Studentsuk studentstravelgap year

Why You Should Take A Gap Year After University

Why You Should Take A Gap Year After University
Conrad Jarman
|
Open Image Modal
Seb Oliver via Getty Images

For many of you who are graduating this year, a gap year was not possible before you started university. The astronomical rise in tuition fees meant that it would have cost you around £17,000 more to go to university a year later, a decision that had a pretty obvious answer for most people. So why should you consider a gap year after university instead?

It does seem as though there are quite a lot of people who had their heart set on travelling before university who were unfortunately unable to do so. However, many of these seem to have doubts about taking a similar length of time out after they have finished their degree. The worries of the future and the vast amounts of people applying for jobs and graduate schemes seem to put off many students, who think that they should be planning the rest of their lives instead of taking some time out to see some of the world and having some fun on the way.

Below are 10 reasons why a year out after university could well be the best decision you'll ever make:

Why You Should Take A Gap Year After University
There's no better time to go(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
You have the rest of your life ahead of you, what better time is there than after university? You don't have any big commitments like a mortgage or a job, so take some time out whilst you can. (credit:Getty)
Discover some of the world(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Everyone needs to experience other parts of the world. Go and discover places you've always wanted to go to and cultures you've always wanted to see first hand. (credit:Getty)
You can afford to go(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
You can afford both the time and money. If you are deep in your overdraft then work for a couple of months to save up enough money before you go. Otherwise look into working abroad, you can travel whilst earning enough money to support yourself on the road. (credit:Getty)
It will enhance your CV(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
A well-structured gap year will go a long way with employers as it shows initiative and organisation amongst other things. It is particularly useful if you've done paid work abroad or learnt a new language whilst on your travels, these will give your career prospects a massive boost. (credit:Getty)
You're well prepared(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Use all that newfound independence from university, along with your budgeting and cooking skills that you've hopefully picked up along the way. These will make sure you have few problems on the road. (credit:Getty)
It's a chance to relax(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
After the stress of university and final year I'm sure most people are ready for a break! Take life easy for a while and soak up some rays on a sunny beach somewhere. (credit:Getty)
It's a chance to reflect(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Going travelling will give you plenty of time to reflect on what you want to do when you return home. When you do finally get back you might well find that your ideas have changed a lot since you first left university, and you now have a much clearer idea of what appeals to you. (credit:Getty)
It will give you valuable skills(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
Backpacking or any other form of travelling will greatly enhance your self-confidence, problem solving, communication and teamwork skills. You'll learn a lot from constantly meeting new people and interacting with those for whom english is not their first language. That time you got stuck on the border will help you realise you can get yourself out of difficult situations. It's very cliche but travelling really does open your eyes to what you can achieve. (credit:Getty)
You'll get some good stories out of it(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
Whether you saved a dying lion, almost died on a perilous bus journey or your best mate got with a ladyboy you'll be guaranteed to have some to worthwhile stories to tell when you get back. (credit:Getty)
Personal acheivement(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
Prove to yourself that you can stand on your own two feet and take anything that life throws at you. You'll get a huge sense of pride and achievement out of any adventure you choose to undertake. (credit:Getty)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip