How to stay sociable during gap year?

I’m planning to take a gap year to mature and work on myself. One objective is to work on my confidence and social skills so at uni/future work I am more easily able to settle in.

How can I actually achieve this though when all my friends have gone to uni? I know I’ll probably meet up with them occasionally, but not frequently. Things like clubbing are ok, but the socialising aspect is different and alcohol makes it too easy. Other things like say martial arts or climbing are also pretty good, but I feel like it’s harder to create friendships from that.

Hi there.

Volunteering during your gap year can be a great way to meet others and gain and develop new skills such as good communication and team work skills. You could also consider doing some sports or charity work. @hyacinth77 actually made a similar thread about socialising in a gap year so could share some ideas.

Have a great gap year!

I’m planning to take a gap year to mature and work on myself. One objective is to work on my confidence and social skills so at uni/future work I am more easily able to settle in.

How can I actually achieve this though when all my friends have gone to uni? I know I’ll probably meet up with them occasionally, but not frequently. Things like clubbing are ok, but the socialising aspect is different and alcohol makes it too easy. Other things like say martial arts or climbing are also pretty good, but I feel like it’s harder to create friendships from that.

Hi there.

Volunteering during your gap year can be a great way to meet others and gain and develop new skills such as good communication and team work skills. You could also consider doing some sports or charity work. @hyacinth77 actually made a similar thread about socialising in a gap year so could share some ideas.

Have a great gap year!

Hello!

I'm in a very similar situation to you (also planning to do a gap year)

I'd reccommend getting a part time job- I've been looking around for the last month or so and I finally got an interview which I think went quite well. I feel that this will help because you'll be forced to talk to a wide range of different people from all sorts of backgrounds.

Volunteering would also be something good to do. I volunteered for the mental health charity Mind in one of their charity shops a few years back and I really enjoyed it. I'm planning to volunteer at a theatre that performs Spanish plays so I don't forget the language. Doing sports is a good idea because it's super important to keep healthy during this time.

Overall, the best advice I can give you is to gradually put in new regimens and routines over the next year. I feel like starting all of my suggestions at once might be a bit overwhelming (but this is just my humble opinion). I'd say after finding a job (if you want to of course), after two weeks or so you could try out volunteering, which only needs to be once or twice a week at the very most. Don't force yourself to do things you don't feel comfortable in doing and don't feel the obligation to socialise with friends all the best. I think my main goal for this gap year is to learn to be more content with myself, and being in my own company.

I hope this was somewhat helpful. Sorry for the rambling

I wish you all the best!

Thanks, this is very helpful. I already have a nice list of new things to take up and things to just continue. Volunteering sounds like an excellent idea.

Good luck with your year as well