Exactly what I thought about the normal map - although I haven't ever done it before I really need to give it a go. I'm doing Maya Comprehensive for Games. If you do your homework there are a few 'cheap' places to stay in the area, but I totally understand your problem, I'm lucky that the commute for me is about an hour and 30 mins (on a good day). It's SO worth it though, I strongly recommend you look into it. Edit : I'll find out where my mates are staying, and how much it is. Commuting costs almost as much as staying there anyway, they've got some great deals.