When your time at university is drawing to a close the question that everyone asks you and that you need to ask yourself is: What’s next? Taking a gap year could be the answer.

A lot of graduates are unsure about what they want to do after university. Some do not feel like they want to jump straight into a full-time career the day after picking up their degree certificate. A very popular option for graduates is taking a gap year.

There are numerous things you can do and places to go on a gap year. You may be keen to travel the world, have new experiences, work abroad, or work at home to save some money.

There are a number of pros and cons to putting off the job applications and working on visa applications instead. You need to work out what is the best option for you and your future career.

Here’s why taking a gap year is a great idea:

1. It will be the longest holiday you’ll probably be able to take in your life.

2. You can build self-confidence.

3. You have some time to figure out what you want next.

4. You can have new experiences.

5. You can experience new cultures.

6. You can relax.

7. The weather will be better than in the UK (hopefully!).

8. You will have some great talking points when you get back.

9. You can enjoy the independence and freedom.

10. You can make worldwide friends.

Here’s why taking a gap year may not be the best option for you:

1. It can be expensive.

2. You have to be organised.

3. You may miss your family (especially towards the end).

4. You may not want to come back!

5. You may be struck by post-travelling, job hunting blues.

If you do take a gap year then be sure to make the most of it, both by having fun and by making it an enriching experience. When you get back, potential employers are going to want to hear about it and know that it was a year well-spent.

The choice is yours!