Over 50,000 people take a year out before starting university, a unique opportunity for an extended journey, project, or work experience that will extend your knowledge and skills before you continue studies.

If you are thinking of taking a year out, check that your chosen university department is happy for you to apply for deferred entry, and start planning how you can most constructively use your Gap year.

  How to plan your gap year
There are a wide range of books, websites and organisations which can help you do this.

If you want to join a project overseas, the Year Out Group helps students select suitable and worthwhile projects. They have a list of questions students can ask providers to help them decide which one best suits your aspirations.

  Help with gap year planning
If you want help with planning your gap year, contact the Expeditions & Fieldwork team using the email link on the right.