A gap year is a year taken out of full-time education. Young people most typically take gap years between sitting their A-Levels/Level 3 Qualifications and starting university. Gap years are an excellent way to get some work experience, explore the world and learn new skills. It’s also a chance to take a break from the routines of education.

However, you don’t have to take your gap year just before starting university. Gap years are also accessible at other life and education stages as well. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment estimates that anywhere between 200,000 and 250,000 young people aged between 18 and 25 take gap years every year.

It can sometimes feel like you are on a continuous path from GCSEs, to A-Levels, to university. After that, you go straight into the world of work without stopping to take a breath. More and more young people want a break from this trajectory, This will allow them to be more creative about how they want to spend their time.

Gap Year Options

There are many different gap year options, and the way you spend your year is entirely up to you. The most popular ways to spend a gap year include:

  • travelling and backpacking
  • working to earn money for your next step
  • volunteering
  • taking shorter courses
  • gaining work experience in a particular career

Finishing school is a huge step. In this new unexplored territory, it can be hard to know if taking a gap year is right for you. For some, it’s a life-changing experience that sets them up for the real world. But for others, it’s simply not the right time to be taking a break from education.

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of questions you may ask yourself before considering embarking on a gap year.

  • Do You Want a Break From Education?

    For some people, this is essential. Whether it’s pre- or post-university, a gap year gives you a chance to recuperate from a period of hard work. It can give you time to reflect on everything you’ve achieved up until that point before moving into the next stage of your life.

    It is important to consider that many people will find it hard to return to education after a period away from studying. It can be tough to re-establish the routines and self-discipline needed for further education after such a long break. If you know you want to get back into education on your return, make sure you have a plan in place. Be sure to prepare yourself in advance for the next stage.

  • Are There Things You Want to Do?

    If there are places you want to explore or jobs you want to try out, then a gap year might suit you perfectly. There are no specific rules about what you have to do or where you have to go during your gap year. However, it is valuable to go out and do something that will enrich your experiences. Try writing a list of the things you’d like to achieve during your gap year. Have you been putting anything off? What have you promised yourself you’d do when you had the time?

  • Can You Afford It?

    Unless you’re taking your gap year as a way to earn and save money (a great option for anyone worried about university costs), gap years can be costly.

    The cost of a gap year can vary depending on what you do, where you go, and how long you stay. You can expect to spend anywhere up to around £4,000. Seeing as this is a lot of money, you could save up by finding yourself a part-time job whilst at school or university. You could even consider working for the first half of your gap year and travelling for the rest of the year.

    For more information on funding a gap year, visit our pages on full-time and part-time working.

  • Are You Prepared to Plan Your Year?

    As the saying goes, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. Whether you want to stay at home and work during your gap year or spend the entire year travelling the world, it’s important to have a plan in place. Take the time to make a detailed plan before committing to taking a gap year. Keep in mind that lengthier, more-adventurous trips can take as long as nine months to arrange. You may even find that you’d be better off taking a gap year at a later time. We recommend considering all of your options so you can make an informed decision.

  • Does it Suit Your Plans For Afterward?

    Make sure to check that by taking a gap year, you aren’t jeopardising your place at university or on an apprenticeship. Many courses will allow you to defer your place, but this will depend on the university. Our advice is to speak to your university to get all the information before making any decisions.

Key Takeaways

Your gap year can potentially be the most unforgettable year of your life. However, it’s important to ask yourself some important questions before making any big decisions. Consider all your options and remember that you can take your gap year when it makes sense for you.

For more information, check out our dedicated pages on travelling during your gap year, working full-time and working part-time.

We’ve also got help and advice if you’re thinking about studying abroad, summer jobs, work experience and much more. Our live jobs board can help you land a job if you’re funding a big trip or simply covering your weekend plans.

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For Students & Graduates