I don't understand why people would want to go straight to work when only 19 if they have the choice not to. That's the best age to enjoy and learn about life, to grow as an integral person.

I would never ever exchange the time I had at uni for being at work, no matter what I could be doing. At uni not only did I become a programmer, I also met by best friends, I met my now wife, I got involved in social issues, I traveled, I formed a band, learned foreign languages and yes went to lots of parties, nothing wrong with parties. It's not related to what I do on a daily basis for work? No, so what?. Has it helped me in my career? I don't know, but I still got my dream job and it has surely made me a much happier person.