on a gap year, still don't feel ready for uni

Have you looked into getting an apprenticeship

Is it the course you aren't sure about (have a look at Clearing from 5th July for alternatives) or is it the Uni(research and perhaps ring and speak to admissions for these Uni's you regret not considering to get a feel for what you would need to be competitive) or just your general readiness to study again? (If you aren't committed you are right to think about waiting)
Most important though is to pursue a subject that you are passionate about, if that's not right nothing else will be. Then consider the location as you need to feel comfortable. Do not get too caught up in rankings, a good degree classification is a good degree and its more important that you love the course and feel comfortable with the location so you can thrive.

i've currently been studying history in my free time because i do genuinely miss the academic side of schooling, so it's not that. i think it's more so that i've decided i want a career in either finance or consulting, manchester really isn't the best university for that. not that it's bad by any means and of course it's not impossible, but i'd have a much better shot at universities like warwick, UCL, or even cambridge if i decided to pursue their foundation year (which i am eligible for) or just taking another a level privately, though it would be ridiculous to put all my bets on just purely cambridge. the reason i didn't initially apply to any of those is because i wanted to stay close i suppose and i thought i wouldn't be able to get in, which i deeply regret. now i feel as though if i'm at manchester i'll just keep thinking "ah what if" and such.

i've currently been studying history in my free time because i do genuinely miss the academic side of schooling, so it's not that. i think it's more so that i've decided i want a career in either finance or consulting, manchester really isn't the best university for that. not that it's bad by any means and of course it's not impossible, but i'd have a much better shot at universities like warwick, UCL, or even cambridge if i decided to pursue their foundation year (which i am eligible for) or just taking another a level privately, though it would be ridiculous to put all my bets on just purely cambridge. the reason i didn't initially apply to any of those is because i wanted to stay close i suppose and i thought i wouldn't be able to get in, which i deeply regret. now i feel as though if i'm at manchester i'll just keep thinking "ah what if" and such.

Finance and consulting are still quite broad, I'd suggest narrowing your course options down. Looking really closely at the courses you are considering and the universities you are targeting and understanding in detail the requirements and what they look for in a strong candidate will help you find out what is realistic with your subjects (and whether a top up subject is worth it or not). Ringing the admissions team of any courses you are interested in to really find out what they are looking for and what makes a strong candidate for that course at that university would be my recommendation. Good luck

essentially what the title says. i did psychology, sociology, literature and got A*AB with zero awareness of the right subjects to select so i limited myself pretty hard there. i applied for durham manchester bristol edinburgh and york and firmed manchester for politics and philosophy. however, i genuinely do not see myself entering the building, engaging in lectures seminars whatever and being proud of the decision i have made. i just dont see myself enjoying it and i can see myself dropping out. however the issue is i'm already on a gap year and would feel.. very behind if i took another one. i know a 2 year difference between people isn't drastic and the social aspects won't be too hard on me so that's not what i'm concerned about, but i feel just so pathetic for taking so long to make a decision whereas others my age will be on their third year whilst i'll be on my first. i even regret not applying to oxbridge or even seeing myself as a potential applicant for that school ever which makes me wish to undertake another a level in the year i have and sit it as a private candidate for at least just a *shot* of going there. besides that i think UCL, warwick, LSE are schools i also have in mind. saving up money for uni would also be really helpful for me. i dont think going straight at 18 or even 19 is ideal for me but i know for a fact my mother wont budge about this given she was already hesitant on accepting me the first time, so i just dont know what to do.