On shared accommodation... On a different site and all within a couple of weeks, there are around 80 ads of people looking for a flatmate . You can decide for yourself as to whether you think it's popular or not...
Most single teachers I knew that were less than 30 shared flats, many single expats that travel a lot for their work also share flats... It's a way for some to live in really nice buildings and areas with bigger kitchens and living room. Really not hard to find a flat share at all...
I make zero effort to save money, never restrict myself from the things I like and have no difficulties at all being under 15K though that doesn't include my travel budget.