am now considering dropping uni and going straight into flying and getting my PPL etc asap
Split the difference: Get a job to pay for a PPL, keep the study for the resits ticking over gently, pass the exams.
Sep 09 to grad, keep yourself and the PPL current, and you're ahead when you start CPL.
GET THE DEGREE. It's money in the bank. Aviation is shifting sand at present.
CG