These are some good ideas for me to take back, thank you.

There are a couple of hotels off London Road, near Victoria Park, two I've stayed in: one was okay, the other is dire! I'll try and check later in the week and see which is which. There is a good bus service which would take you closer to the city centre and a shorter walk to the University.
My vote isn't so fat this morning, I'll need to pace myself 😂