I was completely anti-university, my college course was pressuring us to apply to University at the end and I was one of very few who was opposed to the idea. I would say I was fully aware and educated on the negatives of studying a so called "Mickey Mouse" degree in film or television, and I kept posing all the questions to my friends who decided on going such as "why waste all that money when the degree is worthless", "even with a degree you will likely start at the bottom" etc, eventually I was converted, and I will summarize the new perspective they provided me with.
In this day and age a large selection of degrees are worthless, even some often considered to require a higher level of thinking or a specialist and essential skill to society. You will find some studying Law struggle for work due to the over-saturation of aspiring lawyers graduating, almost anyone can get in a University and a degree does not hold the same value as it once did (of course it depends on the degree and job at hand). I know I could find work in the television industry without a degree, however I'm not going to University 100% for the degree, personally I am going to network, develop a greater understanding of the industry and my abilities before I get my foot in the door and because I want to make use of the fantastic resources and equipment provided. I received an offer for the best TV course in the country, I cant wait to develop my skills come September.
And generally, moving to a new town or city for University is surely a life changing experience, you rely on yourself and nobody else, a great preparation for the "real world" whether it be financially or work commitment. And lets not forget the good times, it is definitely a lot of money, but in my eyes if you work your hardest, reach your goals and have fun, it will be money well spent