Gap Year

Thinking about taking a gap year but not sure where to start? A well-planned gap year is great way to impress potential employers. Over 200,000 young people in the UK take a gap year each year.

A well-thought-out gap year may include several elements - travel, work, rest, volunteering. Planning carefully is the best way to avoid starting your university or working life in debt. If you choose to take a gap year before university, the advantages are that you'll gain more independence - personal, financial, maybe both - and be better prepared for university life. It doesn't matter that you'll be a year older than many of the other undergraduates - you'll probably cope with the transition to university better.

If you decide to organise your trip with a gap year company, research the company thoroughly before committing. Find out how long they have been operating and how many people they have taken abroad in the past. It's a good idea to speak to past gap travellers who have used the company to find out about their experiences.

Looking for ideas on how to spend your gap year? Work placements, sports, studying abroad, volunteering - a few suggestions are listed below.