I completed my ground school studies at Oxford in July and commuted 40 miles each way, everyday for the whole 7 months. I can see the down sides to it, but personally i found it no problem, and still came out with an average in the 90's. I was not the only one on my course who commuted everyday either. If you do it from day one, it just becomes the norm. Those that used to travel home at weekends thought it must be difficult doing the trip everyday, (plus the 3-4 hours study in the eve) but i knew no different. I also had the added benefits of home cooked food, washing etc all done for me, whilst at the same time saving money on accomodation...so thats my positive comment to the overall negative consensus!!