Student guide to gap years - Preparation

Taking a year out from education or employment can provide an opportunity to embark on a challenging learning experience that will teach you invaluable skills.

A gap year can be taken in the UK or overseas and most gap years are taken before starting university or in the year after finishing a degree.

It is the perfect chance for you to take time off to gain wider experience, see the world, visit other countries, learn new skills, do voluntary work or anything else that you normally wouldn't do!

A gap year is now an immense asset in the competitive job market - but only if it's not lazing around at home in your pjs!

Taking a gap year is all about the experience you get and the benefits you gain. It will change your life, to put it simply.

You may gain exposure to cultures you have not experienced before or have the chance to serve others less privileged than you.

Most gap year students develop maturity, learn self-reliance and improve their money management. Enhanced social skills and teamworking ability inevitably come from meeting new people.