Alister,
If one works part time during Uni (UK) and possibly a lot during summer, it is still doable saving most of the maintenance grant/loan and any university scholarship.
Naturally, this may be limited or not applicable to kids with 'household/parent' income above certain amount etc etc, but as single, independently living, not earning too much (at least taxable), I can't see a reason why this is bad idea. Isn't it good to have some solid education and save 'as you go' in these times, if they really are serious about flight training?
Better than being student, getting sloshed couple nights a week and being broke, chugging toasts and baked beans (yeah, bit cliche) before the start of next term when the loan/grant money is cleared to account.