Many students choose to take a year out before going to university. To do so can be a positive and rewarding
experience but there are also downsides to consider.
Some people will spend their time travelling whilst others will seek work experience. Travelling, especially to
foreign countries, is advantageous because it broadens your outlook on life and its possibilities. It will make you
more aware of different cultures and people and should increase your confidence, especially in social situations.
If you choose to spend your year out working this can also bring benefits. Work experience can help you to
confirm that you have made the right degree choice. Working in an area related to your degree can also be
helpful when it comes to finding a permanent job at the end of your course. A job can also improve your
financial situation.
However, there are downsides to delaying your entry into university. One obvious problem is that you will have
grown out of the habit of studying. There is a risk that the lure of paid employment will sway you from going to
university altogether. If you spent your year out travelling then a future employer might look less favourably on
you than a candidate who spent their time working .
I believe that a gap year can be a good idea as long as you do something productive that will be to you r
advantage in the future. Taking a year out can give you a better feel for life in the world in general and also in
the workplace. You may never have the opportunity to take time out again so I would recommend it, but only if
you choose carefully what to do or where to go