Taking a Gap Year
About one in ten students coming to Cambridge take a gap year before starting their studies. A year out can be a very useful time in which to improve your skills and experience, earn money, travel and generally gain maturity and self-reliance. It's a great chance for you to think ambitiously, and actually do something you've been dreaming about.
As a general rule, the University are supportive of people taking gap years. For Maths, it is preferred that you apply straight away, so that you don't lose your mathematical skills. For some subjects like Engineering a gap year is a really positive thing, as there are many programs which allow you to work in an Engineering placement.
For other subjects, it doesn't matter what you want to do: working to earn money and then travelling around the world is just as fine as a voluntary placement or work related to your subject. As long as you have plans and ideas, Cambridge are happy to accept it.
There's loads of different things that you could do in a Gap Year, and there are hundreds of companies that offer help in planning your year. Below are some links to schemes that might get you started in thinking about a gap year.
Year In Industry - This scheme provides students with a placement in a discipline related to the subject they are going to study at degree level. With paid employment, it's a great way to get cash and experience at the same time. There are schemes for subjects like Engineering, Computing, Business and Sciences.
GapYear.Com - An online magazine with a variety of schemes, travel possibilities and work abroad.
Guardian Review - The Guardian offer a good summary of different types of travel and feedback, tips and advice.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations - This is a good directory of different charities and how to get involved.
Many City companies, such as Deloitte, now offer Scholar Schemes, which offer gap year opportunities with paid work and travel.
If you want to think about a gap year, take a look around and see what you want to do. If you're unsure if something is compatible with your course ideas, then get in touch with the CUSU Access Officer.