Step Six: Taking a Gap Year

It may be that university is the right choice for you now. Or it may be that you have an urge to do something different before going to university, and take a gap year…

Many blind and partially sighted students have taken this opportunity to go traveling, get some work experience, volunteer abroad in a school, or to take a language course in a different country.

“…had a fantastic, fantastic gap year. I had three jobs at the end of it practically. Non-paid, all voluntary and all music related and enjoyable, and it was the best decision I ever made”

If you have applied for your university, it may be possible to defer your place for a year. If this is an option for you, discuss this with you admissions tutors. We still recommend keeping on top of your Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) application and contacting the disability support office at your university.

Find Out More About Taking a Gap Year

Independent Gap Year provides young people with impartial information and advice on taking a gap year or shorter break from formal education, and to encourage and enable disabled and otherwise disadvantaged young people to undertake challenging gap year opportunities. This was created by a blind student, who found a gap year incredibly beneficial to both his studies and future employment after graduation. They have a variety of helpful resources on their website, including:

• Advice on taking a gap year.
• Tips for travelling on a gap year.
• Advice on funding a gap year.
• Case studies of other students who have done a gap year.