I also got told by someone at the ticket office that they started sending them out in batches on Monday and that everyone should have their's by Friday. That's looking a tad ambitious now.
Totally agree. Starting my final year in September and above all else this part of the experience is the one that is most valuable and often overlooked.
As far as the statement and UCAS yes it's a pain in the arse but wait till you get to meet the Student Finance people, then the real fun...