I'm nervous about explaining why I want to join the army?

You don't have to explain it to anyone. It's nobody's business but your own.

Those that don't understand, you couldn't explain it to them. Those that have been there, you don't need to explain it because they already know.

Why nervous? Isn't that the noble answer you have there?

I don't know details on the UK's army, however I feel as though the benefits are similar wherever you go. Becoming a new, disciplined person with training and job experience not only under you, but guaranteed. Set pay, education, possibly insurance and so on.

Serving your nation, traveling the world, and meeting new people are not the wrong reasons to join and you shouldn't be 'nervous' to say that.

However, doing it just to avoid school may be a mistake. If you're too nervous to even apply for a college, how would you expect to go through ... well, I'm assuming the UK has something similar to MEPS where you go through a physical and such. Something similar to Basic training. And then put in a position where lives depend on you.

My personal advice, and what I did myself, would be to at least try a semester at even a community college. (:

In any case, good luck with whatever you decide!

Just tell them "Im getting that damn tea back"