To gap or not to gap, that is the question?

I'm sure people ask this all the time, but...I have a place at Leeds to study Economics and Management for 2012 entry. However, I now really want to take a gap year travelling across the USA with one of my friends.

Should I contact Leeds and ask to defer entry to the next year?

Also, we won't be 21 and are relying on not shaving to get served and gamble..should I wait until after Uni?

I really don't know what to do :s

Reply 1

Summer In The City

Forget you KFC. Change your rules.

Reply 2

Rhiani-ani-on

Original post by dominicjohnson

Go to uni in september, travel after, once you have turned 21.

Reply 3

dominicjohnson

Original post by Rhiani-ani-on

Go to uni in september, travel after, once you have turned 21.

why?

Reply 4

shaun12345

What will you do if you can't get served and gamble? America is quite tight on underage drinking if i'm not mistaken.

Reply 5

spiritofadventure

I don't think gap years have to be all about drinking and gambling! If you want to take the break and spend time time hanging out with your friend meeting new people then you should defiantly consider it! Gap years are a great break and a great way to sort out your priorities...

If drinking and gambling really are a big deal to you- maybe consider travelling places where the age limit isn't such an issue like Australian or South East Asia.

Reply 6

letsdothetimewarpagain

Yeah that idea won't work in the states :p:

They are red hot on underage drinking.

You could do america and not drink though, it's not *that* bad.

If you want a gap year go for it, I'd rather take a year and it fail than regret not trying...

Reply 7

dominicjohnson

I imagine they are red hot on underage drinking in cities, does anyone know about small towns?

It's so hard to make a decision! Drinking and gambling isn't everything - but if we went through Vegas, you want to experience it a little!

Reply 8

SophiaKeuning

Original post by dominicjohnson

Well is the only reason why you'd be travelling to get pissed and gamble? If so, it's pretty uncertain whether you'd be able to. If not, go for it!

Reply 9

Rhiani-ani-on

Original post by dominicjohnson

why?

Well although a gap year doesnt have to involve drinking etc, if you wait until you are 21 you'll have the option, also I think you'll need it more after uni, i've just finished this week and could do with a good break from work!!

Reply 10

laseine

Original post by dominicjohnson

you would be better waiting until 21 if that's what you want from the states... seriously they are super strict... vegas is v. strict on its gambling.

Reply 11

La Esmerelda

Original post by dominicjohnson

You will most definitely still get ID'd and you're only allowed to stay in the US for up to 3 months a year. If that's the only country you're interested in visiting, I'd suggest working at a summer camp either this summer or next. But if you don't think your holiday will be ruined through being underage (and being identified as such in Vegas and other US places) then go for it. But how would you fill out the other 9 months of the year?