[Liquidus Zeromus]

I've had a few passing thoughts that I might need time out of formal education and a year to learn some valuable life experience and life skills on my own. Would it be worthwhile for the cost in time? I'm pretty certain of which degree courses I want, but I don't know if I'm ready to start just yet. I'd rather work things out and slow down for a bit instead of rushing into university, like it's one big race. The issue is practicality. What sort of opportunities could be missed by taking a year off?

[easy_lemon]

Taking a gap was the best thing I ever did! Gave me work experience half of graduates will never have, will teach you to stand on your own two feet after years in the school system and uni is always going to be there!

Nice to have a break from education too, I haven't had a problem getting back into work ethic, I still have fun here and get good marks in essays so I don't think you miss out on anything at all

[Konnifer]

I'm doing the same thing this year, and it's working out great for me so far. I knew I wasn't ready to start this September, although I did come up against a lot of "If you don't go now you never will" etc. I ignored it, because if it's your goal to go to University, you'll go. I'm getting relevant work experience now, am planning to travel etc, and so far have found it to be really worthwhile. A disadvantage I can think of is that you may become out of touch with learning, forget how to revise etc, however this doesn't have to be the case, if you keep your relevant skills up to date. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[adilmorrison]

I would strongly advise that you take a gap year, but only if you plan it properly and make it worthwhile... There's no point wasting a year doing nothing. But if you plan to use it properly, then it can only be beneficial...

[Liquidus Zeromus]

Originally Posted by adilmorrison

I would strongly advise that you take a gap year, but only if you plan it properly and make it worthwhile... There's no point wasting a year doing nothing. But if you plan to use it properly, then it can only be beneficial...

I have something planned. Part or full-time job, make something useful out of my time and develop certain skills a little better. I could learn independently at the same time whilst not worrying about immediate educational concerns.

Again, I have only seriously thought of this today. Thanks for the replies.

[qwerty27]

i regret not taking a gap year, just keep thinking ive still got another 4years. but then again, we still get like 4 months off for summer

[Brenna]

I had an absolutely amazing time on my gap year - worked for 6 months and travelled for six months. I would definitely not change it.

However, on getting to uni it does take a while to get back into essay writing etc. so try to find some way to keep you're work in mind and make sure you do the reading etc. they sendd you before you go to uni (not that i did...)

Still, I would always take a gap year and am probably going to have another one after uni!

[Yusuf.T]

i took one year out.. and another one which im on now lol

but yeah i have good things to say about it and bad

Good
You will mature A LOT
Appreciate Education A lot more!
Realise how important money is
Learn to be independent before uni instead of going to uni and think WTF do i do?!
Earn the monies!!
Gives you the chance to persure differnt things you werent able to, due to college.. like driving lessons etc
It may just help you realise what you always wanted to do at uni, really isnt the same anymore.. and you may just have a change of heart in terms of what u wanna study at uni

Bad
You may just get lazy during your year out and waste it away
Depending on what your friends are doing.. your social life may suffer if everyone u know has gone off to uni and your stuck at home working a 9-5
You might fall out of the education thing and find it hard to get back into it
No student discounts! Grrr lol


Thats my input for you buddy
if you take a year out then all i can say is be sure to plan it out, PLAN PLAN PLAN!!!

Good luck