Top Tips For When Your Gap Year Goes Wrong

In case you didn't know I am on a gap year and also the plans I have ended up with are not those I had when I decided I was going to take a gap year, neither are they the same as they were at the start of my gap year or even a couple of months ago. But that is not to say I am not incredibly excited to be on a gap year or that I regret taking one.

All I am trying to say is that your plans may not go as intended and even though that can be scary, it's ok!

 Taking a gap year has always been on the cards for me, and when it came to my second year of A Levels and applying for UCAS I knew in my mind that it was something I had to do. I am someone who really, and I mean really stresses about exams and grades. So after going through GCSE's and A Levels my stress rate was at an all time high, I had a melt down the night before one of my final exams and my brain was kaput at the end of it all. So I was incredibly pleased and relieved when summer finally came and I knew I had a whole year to not worry about education or learning or revising or exams. In fact, this is kind of what got me through it all.

I will admit that I was a bit naïve about my plans and didn't really put them into effect as quickly as I should have. I didn't do much research, I had next to no money saved up yet but I settled on the idea of a couple months of interrailing with a friend. I thought that I could just work solidly for a few months and then head off. Safe to say, this never happened. Down to a couple of reasons really. So, ultimatley I was left with no plans and no backup.

Whilst worrying I had wasted a year and was sat at home jealous of my friends on freshers, I discovered Camp America when talking to a friend. After researching it some more it looked like something I would be really interested in and even though entries had been open for a couple of months I applied anyway.

Now six months later I am preparing to fly to the US for 3 months and I couldn't be more excited! It was quite a lengthy process and there's a lot to sort out but I really think it will all be worth it. I'm already planning on going again next year and I haven't even got there yet.

Now I'm not saying Camp America will be for everyone and it's not something that will take up your entire year off either. All I'm saying is that even if your original plans go wrong, or you have no idea what to do with a whole year off, there are so many options that you might not even have heard of.

If I were to do this year all over again here are some tips I would give myself to ensure that it went a bit more smoothly:

• Have a plan in advance. Don't leave it until you've finished college to make your plans. Think about what you'd like to do and what's available to you.
• Have a backup. As they say, 'don't put all your eggs in one basket'. Don't depend on just one friend, or if you do make sure you're both as invested as each other. Have several ideas and see which is the most viable.
• Do your research. Check out how much things will cost, what your plans will entail, how likely they are to actually come through. Definitely look at all your options eg. volunteering, interrailing, summer camps, trekking.
• Budget. Luckily, this is something I have done quite well with. Make sure you can afford your trip. Get a savings account and put a proportion of what you earn aside every time you get paid. Possibly set up a standing order to transfer the money, this means you won't forget or spend it. Getting into a routine of saving money really helps towards your end goal. Don't think about the clothes you could have now, think about the amazing time you could be having later!

I hope this was helpful for anyone looking in to taking a gap year or anyone who is worried about planning one! My biggest tip is not to worry if your plans go wrong. There are so many options nowadays and even more people out there to help! 

I would most definitely recommend a gap year, it's a great time to relax and enjoy yourself. It gives you valuable lessons in time and money management and lets you travel whilst you still have minimal ties and responsibilities. Saying that, I'm so excited to start uni in September and haven't lost my urge to go back into education at all.

Beth xo