There can often be a lot of stigma nowadays surrounding the taking of a gap year. Some people believe that it can be detrimental to getting into university or can delay the process of starting full time work, and often people are under the impression that employers or universities can look negatively on the taking of a gap year. But this is not the case. Yes, if you spent the year partying and travelling the world with no clear aim to your travels, then that sort of a gap year might not be well received on an application. But if you spent the year or plan to spend that year, or even a month of that year working as part of a volunteering project, that will never be received negatively.
If you are able to come away from volunteering, whether it was as a teacher, a sports coach, helping to build a well or school in a rural village, marine conservation, or animal conservation (to name but a few), with valuable skills and having done something worthwhile, you will be able to demonstrate to a potential employer or in your university application that you have more to offer than some of the other applicants.
Only two University courses tend not to look positively upon the taking of a gap year, and those subjects are Mathematics, and Veterinary Studies. This is purely because Veterinary Studies is such a long course with not very many places on offer, and so those who are not looking to defer will get accepted over those that are.
But other university courses are often very pleased and encouraged if someone is planning on having a break to experience some more of the world, learn some new skills and come back a more confident and assured person ready to do some more studying. Often, the break from study can provide the chance to really think clearly about what you want to do with your future, and can allow you to perhaps change your mind or become truly certain that the path you had chosen before you went away is still the path you want to be on. By having the chance to not be in education or work for a short (or longer) period of time, it can allow for a feeling of real enthusiasm for the subject or work when you do head back into it. So there is almost nothing to stop you, if you want to have six months or a year out from studying, you can!
It is not likely to hinder your chances when applying to university, if you can demonstrate that what you are choosing to take time out to do is valuable and will enhance what you will do in the future. If you go away and do something worthwhile such as teaching or volunteering to take part in scientific research and conservation, this will only enhance your CV and your desirability as an employee or student.
A gap year with a mixture of adventure travelling and sightseeing is still possible, but will be enhanced hugely (for yourself personally, and in the eyes of future employers and administrators) if you can also take part in something unique, useful and rewarding – such as volunteering!
