I've found that the most important thing is to decide on a plan as early as possible and start working towards it. The specifics of the plan aren't so important as the goal oriented mindset it'll give you. The people with vague motivations to take a couple years of basic courses and see what they like often end up late to the game when their peers are making connections, doing internships, and applying to professional schools. I'm not saying that spending time to explore your options is a bad thing, but tuition isn't cheap; and time is your biggest asset at this point in your life.
I think it depends on how safe is he with somewhere to stay. Most parents won't kick you out as soon as you hit 18, mine would rather I stay with them for as long as possible while I sort things out(Though they would probably prefer I sit tight no matter the situation ha) It's just as likely that these opportunities will only exist later rather than sooner and the early bird leaves before the worm arrives. The people with vague motivations to take a couple years of basic courses and see what they like often end up late to the game when their peers are making connections, doing internships, and applying to professional schools.
Maybe the people who end up late to the game are the sort of people who can't be bothered making connections?
You're right, it certainly depends on the kind of person that OP is. I'm speaking from the perspective of someone who has seen plenty of friends and family fizzle out of school due to a lack of direction or motivation, so maybe I'm just sensitive to that possibility.