I'd recommend staying in halls for one year, just to do it and love it for what it is. Then get yourself a flat with a mate of two.
As for a pass into Uni, I think it really depends what subject you're doing and what uni you want to go to. I'd start checking some prospectuses out for this year to get a feel for what's on offer.
I haven't got a good word to say about Adam Smith at all. I got an HNC in Accounting 8 or so years ago and last year went to see if they would let me into the HND course and was told that the credits I have were far too out of date for what they were doing.
Stuff that, went back to start 1st year at Aberdeen uni again and got 19 and 20 for my main subjects for 1st year after 8 years out of education. Adam Smith can kiss my @rse as can Allan Walker, The Mercat and Kitties.