I think you're right. Doing crazy shit won't do me any good right now, I would imagine. My parents won't understand WWOOFing and anything of that sort - it's not just foreign but alien to them - but they understand higher education; in their own way, but still. That, too, you got right, and I better keep it in mind while I'm studying. It's a great opportunity to learn deep and interesting stuff. Gotta remember that.You might just take the pretty decent hand you have been dealt, and go to school. You will really love living alone. If you don't want them to pay your rent, get a job, and tell them "no thanks". Don't burn your bridges, and try to make yourself homeless out of idealism.
I wouldn't recommend college to anyone who thought of it as less than a privilege.