The idea of spending winter scuba diving in Australia or exploring rainforests in Thailand whilst your friends nurse a hangover in a lecture, looking out of a window at rainy England, certainly gives weight to the idea of taking a gap year. Any alternative to tolerating the British winter months of September to June holds instant appeal, though long-term plans should be considered before packing your bags and heading for the sun (colder countries are available).

So, you’ve sat your A-Levels and the thought of a mere two months before you begin studying again seems far too short a time to fully detox, and as much as you want to go to university, a bit of international adventure is required first. Many universities will accept deferred entry, or alternatively, you can apply through UCAS on your gap year. Contact with UCAS and your chosen university will help you through this process, and ensure you are able to submit a strong application. Having a solid plan for further education before jetting off is advisable, as it limits the possibility of disappointment and worry down the line. Therefore, attending open days and browsing prospectuses will still be time well-spent. Some people worry that a university will frown upon travelling. This needn’t be the case, and in fact they can be incorporated into UCAS applications as an example of experience and initiative, though you should try and relate it in some way to your degree/ambitions, and play down the cheap booze and sunbathing aspect of it. You’ll have university for that…well, maybe not the second part.

When planning a gap year, it’s easy to think you are on your own, creating a mad daisy-chain of hostels and flights, however that is not necessarily the case. Companies such as Real Gap Experience provide a range of travel options and recommended destinations, along with advice on planning your trip, minimising the hassle. They also offer Adventure Tours, using their expertise to create encapsulating experiences, which combine scope for personal preference with organization, whilst giving you the opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

Travelling is expensive, therefore a popular approach when taking a gap year is to work for a few months, build up some funds, and then spread your wings. If, however, you would prefer more than just a financial foundation when taking a gap year, post-university travelling is equally popular. This gives students an opportunity to work part-time during their studies, whilst also relieving themselves of the pressure of further education for when they begin the travels. It is a worry for some, that after a year of care-free exploration, the prospect of returning to studying doesn’t hold the same appeal, perhaps denting their long-term aspirations.

Despite its various appeals, a gap year of travelling isn’t for everyone, and some people may prefer to get their qualifications and a job, before exploring it as a possibility later in life. However, if the thought of exploring new cultures and, pardon the clich, discovering yourself is something which could scratch your itchy feet, a gap year presents an ideal window to do so, as you have minimal responsibility. Just make sure you are well-prepared and the venture fits into your long-term plans, and then set your favourite television series to record for six months.