As far as I know about a year or two. The problem I'd have with that is the fact that I probably wouldn't be able to fund going back to college - taking a break for a few years would set me back about another $20,000
If 'college' in the UK (where do I find info?) is similar to the "Kollegstufe" in Germany, specifically Bavaria, I would very much recommend it. We were allowed to choose majors, stop taking some courses, attendance wasn't always required, lots of free time and still a great and demanding liberal arts education. It was ten times more fun and effective then all the years before.