I learn by reading the latest magazines on the subject, training and studying up, I kind of started my own personal school for myself.

Computer Arts is a fantastic magazine, it's got tutorials, showcases and tips all about working, types of work, and what to do to get your name out there.
I also visit design sites on the web, http://www.k10k.net will get you started, as well as http://www.moluv.com
When you go shopping, notice the packaging, look at all things retailing around you, it doesn't cost anything to do research in these places, and you will be up-to-date on what's out there.

Museums don't cost much, look at how things are presented, when you watch movies, pay attention to the titles, who designed them, how they move. Become hyper aware of why you notice one piece of information more than another: was it the color? The layout? Time of day? How could you have made it better?

Get the trial versions of Illustrator and Photoshop and Flash if you can, and become familiar with them. There are about a bazillion tutorials online that you can follow, Photoshop TV has a podcast packed with tips that I watch all the time. http://www.photoshoptv.com/

Since you are in the UK, you have access to some of the most amazing classical architecture the world has ever seen. There have to be some free lectures, that can serve as a building block to more access to learning about architecture. The web has about a zillion pieces of information http://www.designmuseum.org/
The bulk of learning takes time, discipline and interest. If you have these three things, that's like having a scholarship in itself, no university can give that to you.