I may be able to help with work in a project / programme office but in aerospace lighting. Based just outside south west London.

Can't be too picky if you are genuinely looking for work experience mate.... Good luck regardless

This is what I wanted to say in my head but I'm glad someone else put it forth more...vocally

SW London isn't a cheap place to stay for a few weeks if you don't have the financial backing...

Seriously, drop the arrogant attitude.

As for your suggestion of a Travelodge in Farnborough and commute, that would be more expensive (I know, I live in Clapham and work in Farnborough, the train is expensive).

I am not defending the guy but attitudes like yours are not exactly encouraging.

And what if he doesn't have £1k behind him and parents cannot help? I was lucky and my parents always sorted me out, it doesn't happen for everyone.

he does have the cash. he owns a car. It's worth the cost of the accommodation. It's his future. The math, even for an engineer, is obvious. I just find it mindboggling that he wants an ultracompetitive industry, gets a feeler for something suitable within minutes - and decides he doesn't want to put himself out at all because it's not in his two most favoured locations.... it reads like he'll take the Chief Race Engineer at Morgan's job for the summer, or he'll drop down and maybe become the lead fast Jet engineer at Filton. But he'd turn down a job in Woking because he's just not sure that Jenson has enough to justify him deigning to come work there....

It's a tough market out there..... especially for a narrow popular industry..... and he's automatically closed off an option for utterly selfish reasons (cue him saying his mum's a quadriplegic and he's the full time carer....) - it might not be palatable to be stating it as I am, but the bottom line is, the mountain didn't go to Mohammed.

Not to lay it on too thickly, but the OP states:

I am highly motivated undergraduate currently studying Motorsport Engineering

First interview question:
"Can you give me an example that demonstrates your high level of motivation"

Fair enough guys, I can actually see your point of view now.

Apologies for my earlier tone.

I am grateful to those that have posted helpful advice and will certainly step up the effort this week. But the general tone of the replies has been brash and unnecessary. It amazes me how "professionals" can mis-read my post and have such a downgrading stereotypical view of students. One of the greatest industries left in the UK is the automotive and Motorsports sector. But it requires more graduates and young people to get involved to keep it from disintegrating like almost all industries that have moved abroad. The attitude that many of you share to students in whole is counter productive, it would make much more sense to assess on an individual basis.

I am under no illusion that gaining experience, let alone finding jobs, in such a competitive field will be anything but easy. I admit that in the past I have been lazy when handed great opportunities, but I have learnt from these mistakes and recently in the last few years I have put an increasing amount of effort into all commitments that I have made.

I fully considered the lead of an internship in South West London but every option would not be possible in my current situation. As stated in the original post, I am an undergraduate. I am currently in great debt with very little financial support from family members. The suggestion that I don't to leave my "mother's home cooking" or my "student digs" is idiotic to the point beyond belief. These are my only affordable options for accommodation at this point in time, I stated that I would be more than happy to travel to any locations around Worcestershire, Somerset and everywhere in between.

For the past month I have had full-time hours at two pubs back home to try to pay off the debt I have accumulated during the first year of University. Over the weekend I worked full-time and still managed to visit Shelsley Walsh hill climb on both days to experience marshalling. This seems to be a great way to meeting the competitors, race officials and a good starting place to get further in Motorsports.

Currently I am working as part of my University's Formula student team, which I have had to take unpaid time off work for (not ideal considering my financial situation). Next week we will be heading to Silverstone to propose our presentations and meet other teams and high-profile race engineers.

I will welcome any of you to further question my dedication, but at the end of the day I'd be appreciative of any engineering related work experience or useful advice.

Formula student is one of the best ways to get in. FACT. As you're already doing that, and visiting Silverstone next week, I know for a fact that there will be recruiters there.
Speak to as many people as you can, have an armful of quality CV's to hand out.
I got in through working in the real car, then prototype car business.
Catia V5 is the industry standard CAD package, so if you can blag some training in that it would be helpful.
Above all really though it's about making yourself known, and showing ability and aptitude.
Also have you written to all of the teams, and made youself known?
Hope it works out for you.