Caravan accomodation for integrated course??

[MikeAlphaBravo]

I am toying with the idea of using a touring caravan as accomodation for the duration of the integrated course down at Cranfield. My decision is partly based on the financial saving, and also so that the wife can visit every so often;) I can also see the downside of bad weather, and being isolated from the other students, which may or may not be detrimental to studying and socialising. If anybody has experience of using a caravan as accomodation whilst studying, I would appreciate any feedback whether good or bad.
Many thanks,
MAB

[Keygrip]

Well I did (almost) exactly the same - and I loved it. Had a ball.

I bought a well used 13 footer - 400 pounds sterling - then spent a couple of hundred wiring it up with mains power outlets. Fitted it out with colour television, VCR, microwave, toaster, kettle, electric lighting, fridge - everything I wanted.

Dragged it down to Bournemouth - pleaded with a few caravan parks for a good rate (played on the "poor student - needs to study, no parties, angle). Ended up paying 1 pound per night if occupied, 50p per night if empty (including electric hook up).

I left one sleeper sofa as a sleeper (duvet and comfy pillows), one as the sofa. Very comfortable.

Had a car, so still managed to get out and about (shopping and socialising). Had a great time.

Drove to the van every Monday morning, drove home to wife every Friday evening (Manchester).

Have to admit, my course was what would be known as modular groundschool - and was "only" seven weeks long - but I'd have done it again in a heartbeat - and, as you say,.........

it saved me a fortune financially.

[VFE]

I stayed in a static caravan on a picturesque site for a coupla months during my CPL. At first I loved it but the novelty wore off as autumn rolled in! You need the heating on 24/7 and when it rains it's hard to sleep. The wind tended to rock it too so all in all it became a nause. This time of year the eight legged friendies start bopping indoors and with a caravan it's magnified ten fold. Arachnophobics beware! :ooh:

There isn't an awful lot of written study to do on the CPL besides memorising checklists, speeds and manouvres etc... but I found it easy to sit reading through stuff however without a table I'd have been struggling with the ATPL's in that caravan. Another thing about caravans is, that if you're like me, you can't blast the music too loud as you'll annoy everyone nearby but that's another story.....

In summary:

Short term - good fun.

Long term - character building.

VFE.

PS: Pack the vacuum cleaner and a torch. ;)

[Jinkster]

I am staying in a caravan in cranfield, the cabair side of the airfield.

I need to dig out the number for you - havent been home for a while!

If you come down to cranfield, the house is on the main road opposite the goods entrance, the site is behind the conifers.

Best of luck and when I find the number out at home I'll repost or send you a pm.

Jinkster

[Captain Ratpup]

Caravans have to be the way forward! I may be starting at Cranfield in November. If you need a partner to share the costs, get in touch. Although I suppose it ain't the roomiest of housing solutions.

I promise to go out or put my David Clarks on if you have any conjugal visits...

Ratpup