One of the most difficult decisions that a person makes during their life is whether or no they want to go to university. And if they want to, then when and where? Another important question is How do i decide?
Well, if you are at that time of your life where you are finishing college and are still not sure what you are going to do, then let me give you a helping hand. Last year this time, I was in that very situation, thinking whether I want go university next year or take a gap year. I did apply for five universities and got offers from them as well. After my A-level results were announced, I was accepted by the university I planned to go.
BUT here I am writing this blog post during my gap year :D
Lets rewind my journey and have a look at what happened that influenced my decision?
For those who don't know what a Gap Year is, it is a year after college that college graduates take off to do a range of things (These will be explained later in the blog) before going to university. The most difficult decision to take is whether a Gap Year is for your or no? Let me help you.
Tired of working so hard for exams and course works for the past 5 years?
Want to explore and travel?
Want to learn a new skill?
Want to attend a course but afraid it takes too much time?
Not happy with the grades you got?
No sure what you want to become for the rest of your life?
Discover your self??
Well buddy, a Gap Year is for you!
A Gap Year gives you the opportunity to do ANYTHING you have wanted to do but never had the time and resources to do so. Three years (in some cases 2 years for something similar) doing your GCSEs and then 2 years doing you A-levels (or something similar), actually leaves you with very little time for your self.
Like I said before, I was accepted by a university, that means that I had already made up my mind to go to university that year! So what happened that made me change my mind?
I was not happy with the career i choose for my self (Psychology). I am that kind of a person who cant do the same job day after day. And I had no idea what I wanted to do, if not psychology. So I unpacked my bags, called the university, withdrew my application and headed outside to discover m y options.
And here I am, only 4 months after making the decision. I am learning to play a guitar, I have a part time job, I have my own Blog and I also am doing a short course in Multimedia, which apparently has turned out to be what I really am interested in doing. Ohh and I am applying for university next year, but this time for ICT and not psychology.
After you have decided that you definitely want to take a Gap Year, you then need to decide what you are going to do for the rest of the year. You most definitely don't want to spend the rest of the year in bed. (No, just don't even think about it!!). You can just do one thing, a mixture of more than 1 thing or different things but not at the same time.
Below is a list of things you can do during your Gap Year. I will also link a few useful websites for as many options as I can.
1) Travelling (duh!)
This allows you to step out of your comfort zone, explore new places, meet new people and obviously learn so many new things. You don't have to travel to another continent or to another country! You can plan a road trip that would last may be 6-8 months across your own country. I live in the UK, and I can definitely plan one that can last me 8 months! On your way you could volunteer or work at different places as well (further enhancing your CV and personal statement - if you plan one)
These were the websites my 'gap year' buddies and I used a lot to look for options available to us, and I must say they are quite good.
2) Attending a short course or learning a new skill
This is what I worked on the most. I am learning to play a guitar (Trrriinng) and also am doing a short course. This is taking up most of my time, but nonetheless I am enjoying every moment. Look around your area to find out what you can do. I am not going to link up any websites, because these vary from region to region.
3) A job!
Part time or full time, it really depends on how much time you have to spare. This way you can may be save up for the 'road trip during the second half of your gap year' or use it all up for a new skate board or guitar...!! This is does allow you to work with a lot of new people, build up skills and show you the things from a different perspective.
There are so many more things that you can do during your Gap Year, but I think I have given you a kick start. So feel free to ask me questions, I will be more than happy to help. And do spread the word!
