You seem pretty worried on the class 1 thing, so just go ahead and get it done. The first one has to be done at Glasgow, so phone the CAA and get it booked, once it's done you'll know where you stand, and if you then develop any problems at least your in their system as having been healthy once, which is better than going to your first class 1 with a pre-existing problem.
You could always join a UAS, although they generally expect you to be applying to the RAF if you do that.
You need to figure out how you're planning to fund this dream, either with or without a degree.
Some people may say you don't feel the loan repayments on a student loan, but this is only because it comes out with the tax before they pay you your wages so you never really see it. If the money came into your account and then left to the loan provider you would certainly notice it, and any unsecured loan you get for flight training would be very noticeable every month.