Well said James
I am just about to finish paying off my student loan from over 5 years ago when I graduated from Uni, and yes it has been a drain but not unmanageable. Since graduating I have managed to buy my dream car, and yes it is an in-comparable amount to OAT fees, but like you say, you need to look at personal circumstances. I am now 27 and don't regret entering the workplace as it has developed me so much, put hairs on my chest as they say....
I am now keen to progress down a similar path to yourself at some great sacrifice, once I have evaluated all aspects of my decison.
If you have your parents backing which I don't have fully then put the pedal to the metal mate
Regards
P.