived all over London in the last 11 years) and is a good way to meet new people - a lot of my best friends now are people I?ve lived with over the years. I expect I will spend the money on my summer holiday, which will be a major shot in the arm!