University General Chat

katierinos

Woo!!

Congrats!

Joseph41
The first lot are done, the next lot are on there way :')
There are also exams to prep for so theres that

-jinx_58

katierinos Welcome to the club

Hey guys, so I am a year 11 student and I'm considering taking a gap year between high school and uni. I feel like I've revolved my life around my studies, and whenever I talk to someone, I literally just talk about school. I was thinking of a gap year because I wanted to discover and create a part of me that isn't all about studying. To be honest, I think I am already burnt out from studying. Its eating me alive. I told my parents but they basically rejected the idea (immigrant parents iykyk) but I think if I keep insisting they will let me.
I would like to know if this is a good idea from you guys, especially if any of you guys have taken a gap year at that time.
Also is a semester gap also possible?

Taaaa76 I didn't take a gap year, although I did take a big break after uni initially before returning to study.

From what you've said, a gap year sounds like a good option to me, though you still have a little while before you'll need to decide. What do you think you might do in that time if not study? And if you're keen to study at uni at some point, what area might you be leaning toward?

Semester gap - there's no reason why you can't just take the first half of the year off, but it might make starting some courses a little more logistically challenging (for example, some courses may only accept start-of-year enrolments, or some compulsory units may only be available in Semester 1).

Thanks for your answer!
Also, could you give me some suggestions on what I could do during my gap?

Taaaa76 A really common theme amongst people who take a gap year is typically one of the above:

• working (especially if you’re trying to raise funds for uni e.g. accommodation, or a big goal e.g. travel)
• travel, particularly backpacking, long holiday or working/ volunteering overseas
• volunteering

Some less common ones but great ideas include:

• self-study e.g. revising for the UCAT if you’re deadset on med.
• trying new interests and hobbies
• attempting certain tests e.g. Ls/Ps for driving
• learn how to “adult” e.g. learn how to do taxes

There’s some websites out there for gap years like Year 13 that you should check out.

With immigrant parents, they might be more on board with your gap year/ semester if you can prove you’re doing something that they might see as “useful”, such as working, minor self-revision on topics you’re interested in and learning to “adult”.

Note: If you’re sure you want to study after your gap year/ semester, make sure you still apply with VCAA or your state’s equivalent, if you’re not Victorian, at the end of Year 12 and defer your place for the year/ semester, as this will ensure you have a uni spot for you ready to go once it’s over.

AngelWings

Thanks for the suggestions, I will look into them