Fill the GAP (Gap Years in general)

Member Name: harryuk106

Product:	Gap Years in general
Date:	02/12/00 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great way to see the world, can be useful

Disadvantages: Don't abuse the opportunity

Now in my second year at university, I really am beginning to wish I'd taken a GAP year. There is a lot of scepticism about this option, and many see it as being a lazy way to spend a year - which often it can be. The only time you should EVER consider taking a GAP year is if you know EXACTLY what you want to do in it. Whatever you do, don't just delay going to Uni and think you'll find something to do in that year. And you also shouldn't really just get a simple job to build up money. The reason why is that you'll basically have to put it down on your CV, and unless it's useful in someway it is going to look like the 'lazy option' as mentioned early. If you've got an idea of what you may want to do after university, you should consider taking a partly vocational job or some sort of experience relevant to your career plan. If not then you can still make it useful by travelling, if you can spare the cash. There are numerous wonderful schemes investigating the world - au pairs, summer camps etc etc, and after being stuck up in a 6th form college for 2 years it's just what is needed. Often these cost less than £1000, and bearing in mind you're going to leave university with at least £10,000 of debt, a grand here or there won't make a lot of difference, but it will add to your life experience.

Another worry is age. People feel uncomfortable stepping into university a year or so older than everyone else. Firstly, let me assure you that it really doesn't matter. 1 or 2 years really makes no difference whatsoever - some of my best friends at uni are 2 years older than me but who are technically in the same year of their course as I am. Particularly if you're young in your year anyway - June July August birthdays for example, then it shouldn't worry you whatsoever - there are thousands of people in exactly your position who will be returning from a GAP course so being segregating is simply N
OT an option!

Having said that, many people just want to get into university as soon as possible and get it over and done with, and focus on that sort of thing afterwards - and here it boils down to a matter of personal preference. Basically, if you do fancy a GAP year, THINK how you would fill it - if you come up with something beneficial, go for it! But if you're going to working in the Cornershop, or sleeping... get off your backside and get into uni.

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