Should you take a gap year before university?

A gap year is a break between finishing school and starting university. It can be used for travel, work, volunteering, or other personal projects. In the UK, more students are now considering whether this time out is worth it.

This article looks at gap year pros and cons in the UK, using verified statistics and real stories to help you decide.

What a gap year is and why students consider it

A gap year is more than simply taking time off. It is a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for your next step. Some students use it to travel, others to gain work experience, and some to explore career interests before committing to a degree.

According to Letz Live, between 181,500 and 185,200 young people aged 18 to 24 in the UK took a gap year in 2022. The number of students deferring university has grown by over 52% in the last decade, showing that this is no longer an unusual choice.

Quick fact: Many UK students choose to apply to university before taking a gap year so they can start the following year without reapplying.

Benefits of taking a gap year

A well-planned gap year can boost confidence, focus, and maturity. For many, it shapes their future direction.

Studies show:

60% said it helped them decide what to study at university.
66% reported they took studies more seriously afterwards (Kingston Courier).
97% felt more mature and self-assured (Raleigh International).

Case in point: Sophie, from Manchester, spent six months volunteering in Nepal. She says the experience “changed the way I see the world” and confirmed her decision to study International Development.

Other potential benefits include:

Gaining independence and life skills.
Building practical work experience before university.
Exploring new cultures and perspectives.
Strengthening scholarship or internship applications through unique experiences.

Activities during a gap year

Gap years can be filled with meaningful and structured activities. Data from 2022 shows:

56% travelled abroad
16% volunteered overseas
16% worked in another country (CBI)

According to the UK Government Report, over 80% of UK gap year students worked in Britain during their year off. Only 3.7% were not in education, employment, or training.

Case in point: Daniel, from Edinburgh, deferred his place at a university and spent his gap year starting a small baking business. He continued running it alongside his studies.

Possible drawbacks to consider

While the positives are clear, there are risks too. Students who do not apply to university before their gap year are statistically less likely to enter higher education later

Long-term studies show that gap year takers may earn slightly less by age 30 compared with peers who entered university immediately. This is largely because they enter the workforce later.

Other challenges include:

Losing academic momentum.
High costs, especially for international travel.
Feeling “out of sync” with friends already at university.

Tip: You can reduce these risks by keeping your mind active, for example, through short online courses or part-time study alongside your gap year plans.

How to make a gap year work for you

A successful gap year is intentional, not accidental. Planning ahead is vital.

Steps to make it worthwhile:

Set clear aims: Decide whether you want to travel, work, volunteer, or learn a new skill.
Apply for university first: If you intend to return, so your place is secure.
Budget carefully: Plan for living, travel, and any unforeseen expenses.
Document your experiences: Keep a record of what you learned and achieved.
Stay connected: Maintain contact with academic or professional networks.

Working and saving during your gap year

You could take a gap year to work and save money before starting university. During this time, you could do part-time jobs, internships, or seasonal work. This helps you build a financial cushion to cover tuition, living costs, or travel expenses.

Not only does this give you a financial head start, but it also helps you explore career paths and develop skills useful for your future studies and work.

Broader context and evolving trends

Gap years are more common in the UK than in many other countries. In 2021, over 5% of UK university applicants deferred their places for a gap year, compared to around 3% in the United States (Go Overseas).

This trend suggests that British universities are open to, and even supportive of, applicants taking a year out to gain real-world experience.

Conclusion

Gap years can be a powerful time for growth, exploration, and career planning. Most students return with greater clarity, skills, and life experience.

However, a year out is not without risks. Financial cost, loss of study momentum, and delayed entry into the workforce are real considerations.

If you decide to take one, plan it carefully, set meaningful goals, and think about how the experience will support your long-term ambitions. Used wisely, a gap year can be more than a break; it can be the Launchpad for your future.

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