Ok, two ideas here.
Uni. You'll get a degree which may or may not stand you in good stead with regards flying. However, the uni degree will show to prospective employers that you can study. Also, it depends on what degree you go for. You may either love it or loath it. Study something you want to study. That will help the motivation. Uni life can be a lot of fun and you'll make some good friends. Also, if something terrible happens and you lose your medical etc at least you have some formal qualifications.
Downside, that's another 3-4 years "delay". Cost of uni itself.
Work. Nothing like working to make you "mature" into an adult. (I worked at a uni for over 8 years-best of both worlds really.) You will learn a lot about responsibility to an employer. Also, you will learn the reality of actually working for a living. Sure, it can be great but some days it can be mind numbingly boring. You'll also learn to get on and mix with a variety of age groups and you'll start to learn some real life "CRM".
Downside, difficult to get a well paying job with no qualifications. You could try an ops job or refuelling job. Gets you in the industry.
It is possible to do some of those jobs and go to Uni. Be flexible and don't write off any option yet.