Prepare youself thoroughly. It sounds like you would be taking a gap year as a way of avoiding uni, dont do that. It is a great excercise in growing up and gaining independance, but with a bit of a safety net. I knew people who went home every weekend for months, even years through their degree, if you miss people there is no reason not to see them. If you get the grades required and get onto the course, then you will able to do it, academically. There is a wealth of support available if you feel you are struggling, at uni, or online and through other organisations. There really is no need to be scared, everyone is going through the same fears and thoughts, everyone is in it together.