can i afford to go uni?

Hey there. After reading I can really understand your predicament. Firstly, I highly doubt people in your course will care much about your age at all, just be friendly. In terms of funding, have you looked in to government bursary schemes as you may be eligible!!

Greetings

For context I am 19, on a gap year for the purpose of making money, and I have an offer from Southampton which I will probably take.

I have estimated that I will be able to save around 8.5k before my September. However, the bad news is that due to a sudden change in circumstances, I have to give 5k in order to keep a roof above my famies head, leaving me with 3.5k. Additionally, I will receive the near minimum of maintenance loan (around 4k) due to other circumstances that I would rather not go into. I should also add, i will not receive any additional support from members of my family. Therefore i am left with around 7.5k, which would just cover my accommodation for first year and leave enough for food and social, but I will not have a dime saved for second or my final year. Additionally i should note that i have decalred my entry as 2025 on my UCAS, but im sure this wont be difficult to change.On the other hand I could take a second gap year, and begin my studies in 2025.

My main issue with the latter is that I would be 20 turning 21, which might lead to issues with fitting in. Additionally, I am worried that if I do not keep my mind active academically for such a long period, I will struggle to enter into a content heavy degree (Law), and I might lose motivation entirely. Therefore I may want to avoid this if it is not necessary.

Any advice would help, thanks

Greetings
For context I am 19, on a gap year for the purpose of making money, and I have an offer from Southampton which I will probably take.
I have estimated that I will be able to save around 8.5k before my September. However, the bad news is that due to a sudden change in circumstances, I have to give 5k in order to keep a roof above my famies head, leaving me with 3.5k. Additionally, I will receive the near minimum of maintenance loan (around 4k) due to other circumstances that I would rather not go into. I should also add, i will not receive any additional support from members of my family. Therefore i am left with around 7.5k, which would just cover my accommodation for first year and leave enough for food and social, but I will not have a dime saved for second or my final year. Additionally i should note that i have decalred my entry as 2025 on my UCAS, but im sure this wont be difficult to change.On the other hand I could take a second gap year, and begin my studies in 2025.
My main issue with the latter is that I would be 20 turning 21, which might lead to issues with fitting in. Additionally, I am worried that if I do not keep my mind active academically for such a long period, I will struggle to enter into a content heavy degree (Law), and I might lose motivation entirely. Therefore I may want to avoid this if it is not necessary.
Any advice would help, thanks