International Relations degree/ gap year

Hi there. I am currently on my gap year which (admittedly) I have not planned out particularly well. Next year, I am hoping to study Politics and IR at university and was wondering if anyone has advice on what I should do for the next 12 months. I want to do something relevant to the degree and I already have something for politics. However, I have no clue what to do to make me an exemplary candidate for an IR course.