Gap year ideas?

Hey guys, I’m currently on a gap year so I go to uni September 2026. I already know what course and unis I want to get into just waiting for applications to open and for me to send mine.
I want to do a cybersecurity bsc degree, preferably in the Uni of Warwick. During my gap year I want to get a headstart but have no idea how to start.
I want to prioritise getting knowledge, building connections, utilising LinkedIn, etc. whatever I need to become a cybersecurity entrepreneur, specifically in the compliance and consulting niche.
No idea how to do it. During my gap year, I also want to balance with learning my native language, travelling here, preparing for uni, building a digital products business. No idea how to start and it is really overwhelming.
Please any tips or recommendations at all would be heavily appreciated!!💖

Hey, I have no idea about cybersecurity but just wanted to say best of luck I'm also on a gap year and clueless lol

Aww love the honesty 🥲🥲 do you know what youre doing after the gap year? Uni? Apprenticeships? Straight to work?

I took a gap year before starting uni, and the thing that helped me the most was planning everything. I made one huge list of everything I wanted to do in my gap year, then broke it up into what I wanted to do each month. I then made a calendar for that month with specific things to do each day. So for me, September and October were “fun” months, with lots of trips out, nature walks, shopping etc. November and December were about learning for myself, things like learning languages or random facts or an instrument or craft which wouldn’t necessarily relate directly to my uni course but I enjoyed doing. January-February were for self care, so I focused on therapy, journaling, different breathing techniques, meditation. March-June were my travelling months - I had two big trips planned at this time (and this is when I was able to use the languages I had learned previously!) and also did more mini trips with my family. July-September were focused on getting ready for uni and moving out, so I made sure I knew how to cook and clean and look after myself, but I also wrote practice essays, read lots of books about my course etc. I hope this helps and you’re able to get the most out of your gap year!! You might be able to reach out to someone at the university for more practical tips or ideas related to your course.

Hey guys, I’m currently on a gap year so I go to uni September 2026. I already know what course and unis I want to get into just waiting for applications to open and for me to send mine.
I want to do a cybersecurity bsc degree, preferably in the Uni of Warwick. During my gap year I want to get a headstart but have no idea how to start.
I want to prioritise getting knowledge, building connections, utilising LinkedIn, etc. whatever I need to become a cybersecurity entrepreneur, specifically in the compliance and consulting niche.
No idea how to do it. During my gap year, I also want to balance with learning my native language, travelling here, preparing for uni, building a digital products business. No idea how to start and it is really overwhelming.
Please any tips or recommendations at all would be heavily appreciated!!💖

Hi,
There are lots of organisations that aim to up-skill students and help them break into different industries, such as The Bright Network, SEO London, Rare Recruitment, and Upreach. They offer networking events, mentoring, insight sessions, advice on building your personal brand and more. They have some sign-up requirements and are primarily aimed at current students, but I think it's definitely worth emailing in and explaining your situation to see if you could join while on your gap year.
You might also find Forage useful, it has free virtual job simulations across different industries.
I hope this helps and good luck with everything!