Thanks for the replies and insight. It's reassuring to hear this from others who have went through the same process.
With regards to study methods, I find I absolutely HAVE to write things down. I've been like that since a young age and studied like this through high school and university. I guess it's a balance between writing things down that you have to learn thoroughly and noticing when it's best to just read over something, taking only a few notes (rewriting HPL examples/accident stories aren't going to be an efficient use of time).
My working situation is changing soon and I'll be able to work from home a few days a week which will help me massively. It definitely is a lonely uphill struggle at times. I'm keeping my eye on the end prize (the thought of going home once the ATPL's are done - I'm living on another continent just now) and that's keeping me going!
That's good to hear your current situation Taybird - keep us up to date!