Everyone who takes a gap year will experience it differently. Some jet off to unknown islands while some take a year just to simply sit around and figure out exactly what they want to do with their lives. Either way, here are some ideas that will be beneficial to you in some way or another…

Travel (It doesn’t have to be expensive)
Travelling to new exotic places, experiencing different cultures, and seeing what the world really has to offer if a truly transformational experience that really broadens your perspective. If you’re worried about the costs, look into volunteer programs and locations that are generally cheap to live day-to-day life i.e. Asia.

Be an Adult…
Perhaps you just want to spend a year getting to grips with adulthood i.e. learning to cook and figuring out how the washing machine works. Its a year to learn to look after yourself before you move onto full time work or university.

Family Time
Perhaps you just want to take that final year of being a student or young person without responsibilities and just spend it with the family before it’s time to fly the nest.

Work
Not everyone’s favourite thing to do, but getting a job during your gap year gives you work history to draw back on in your CV. And if you’re heading onto university, then a little extra hard earned cash under your belt is going to come in seriously handy, trust me.

Volunteer
Whether it’s abroad or in your local village, it builds experience and responsibility and it can be something you enjoy i.e. working with animals. It’s about giving back to your community!

Go Crazy…
Maybe you and your friends will all be heading separate ways after your gap year too persue a career or further education, spend the last year you have together going on holidays, partying, and generally just having a good time. Memories last forever! But don’t forget your other responsibilities…