I was at university in 1981, not much in the way of politics, though on my course most students were basically right of centre.
Went again in 2005 and again, not much interest, though most students were left of centre.
I think the centre has moved to the right.
Prior to 1981 I did my apprenticeship, most people I worked with were very central in their politics.
I think there was a bigger gap between Labour and Tory during the 80s, but that was mainly because Thatcher and Kinnock were miles apart, and we all saw how well that helped the Labour party.