I would personally go to college and do what your parents suggest..as long as they pay for it (or help pay for it..or you get some kind of financial add to help you pay for it). College is expensive, and if I didn't get aid I probably wouldn't be going (also, I'm only going because my dad want's me to..and I dont want to let him down because he has done so much for me in the past, I kind of owe it to him). Anyways, go to a community college if you can, or dont want to go to a big school. I wouldn't worry about the "huge exams and projects due every week", because honestly, that's a joke. You do have projects, and tests, but you have SO much time to do it and study for that it's not a problem. If you do end up living on college, and dont like to be in loud places or with a roomate, ask the college if they have a "quiet living" section. I'm living it in now (not by choose, the dude I was going to room with got sent over to Iraq..so I just got thrown with someone), and I actually dont mind it. The people around are nice, and when I want to listen to my music or play games, the people dont really care unless it's late, or I just throw headphones on. You can also try to get a single..most colleges have those..although you might have to pay more. So all in all, I think college is a great experience, you meet tons of people and make new friends, and there is always something to do. I'm glad I did end up going. But, like I said earlier, college is not for everyone so if you do decide to skip it, then the best of luck to ya.