2 year gap year back to back?
Hi!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by mikaaaqwqHi!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
Hey!
Taking a second gap year isn’t inherently a “bad” idea — lots of people do it, especially if there’s a clear purpose like improving a language. It sounds like your reasoning is solid: you want to reach a higher level of fluency, which is a tangible goal, not just “time off.” Admissions tutors often appreciate gap years that are purposeful, so if you can frame it around language improvement, cultural immersion, or personal development, it can actually strengthen your personal statement.
A few things to consider:
•
Plan carefully: Make sure you have a realistic backup if you can’t get into a full-year language program. You could highlight other ways you’re developing skills or experiences during the year.
•
Mental health: Your wellbeing is important — if a second gap year helps you start uni ready and confident, that’s a valid reason. Being 20 at uni isn’t unusual at all.
•
Parental support: It helps to have your mum’s backup, even if she’s hesitant. Try explaining your plan clearly, showing that it’s structured and purposeful.
Ultimately, a gap year (or two) should be about growth — academically, personally, and emotionally. As long as you can articulate what you’ll gain from it, it doesn’t look bad.
You’re not behind; you’re taking steps to be better prepared for uni and life after.
Reply 2
Original post
by mikaaaqwqHi!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
hi @mikaaaqwq, taking a 2 year gap before starting university won't affect your application. students who took the time out before coming to university are usually more prepared to start university after having some time out for personal development. It also usually means you're more serious and dedicated about coming to uni as you've had more time to think about it. If you spent your year out learning as well, this is another bonus to your application so don't worry too much about how it looks, I think your actually making your application more desirable to universities. just make sure you are framing your gap year as a time of personal development and how it benefited you and what you learnt.
hope this helps,
vee (kingston rep)
Reply 3
Hello!
I took two gap years before starting university and have come to realise that it has actually benefitted me in more ways than I even considered at the time. My two gap years gave me the time to carefully consider what course I wanted to, with several visits to university open-days giving me a clear picture of the different options available to me. Those two years also gave me the time to just breathe and reset, so when I came back to education I felt excited and ready to throw myself into it.
Don't worry about gap years in terms of writing your personal statement. I took my first gap year due to personal reasons, as well as being completely cluseless as to what I wanted to do after A-Levels. It took those two years for me to decide what I wanted to do. I believe that coming to university after two years out of education actually shows a strong willingness to learn and get involved with university life - something that universtities will be eager to see! A good idea would be to write in your personal statement how your gap years have benefitted you!
If you have any questions, feel free to drop a message!
Joe, 2nd year Film Student
I took two gap years before starting university and have come to realise that it has actually benefitted me in more ways than I even considered at the time. My two gap years gave me the time to carefully consider what course I wanted to, with several visits to university open-days giving me a clear picture of the different options available to me. Those two years also gave me the time to just breathe and reset, so when I came back to education I felt excited and ready to throw myself into it.
Don't worry about gap years in terms of writing your personal statement. I took my first gap year due to personal reasons, as well as being completely cluseless as to what I wanted to do after A-Levels. It took those two years for me to decide what I wanted to do. I believe that coming to university after two years out of education actually shows a strong willingness to learn and get involved with university life - something that universtities will be eager to see! A good idea would be to write in your personal statement how your gap years have benefitted you!
If you have any questions, feel free to drop a message!
Joe, 2nd year Film Student
Reply 4
Original post
by mikaaaqwqHi!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
Hi there,
I did two gap years before I started uni so I just wanted to reply to this!
Firstly, if you are worried at all about being older than your peers, please do not worry about this! I had the exact same thoughts about being two years older than everyone else, but when I got to uni two of my flatmates were my age and so many people on my course had done one or two gap years so it made no difference at all. Even if you are older than some people, I've never noticed it really as the different between 18-21 is so small!
You know yourself best - I knew I wasn't ready for uni until I was 20 so I just didn't go and that is completely fine. You have so much of your life left to live and doing one more gap year is such a small amount of time in the context of your whole life. It is better to have the year out than end up dropping out anyway because you weren't happy.
If you are also worried about having time out of education, this makes no difference either. For most courses, you will go over lots of things in first year anyway, and not everyone on the course will have done the same A Levels or BTECs so there needs to be an element of getting everyone to the same level anyway. It sounds like you will be in a much better position in terms of education anyway which is a great reason to have a gap year!
I wouldn't worry about your personal statement either. Having two years out to further your knowledge and learn things you otherwise may not have shows you are passionate and it won't go against you. You don't even have to write why you have had gap years so please don't worry.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador
Original post
by mikaaaqwqHi!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
So, as the title says, I’m genuinely considering taking another gap year after my first one is coming to the middle of its duration. Honestly, my reasoning for this is that I want to do a year or so of language school but I obviously can’t do it now unless I take a second year, or maybe start late but idek if that would be possible. I’m doing 3 months of language school in starting in Jan, but to get to the level of fluency I need to study in that country, I would most definitely need to take another full year of language school. Is this a bad idea, considering if I am unable to get into a school in that country, I may not be able to have a good reasoning on my personal statement? (As in, I feel like I wouldn’t just be able to say “Yeah, I took another year off just because I wanted to do a year of language school”. That sounds bad, lol.)
If anyone has any experience with a double gap year, or just any opinion at all on whether this seems okay, please do tell. I’m kind of stressing out bad because in all honesty, my mental health is declining slowly (probably not severe enough to slow my education down but I’m struggling), and all in all, I really don’t think I’m ready to jump into uni just like that. But then again, I will be 20 when I start uni if I do do a double gap. Also my mum doesn’t seem very supportive of it, however she did say that she would help if I did “make the wrong choices”, so... not sure if I should do it...?
Thank you!
If you have a concrete plan for what you intend to do (which you do seem to) and it fits into your goals (which it does seem to), I see no reason not to.
You won't be "penalised" for doing a gap year (or two or however many...), and it's not even something you need to justify (or even mention) in your personal statement - and in fact for some courses it might actually be a very relevant activity that you do want to talk about (e.g. language focused degrees)!
Equally, age is just a number and frankly, the difference between an 18 year old and a 20 year old at uni is much smaller than you think (and I am speaking from experience here - basically everyone 21 and under at uni are indistinguishable socially).
That said I would just caveat this with if you are having mental health challenges, I would strongly recommend you prioritise those in the current and coming "gap year" so to speak.
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