So you’ve decided to defer your university place until next year. But what should you do now? You may have already planned how to spend the next year. Or maybe you need some inspiration. We’ve listed a few ideas for you to think about, so you can get the most out of your year out and feel fully prepared for the next chapter.
1. Make a difference by volunteering
Why not support a charity or organisation? By volunteering, you can pick up valuable practical and social skills, whilst also feeling like part of a community. You’ll build your confidence alongside helping other people. And you’ll get that sense of purpose and achievement each day. Volunteering is a great way to use your time. And you can fit it in alongside any other commitments you have. It can be a fun way to meet new people too and a rewarding way to spend your time.
2. Enter the world of work
Similar to volunteering, this is another way to develop your skills. And there are different types of work you can do in your gap year like part-time and full-time work, or an internship. There could be a number of different reasons why you want to gain work experience. Whether it’s to develop your studies, or just want to earn some extra cash to put towards university life. Whatever your purpose is, it’s sure to give you a new perspective that you can apply to your studies. And add it to your CV to enhance your future career prospects.
3. Explore new countries, or visit an old favourite
Broaden your horizons and educate yourself outside of the classroom. Recharge your mind and body before you transition to university life. And push yourself out of your comfort zone by saying ‘yes’ to new experiences. Take this as your opportunity to build your overall confidence while meeting new people. And the skills that you build upon while you’re away can be brought into the classroom once you’re back on home soil.
4. New practical skills and a sense of independence
Your year away from education doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. You could use this time to learn something new that could enhance your future studies or career.
Learn a new language
Open up your mind to new cultures and learn a new language too. This is a valuable skill that looks great on your CV. And it’s a great life skill, especially if you decide to travel overseas. There are many advantages to learning a new language. It can add to your employability prospects, you can build your communication skills and you’ll be able to see the world from a new perspective. It could also help you with your studies once you’re here. Depending on your course, you could have the opportunity to take up a language module, subject to eligibility. Or participate in our evening language classes. So you’ll be able to continue to enhance you language skills once you’re here too.
Get cooking
Become a culinary genius. Or learn how to rustle up a few basic meals. Whether you decide to live in university accommodation or not, learning new cooking skills is always worthwhile and it can save you money too. Make your own ‘fakeaways’, say ‘no’ to ready meals and packet mixes. Why not start practicing your skills now? Learn how to make hearty meals on a budget ready for when you take on university life.
Getting more for your money
Basic budgeting skills are essential. If you’re not already, now’s a great time to start putting your budgeting skills into practise. Have a play around with different budgeting tools, like apps and spreadsheets to see which one works best for you. Think about tracking your spends and making shopping lists to avoid unnecessary purchases. Opening a student bank account once you start your studies is the best way to keep your student finance separate from other income. By practicing these skills earlier, they’ll feel like second nature by the time you join us in September. For a more detailed list of what you can do, take a look at our banking and budgeting webpage.
5. Take a break and prepare yourself for university
Your reasons for deferring your university place could be something more personal. Whether you’re working on your mental or physical health, enhancing your university skills, or just wanting a break from education. Take this opportunity to rest, look after yourself and use this time to prepare yourself for university life. If you’re planning to live in on-campus accommodation, start thinking about whether you need to buy new things for your room. Make sure to read up on accommodation details to see what’s already included so you don’t make any unnecessary purchases. You can also start to consider other university necessities. Such as notepads and pens for notetaking, as well as any additional materials or equipment that you may choose to use to enhance your learning.
Finally, one of the main things you should do this year is check your email inbox regularly. We’d like to keep in touch with you throughout your year away from education. And we don’t want you to miss any information we have for you.
If you have any questions in the meantime, you can email us on [email protected] or call us on 01695 657000.
September 23, 2024
