Taking a gap year

Some students decide to take a ‘year out’ after sixth form/college, before moving onto university or into employment.

Most universities and employers look favourably on students taking a gap year and the benefits to you might be life changing!

• Variety of activities
• Travel
• Work experience
• Preparation
• Return to study
• Applying to university
• Top tips

Variety of activities

What you do with your gap year is up to you. In a year you may have the chance to do more than one thing.

Some activities traditionally undertaken include:

• travelling to different countries
• gaining work experience
• voluntary work
• developing language skills
• environmental projects.

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Travel

If organised thoroughly, going abroad can truly broaden your horizons.

You will need to plan your travels. Here are some things to consider:

• Will you have a single destination or are you planning a round trip?
• How are you going to finance your trip?
• Will you need a visa, work permit, vaccinations?
• When will you arrange your travel/health insurance?

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Work experience

For some, taking a gap year is about getting work experience relevant to their choice of university course or their future career.

It is an opportunity to gain new skills, experience and possibly additional qualifications.

Others may use the year to earn money to help finance their time at university.

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Preparation

Whatever you decide to do with your gap year you will need to plan carefully, and as early as possible. Make a list of what you will need to prepare. Some questions may include:

• Do you want to do several activities in a year? Gap year schemes vary in length. Some last a year, others a few weeks or months. If you are going to combine activities you need to consider how to make the most of your time.
• How much will it cost?
• Is there an age limit? For some gap year schemes (eg involving children) you will need to be over 19.
• Are there any special requirements, eg driving licence, language skills, relevant experience?

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Return to study

Most students have no problem returning to their studies, as their gap year has given them a break and they look forward to returning to learning.

However, a gap year will provide many new experiences and bring you into contact with a wider range of people. These experiences may influence your long-term plans and may mean new career choices or a change of course at university.

If you do have a change of plan, you can get objective and unbiased guidance from your Indigo adviser.

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Applying to university

It is sensible to apply to university in your second year at sixth form/college, even if you plan to take a gap year.

Research degree courses thoroughly and complete your UCAS form, asking for deferred entry. You can apply (or re-apply, if necessary) during your gap year, but make sure you are available for interviews if necessary.

When completing your UCAS Personal Statement (hotlink to ‘Completing your personal statement’ copy), write this carefully, explaining your reasons for deferred entry and your plans for your gap year. If you apply to university during your gap year, you can write about what you are doing!

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Top tips!

• Plan early for your gap year and be sure to check out the financial implications of deferring your entry.
• On your UCAS application, explain how you hope to use your gap year.

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