The Student Room Group

Gap Year

I would like to take a gap year so i want to apply for 2024 instead of 2023.
i am currently in year 13.
can anyone tell me what to expect when taking the gap year?
Original post by kd231
I would like to take a gap year so i want to apply for 2024 instead of 2023.
i am currently in year 13.
can anyone tell me what to expect when taking the gap year?

I'm currently on a gap year right now, I went to a further education college instead of a sixth form and decided not to go to university. If you have any questions feel free to ask or PM me.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by ITStudent22
I'm currently on a gap year right now, I went to a further education college instead of a sixth form and decided not to go to university. If you have any questions feel free to ask or PM me.

whhy did u take a gap year ?
Reply 3
What did u study?
Original post by Aqila Chan
whhy did u take a gap year ?

My original plan was to go to university but changed my mind after applying through UCAS. So my reason for taking a gap year was because I felt like uni wasn't right for me. It was also because of a health issue which I don't wish to talk about. I've been taking some time out of education to figure out my next steps
Original post by kd231
What did u study?

I studied level 3 BTEC IT which is equivalent to A-levels.
Hey I’m currently on a gap year too to focus on my mental health and being indecisive off what route to take next. So I do agree with your decision and I do think it is good to take some time off to decide what you want to do instead of rushing into anything , research and explore your options .
Original post by kd231
I would like to take a gap year so i want to apply for 2024 instead of 2023.
i am currently in year 13.
can anyone tell me what to expect when taking the gap year?

Hi there

It is perfectly fine to take a gap year...especially if you're not 100% confident in what you want to study or if you want to go to uni just yet (or at all). Lots of my friends took gap years for all sorts of reasons. Some of my friends used the year to gain some work experience and get a feel for the type of job they might like to do. This included a mixture of internships, volunteering and general work experience. A gap year can also be great for developing new hobbies which in turn may also help you get an idea of what you might like to pursue. For example over the summer I traveled a bit and began to develop an interest in digital advertisement and photography. I am in my final year of uni but am heavily considering taking a gap year after I graduate where I hope to explore this hobby a bit more. Gap years are a great way to try new things and meet new people (whether that is through working, socialising or travelling). I know lots of people who rushed into degrees for the sake of going to uni rather than because they enjoyed their subject and it has meant that they have struggled more with finding motivation to complete work etc. If you were stuck on what to do during your gap year then you might like to take a look at the UCAS website... https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about
Hope this helps a bit!

Best wishes
Joanna
-Uni of Kent Rep :smile:
Helloooooo,

I'm also taking a gap year right now. I deferred from the start mainly because I felt like I was slowly being burned out. It's been difficult at times (especially with the intense feelings of fomo) but overall I'm enjoying it.
Original post by kd231
I would like to take a gap year so i want to apply for 2024 instead of 2023.
i am currently in year 13.
can anyone tell me what to expect when taking the gap year?


I’m on a gap year at the moment and I’m using it to work, find out new things about myself. Heal my inner self, and basically just do things I couldn’t do while I was in school. Before jumping into education again next year as I’ve applied for september entry 2023
You may find you don't even need to go to uni - Someone I know deferred a uni place to take a gap year, ended up getting a graduate level job and is now working in a position they love with a salary equal to university graduates, but without the student debt! Of course, this isn't a path for everyone as you don't get the uni experience etc. and of course some jobs require degrees but taking a gap year can help you re-evaluate your options.
Reply 11
Original post by ds79383
Hey I’m currently on a gap year too to focus on my mental health and being indecisive off what route to take next. So I do agree with your decision and I do think it is good to take some time off to decide what you want to do instead of rushing into anything , research and explore your options .


hi im in year 12 and want to take one do i have an option of deciding in year 13 during application process ?
Original post by saflix
hi im in year 12 and want to take one do i have an option of deciding in year 13 during application process ?

Hi, It really depends on where you're applying; if you are applying to drama school, for example, they don't allow you to differ a year. However, most university courses allow you to differ a year (which means they hold your place for next year entry). In the mean time, you can not apply to other unis to see if you get a better offer in the meantime. You can also differ a year and if you decide not to do the course, drop your place on the course at any time.
So yes, you can decide in year 13 during the application process and you can always apply and differ to give yourself a gap year if you choose.
Reply 13
Original post by University of Kent Reps
Hi there

It is perfectly fine to take a gap year...especially if you're not 100% confident in what you want to study or if you want to go to uni just yet (or at all). Lots of my friends took gap years for all sorts of reasons. Some of my friends used the year to gain some work experience and get a feel for the type of job they might like to do. This included a mixture of internships, volunteering and general work experience. A gap year can also be great for developing new hobbies which in turn may also help you get an idea of what you might like to pursue. For example over the summer I traveled a bit and began to develop an interest in digital advertisement and photography. I am in my final year of uni but am heavily considering taking a gap year after I graduate where I hope to explore this hobby a bit more. Gap years are a great way to try new things and meet new people (whether that is through working, socialising or travelling). I know lots of people who rushed into degrees for the sake of going to uni rather than because they enjoyed their subject and it has meant that they have struggled more with finding motivation to complete work etc. If you were stuck on what to do during your gap year then you might like to take a look at the UCAS website... https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about
Hope this helps a bit!

Best wishes
Joanna
-Uni of Kent Rep :smile:


This is really helpful advice - thanks!
I'd say apply in y13 anyway as practice and since you never know what might happen! But also apply for things to do during your gap year since you can get very bored and lonely if you don't!

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