I was also in a very similar position a few years ago. I finished my A'levels and got a place studying aeronautical engineering at Imperial collage, which I deferred for a year. In that year I got a really crap job and managed to scrape enough money together for my PPL. I started the course and quit after the first year due to the escalating debts. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind owing a fortune but the fact is a degree does not really get you any closer to the right hand seat.
After leaving I got the best job I could find and paid for each stage of training as and when I could afford it. I am just finishing my ATPL exams and if all goes well, should have my CPL by christmas. Then the plan is to get a CDL for the IR with the aim of finishing around Feb.
I'm not telling you to jack in the course and follow my route because your circumstances could be totally different. All I know is that if I'd stayed on at UNI I'd be 23 when I finishing next year with a 20k debt, no job and a PPL with 45hours. Instead I will have a CPL/IR and about a 10k debt. Even if there is no chance of a job in the short term, I am ready for when(or if) the market turns.
Whatever route you choose, it is one hell of a hard decision!
Good luck!
