I’ve only been to London once and there is really good public transportation. Couldn’t you pick a smaller town outside of London maybe on the end of line for trains or something like that to get a cheaper place? You could then save money I presume and still be within an hour or so of family/friends. I’m in US so a 3-4 hour drive to me is nothing and a short train ride is even less of a deal.

I have a sit/stand desk and 2 monitors plus laptop and am experimenting with 1 monitor and will probably buy a webcam soon since I’d prefer the MacBook to be “docked” for desk space. I’d recommend sit/stand since the lower back will feel it after some time, although you are young.