What to do after year 13

I just finished year 13 and didn’t apply to uni and don’t have a job. I’m stressed and not sure what I should do. Any advice?

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by User258490

I just finished year 13 and didn’t apply to uni and don’t have a job. I’m stressed and not sure what I should do. Any advice?

Hi @User258490

It is completely normal and okay to not have a plan in place for after your A Levels. I think at this time it's really important to not compare your scenario to others, like your friends, because it can be quite overwhelming to see others doing things and having plans put together. But trust me, everyone will be feeling a sense of uncertainty as things start to change.

You might find it helpful to find one main focus that you want to work on. For example, if you're thinking about what job you might like to do, you can prioritize your route to getting the job. If you're wanting something more general to make some money and save for a bit, is there a retail or hospitality job you can apply for in your area. Or if you have a career plan in mind, what do you need to do to get there - do you have the necessary qualifications so you can apply right away or do you need to research more into the role?

You could focus on moving further with your education, like a college course or university degree. There is no right age or time to go to university, so don't worry if you feel you've missed your chance. You could have a look online about what further education is available and if anything takes your fancy.

There's also options, like degree apprenticeships as an example, that are alternative options to further education, so make sure to keep your options open.

The main thing to remember is to not put too much pressure on yourself. I think when you start to pressurize yourself into choosing something to do straight away you can end up spiraling into doubt and confusion - so keep an open mind and do some research to make sure you're doing what's best for you.

All the best on results day and I'm sure things will fall into place for you.
Emily 🙂
Student Rep at BCU

Reply 2

RM-UK

Original post

by User258490

I just finished year 13 and didn’t apply to uni and don’t have a job. I’m stressed and not sure what I should do. Any advice?

What do you want to do?

Work? Look at some internships in areas of interest.
Study and work? Look at some apprenticeships.
Study? Apply to university with your A level grades.

In the meantime, World, save and travel. Volunteer in this country or abroad.

There is a lot if information online.

Good luck!

Reply 3

User258490

Thank you for the replies! But isn’t it too late to apply to university? And the job market is challenging right now even though I have experience and training :/ All I want is something to do in September, I don’t mind anything.

Reply 4

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Hello there!

It is completely understandable to feel stressed right now, but remember you are not behind or a failure for not having everything sorted immediately after Year 13. Many people take different paths, and there is still plenty of time to figure out your next steps.

-You can take a structured gap year. You can use this year to gain work experience, build skills, and explore what you might want to do long-term without rushing into a decision. A part-time job will help you save money, gain independence, and develop confidence.

-You can consider applying to University next year, but if you don’t know what to study, use this time to explore your interests, look into online courses and speak with a careers advisor.

-You can also look into apprenticeships or training schemes. These allow you to earn while you learn, gain qualifications, and build work experience.

-Volunteering can build your CV and help you discover what kind of environments you enjoy working in while making a positive impact.

-Focus on personal development. Use this time to learn practical skills like driving, financial management, or improving your mental and physical well-being.

If you are not sure where to start, set small daily goals to build a routine and reduce feeling overwhelmed.

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 5

User258490

Original post

by Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Hello there!
It is completely understandable to feel stressed right now, but remember you are not behind or a failure for not having everything sorted immediately after Year 13. Many people take different paths, and there is still plenty of time to figure out your next steps.
-You can take a structured gap year. You can use this year to gain work experience, build skills, and explore what you might want to do long-term without rushing into a decision. A part-time job will help you save money, gain independence, and develop confidence.
-You can consider applying to University next year, but if you don’t know what to study, use this time to explore your interests, look into online courses and speak with a careers advisor.
-You can also look into apprenticeships or training schemes. These allow you to earn while you learn, gain qualifications, and build work experience.
-Volunteering can build your CV and help you discover what kind of environments you enjoy working in while making a positive impact.
-Focus on personal development. Use this time to learn practical skills like driving, financial management, or improving your mental and physical well-being.
If you are not sure where to start, set small daily goals to build a routine and reduce feeling overwhelmed.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Thank you for the advice! A structured gap year sounds good 👍