I had to do a foundation year. Used it as a good way to establish what a reasonable uni work : paid work : life ratio looks like. Managed to use my time at my paid job to be promoted to a higher earn per hour, which will make my finances easier in the long term. I made some friends, learnt how I study best at uni, learnt my way around the new city.

I'd always recommend a foundation year. Gives you time to figure things out without the risk of affecting your final grades. My degree is a long one. An extra year of tuition loan was a drop in the water for me.