For those of you who are concerned about the living costs in the South East there is some good news.
Firstly there are a lot of good house schemes advertised on the BA company notice board in the CRC in T5. These are like minded people sharing the cost of living in the South East.
Secondly, with the M25, M3 and M4 all within 5 minutes reach of T5, even on SH, there is opportunity to live outside of the SE sphere of expense and commute to work. BA 'recommend' you live within 2 hours but you don't have to if you don't mind the drive.
Also lots of FO's on T'Bus commute from abroad. It's all possible.
Anyhoo, you'll be away on your 5/6 day block trips so don't be too concerned, the hotels are nice (even if you only stay in them for 10-12 hours!!!
).