Use the search function above and you will find tons of information for all your questions. It is well worth spending an hour or two absorbing the site, in order to get a balance of (very!) different opinions. But in short to your questions...
1. Don't have £80k? Well lucky for you BA FPP is about to open. Cathay also offer an excellent opportunity.
2. The CPL will not directly allow you to become an airline pilot. You will have to do additional courses such as IR, MCC, JOC. This is called the modular method, it is cheaper, but arguably airlines prefer integrated. CPL means you can fly for money (aerial work, parachutists, pleasure flights etc) and with a FI rating mean you could instruct.
3.The class 1 medical has to be done at Gatwick. I'd get it now so you know whether being a pilot is a possibility, or unfortunately unobtainable. The good news is a class 1 allows you class 2 privileges for 5 years. Dont get a class 2 and then pay again full amount for class 1! And yes if you require glasses to fly, you must always carry a spare!
Do your PPL, and most importantly enjoy it! As for commercial aviation, spend your time at uni reviewing options and come up with a plan! Good luck
Last edited by V_2; 6th Nov 2012 at 17:56.