Should I take a gap year?

I’m really debating if i should take a gap year or not. Haven’t received an offer from my top choice yet, however if I do i was thinking of deferring it and if I don’t i was thinking of reapplying. The acceptance rate is 10%, and obviously deferred entry would be more secure but the chances are obviously not the highest. I’ve seen so much stuff about gap years being the best decision but i’m just worried about feeling like i’ve made a mistake as from now i’d have to wait a year and a half to go to uni. I’ve had in my mind for the past two years that I’d just go straight to uni and i was really excited for it, however am really not sure on what to do now. I do have a plan of what I would do on a gap year, however I do feel I was excited to become independent after year 13, and am worried staying at home for another year will lower my excitement for uni when I do actually go? I don’t think i’d be lonely on my gap year, as my twin is thinking of taking one too as she didn’t get into her top choice, which is the same as mine. Is it unrealistic to take a gap year and move out to live somewhere else? Is it even worth it then due to paying for rent etc. Any advice would be so helpful! (also any tips for what to do on a gap year in case i do decide to do one)

Honestly, do whatever will make you happy in the moment. if you truly want to study, university wont disappear in the year that you take out! I am just coming to the end of my gap year and i went travelling with my boyfriend and experienced full time work for the first time which taught me A LOT that i wouldn't have learnt if i had gone to uni straight away. Im starting uni in september and i am just as excited. It all depends where you wanna go too, rent prices vary greatly but you could always rent a room in a new area for a few months instead of paying for a full flat if you think money will be an issue?
My main event of my gap year was going travelling in Europe for a month like i mentioned, i saw some amazing things and it was my first time having some independence as i was away from home and fending for myself! Europe is a bit expensive so if you want something cheaper maybe look to other places but that is also a good way of having fun whilst gaining independence and not having to rent a flat somewhere, hope my ramble has helped!

thank you so much this is so helpful! i’m worried i’ll get bored during a gap year and wish i just went straight to uni. i have lots of things planned but a year and a half from now is a long time, how did you find that part?

I’m really debating if i should take a gap year or not. Haven’t received an offer from my top choice yet, however if I do i was thinking of deferring it and if I don’t i was thinking of reapplying. The acceptance rate is 10%, and obviously deferred entry would be more secure but the chances are obviously not the highest. I’ve seen so much stuff about gap years being the best decision but i’m just worried about feeling like i’ve made a mistake as from now i’d have to wait a year and a half to go to uni. I’ve had in my mind for the past two years that I’d just go straight to uni and i was really excited for it, however am really not sure on what to do now. I do have a plan of what I would do on a gap year, however I do feel I was excited to become independent after year 13, and am worried staying at home for another year will lower my excitement for uni when I do actually go? I don’t think i’d be lonely on my gap year, as my twin is thinking of taking one too as she didn’t get into her top choice, which is the same as mine. Is it unrealistic to take a gap year and move out to live somewhere else? Is it even worth it then due to paying for rent etc. Any advice would be so helpful! (also any tips for what to do on a gap year in case i do decide to do one)