When I was there it was entirely possible to get a 1 bedroom flat in Boscombe within the accomodation allowance, but I don't know what the rental market is like these days. I was like you, used to living alone and not keen on spending 18 months, as it was then, in a B&B. Others shared houses together and seemed to have no problems.
The warning about not getting money to pay for a flat when you are away doing your 3 months OJT at a unit (do they still have that on the new area course?) is relevant, but keep in mind that there will be people at the college at a different stage in their training who will only be too happy to take over your flat for 3 months while you are away and pay you their allowance - that was certainly my experience. Technically it's sub-letting, but who needs to know?