I finished at OATS last year and lived with my parents just South of Didcot for the course with a 40 minute drive. It saved me thousands, even with the petrol! As for buying a place, I'm sure you know it's not cheap around there and it's all very well if they are not looking at it long term. I personally, (having looked into it with my parents) persuaded them no to risk it because who knows how many people will be training there in 3 years time and if all of those are sponsored, they won't need accomodation! I would suggest you live at home or if that's unbearable, rent in the area. Myself and 3 mates looked at renting a 4 bedroom house in Lower Heyford that would've cost far less than OATS accomadation (and been far more pleasant), but a couple pulled out because they "couldn't be arsed to drive that far" every day (about 5 mins). Oh well!
[This message has been edited by Going Around & Around (edited 23 February 2001).]