Hi Johnny,
This isn't aimed directly at you, since you have many valid reasons for choosing the school you've chosen. But I want to correct some of the prices you've listed for the benefit of others who read this thread.
Unfortunately, I can't remember the exact price of the place I stayed at Bristol. I think it was £10/night for mod 1, and went up to £12/night for mod 2. All of the people staying there was Bristol students, and there was plenty of car-sharing, so you can forget about the £3/day bus fare - if you don't have a car you'll get a lift easilly. National Express will sell you a return ticket from Glasgow to Bristol for less than £60, and it comes down even further if you're eligable for one of their concessionary fares or can get a special offer. (I know you said you don't want to sit on a bus for horus, Johnny, but I said this post wasn't for you!)
One of the advantages of distance learning, for many people (although not all - as I've said many times everyone has different requirements) is that the location of the school is not particularly important.
FFF
---------