If you're not a UK citizen you won't be able to get a Career Development Loan if thats what you mean.

I'd try and put things in the correct forum next time.

For those unsure where there nearest one is...

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/store_locator.htm

You really will save a few quid. Sounds like I have shares in them doesn't it .

Yes its moved around a bit (Jenks). It's now on Topping Street. I think he'll need the luck. His other job is as a college Lecturer.

Strangely, I know that gentleman who's (literally) just bought Jenks nightclub. He thinks Blackpool is going to experience a renaissance ( I suppose he would spending £270K on the lease). I think he's going to be sadly disappointed.

Aldi is far cheaper than the big 4 Supermarkets when it comes to food.

Born in the area. Its a cheap place to live (I have a Edwardian 3 bed semi - Lounge, dining room, large kitchen, 2 doubles and a single that would still only cost to buy today about £150K) and when I played golf was handy for Manchester Airport. Just at the moment it suits myself and Mrs. Golfpro.

I think there was a reasonable argument for Cumbria. If you're weren't brilliant academically you had to trial to UCLan or across country to the North-east. I can't really see an argument for Blackpool (other than a political one...the Council turned blue after a long period of being red, and the Govt are worried about the local Labour MP -Marsden -losing his seat).

From my experience of the Computing Dept. several of the staff are operating with HND's or C's. I went for a chat re a P/T job (I didn't like it so didn't bother), and I was considered a 'big beast' academically, which I'm far from be assured. So I think they'll have a lot of problems in that respect.

Apparently, what's happening in Blackpool is thus. They ARE relocating the local college to a new purpose built site (state of art etc..)- Rigby Road for those that no the area. At the same time they are hoping to become 'The University of Blackpool. Since the casino debacle they have some credit built up with the Govt. so this is by all accounts a 'done deal'. Problem is the quality of teaching staff is quite poor there at present. So either there will have to be a clear-out, or lots of people will have to get cracking (in many cases doing a degree even!).

Of course the fly in this ointment (problem 2) is a change of Govt with the Conservatives being none to impressed with this University in every town idea. That might scupper things I'd imagine.

There isn't one. The local FE College have aspirations (serious ones by all accounts) but I wouldn't personally want to go there if/as/and when. The two 'local' Uni's are UCLan and Lancaster.

Yep, you're good enough (easily). You just have to have a go through the rigmarole of applying (successfully) for something. Not exactly a fun experience I agree.

Palatine Leisure Centre (next to the school) then Beverley. Opens at 7. Very cheap if you're a student.

And yes lots of GC on the Fylde (Blackpool) coast Aloha. Royal Lytham (of course), Fairhaven, St. Annes Old Links, Green Drive, DeVere's Herons Reach to name the more celebrated.

Sunny (in fact not so sunny) Blackpool at my local leisure centre. An Aqua card is normally £15 unlimited. With SU discount its half. There has to be some perks to being a student, and I am in the North.

Re the physical exercise aspect, I find swimming at the local baths a good fillip. It costs me £7-50 (SU card rates) for unlimited monthly swimming, and as well as the exercise you get to have a chat with a different (non-education) crowd. I go at 7 am in the morning so hardly interferes with my day.

"it's easy to say £30k is a good salary in comparison to a dustman or shelf stacker - but then they haven't invested 7-10 years in HE"

Yes, its the time investment thats the key thing for me.