[lilsi]

Hey guys, just looking for some advice and second opinions! I am being really indecisive (as per usual) about whether to take a gap year or go to uni.

I always said that I will make my final decision when my results come out, but as that day draws closer - I feel so unprepared for that decision. Originally the plan was, if I got into my Uni - I was simply going to defer (as I have at the moment applied for 2008 entry) and take a gap year and do a ski season, starting in December, accompanied by work either side of this.

I had my heart set on this ski season as I have wanted to do this for a long time, however I have been unable to find a job placement and beginning to wonder if it will actually happen! Also, I wished to find a job that would benefit my CV/Personal Statement for the time either side of my season but after applying to numerous - I haven't had one interview yet. I see myself just continuing to be a lifeguard and saving up cash, and while that will be good. I think i'd rather be enjoying myself at uni!

So this has kind of left me in the lurch, as I had my heart set on doing a gap year and Im so unprepared for Uni. However, at the same time all my mates are getting excited about uni and i'm thinking maybe I should just go for it straight away and do my gap year after uni? I've applied for Loughborough but haven't sorted out accomodation, student finance etc... So come the day when I get my results and have to make a big decision - as it currently stands I can see me making one I regret.

What would you do in my shoes?

Thanks!

[gemmasays]

I'm just finishing my gap year, i've been in malaysia and i've travelled to some other countries too and although i haven't had a job per se, i have done alot of volunteering and i baby sit for people (mainly ex-pats).

I wouldn't worry about finding a job or placement that benefits your personal statement, you can write about about gap year experience in your personal statement and wow the people that are reading it. A gap year can be a beautiful thing, it can be a fantastic experience but you have got to be the one that actually makes those things happen. In order to have fun and make the most of the gap year you need to put yourself out there, depending on where you go making friends might be incredibly hard, you may face racism, or cultural issues but these are all things that you learn from and it's something that alot of people don't get to experience because they don't just go for it.

Only you can make the decision, bear in mind you can still go overseas during your summer breaks to work or volunteer etc. or you can still have a gap year after uni, either way do something that you are pleased with, and just go for it. If you need some inspiration I recomend reading Richard Bransons book "screw it lets do it" because it really gets you inspired in in the mood for acomplishing big things!

[Geisskane]

I've spent the year travelling and I must say it's been the best thing I've ever done in my life. At the start it was strange because my friends were off at uni having a great time and I was stuck working insane hours to afford travel, but now the tides have turned and they're the ones jealous of me!

Travel has prepared me for life more than I could ever have imagined. I'm independant, sociable and can budget. Put simply, I'm more than ready for university.

Do yourself a favour and travel the world. It's the best thing you'll ever do!

[gemmasays]

Yeah, I definitely think travelling has helped be be more prepared for going to university, and my social skills have much improved too. It does give you a more independent outlook on life, you learn how to support yourself and that's a good thing to do at any time, but especially before university because you will be more clued up about spending and the actual value of money. You may have times where you become lonley and you wish you had your friends to speak to, but you will find that when you go back nothing much will have changed so honestly, travelling during a gap year is one of the most remarkable things you can do. you make what you want of it, everything is down to you... how exciting is that?!?!