Let's talk about… - Oxcentric

Taking a gap year
More young people than
ever are choosing to take
a year out before moving
on to HE or employment.
Most university tutors look
favourably on students doing
this and the benefits to you
might be life changing!
Start researching your plans early in the
first year of advanced level studies as some
opportunities have application closing
dates or an age limit. Some activities such
as expeditions are expensive; check out the
costs so you know how much you need to
earn from part-time work or fund raising.
When planning your year, think about:
• what you want to do
• why you want to do it
• what you are hoping to gain from it.
What could I do in my gap year?
During the year you may have the chance to
do more than one thing. You could:
• Travel
This could be independently or as part
of an organised project. Make sure you
research and plan carefully:
• where do you want to visit and why?
• how much will it all cost – travel,
accommodation, food, health and travel
insurance etc?
• how will you finance it?
• will you need visas, work permits and
vaccinations?
• Work – paid work, work experience
and voluntary work
A gap year is a great opportunity to get
work experience (paid or unpaid) or
voluntary work related to your course
choice or career aims. It can be in the UK or
abroad and will give you the chance to:
• become more independent and selfconfident
• develop your skills
• gain experience
• make contacts
• possibly gain some work-related
qualifications
• earn and save money ready for going
on to HE.
• Take a course
You could take a course to gain
qualifications or improve your skills, e.g. in
languages, cooking or computing. Courses
are offered in the UK or abroad. It may be
possible to obtain a scholarship to fund
one of these courses but otherwise you will
need to find the finance yourself.
Returning to study
Most students don’t have any problems
returning to study after their gap year as
it has given them a break and they look
forward to returning to learning. However,
your experiences during a year out may
influence your plans for the future and
prompt you to rethink your aims.
Applying to university
• If you have already decided which
course you want to do
Apply in Year 13 (or the second year of
your advanced level studies) for deferred
entry by the normal deadline – see page
9. Before applying, check that your
chosen universities or colleges will accept
a deferred application and make your
deferral very clear on your application.
Make sure you are at home when the
exam results are announced and Clearing
and Adjustment are underway so that the
whole application process is complete
before you go off on your gap year.
• If you are not certain which course you
want to do after your gap year
Apply a year later or when you come
back, making sure you are available at the
correct time to complete your application
and attend interviews.
• UCAS personal statement
Write this carefully, explaining your reasons
for deferred entry and your plans for your
year out. If you are applying during your
gap year, write about what you are doing.
For more information
• Useful resources and websites
are listed on pages 24–27.
for local info, help and advice, check out M www.connexionsoxfordshire.com
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