for that bit....how much would you guys think i'd get as a salary for working in a grocery store...maybe circa pr hour & circa pr month...

and what do you make a living doing?

At your age, unless you could get on a management trainee programme (unlikely unless you've got a university degree) I think you'd be looking at maybe £4 per hour.

I am a software engineer, so I know what sort of level of qualification you'd need to even get an interview from most UK employers in this area.

This link is very useful and can probably answer any question you can think of.

If you're going to be working in a store then you might be looking at £11-13,000 a year which on your own isn't much to cover rent, taxes, bills, food, running a car etc. If you can get someone to help share the costs (friend/girlfriend) or can find yourself a good flatshare then it's do-able.