Taking a Gap Year. Deferring Your Place at Lancaster University
Thinking about taking a gap year before starting university? You’re definitely not the only one. It can be a great way to gain new experiences, develop skills and mature as a person. If you are considering taking a gap year before starting your studies at Lancaster University, there are a few things you should know about deferring your place and reserving your student accommodation.
What is deferring?
Deferring your place at university is common amongst students who want to take some time out of studying, but still are passionate about getting a degree in a chosen subject.
If you apply to University and then “defer” it means that you can take a year out before starting your course without losing your place, which is great news if you fancy taking a year to pursue your other passions. You can defer for a number of reasons such as to travel, gain work experience or take the time to focus on your own personal development. Whatever your reason for deferring, it is important to remember that you need to make the decision early, you will need to apply for deferral before your university course begins. If you already hold an offer and decide later that you’d like to defer, you should contact Lancaster University directly. Lancaster has a form for applicants who are holding a place and want to request a change to their year of entry. The university will consider the request and, if agreed, update the offer through UCAS.
In simple terms: don’t assume your place can automatically be deferred. Ask early, check the process for your course and get everything confirmed before making big gap year plans.
Things to Check Before You Defer
Before you commit to a gap year, there are a few practical things to think about.
First, check whether your course allows deferred entry. Most courses may be open to deferral, but some subjects, entry routes or circumstances can be different.
Second, think about your finances. If you plan to work during your gap year, how much would you like to save before university? If you plan to travel, how much will it cost? Will you still have enough money set aside for deposits, accommodation, freshers’week and everyday student life?
Third, make sure you know what happens with student finance. Your funding application may need to match your new year of entry, so check the latest guidance before applying or changing anything.
Finally, think about accommodation. It may feel early, but popular student accommodation in Lancaster can book up quickly, especially if you already know where you want to live.
Student Accommodation in Lancaster After a Gap Year
Once you have deferred your place at Lancaster University, you can start to think about reserving your student accommodation. Bailrigg Student Living is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a convenient and stress free student flat in Lancaster. With a range of student rooms available and with every room ensuite, there is something to suit everyone. If you’ve decided to defer and are looking to reserve your student room at Bailrigg Student Living for the next academic year, you can get in touch with the team and we will be happy to help you with the process and show you our luxury student accommodation.
Why Do Students Take a Gap Year?
A gap year can look different for everyone. Some students want adventure. Others want work experience. Some want to save money, build confidence, care for family, improve their mental health or take time to feel more ready for university life.
There’s no one “right” way to do a gap year. The best gap year is one that helps you feel more prepared, more independent and more excited about starting university.
Common reasons students take a gap year include:
travelling before starting university
working full-time to save money
gaining experience related to a future career
volunteering in the UK or abroad
improving language skills
building independence before moving away from home
taking time to decide whether a course is definitely right
developing confidence after exams or a stressful academic year
A gap year doesn’t have to be expensive, dramatic or Instagram worthy tol be incredibly valuable.
The Gap Year
You’re all sorted, you have your place secured on your university course and you’ve reserved your accommodation. There is nothing to worry about apart from how you want to spend your year out!
One of the main benefits of taking a gap year before starting university is that it can help you to prepare for your course. For example, if you are planning on studying business studies and want to hit the ground running after you graduate, taking a year out to gain work experience can be extremely valuable. Whilst it seems daunting, it’s easier to find a placement at a business than you might think, many large corporations and small businesses offer opportunities, so it's worth doing some research to find the best fit for you.
Working for a year before you start your University course will give you a chance to develop your skills in a real-life setting and gain a deeper understanding of how businesses operate. You will make contacts and understand which areas of business you want to focus on when you are at University.
Similarly, if you are planning on studying Spanish, spending a year in Spain can be an excellent way to improve your language skills and gain cultural insights that will enhance your knowledge and understanding before you start your course.
Or if you are planning on taking a zoology course, volunteering with wildlife can provide you with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the subject. From wildlife sanctuaries to conservation projects, there are a wide range of organisations that can help you develop your skills and knowledge of the animal world.
There are even opportunities to volunteer abroad through companies such as “Real Gap” or “Gapforse” where you can choose to volunteer with specific animals, conservation projects or on nature reserves across Africa and Asia.
Finding Your Passion
Taking a gap year is not always about gaining new experiences that are directly related to your course. It is a wider opportunity to develop important life skills such as independence, self-confidence, and resilience and many people take a year out to understand themselves better and take stock of their achievements so far. One of the best ways to do this is by living independently for a year, this can help you to mature and develop your own sense of identity and it’ll give you vital skills which many of your flatmates at Lancaster Uni won’t have acquired (you’ll be the first person to turn to when they can’t work out how to use the laundry room!). You may also discover new interests and passions that you didn't know you had, which might even encourage you to change your mind and choose a different course from the one you have applied for and help you a more fulfilling career path in the future.
Embarking on a gap year before starting your studies at Lancaster University can be a great way to gain new experiences, find adventure, develop important skills and mature as a person. Whether you choose to find the perfect company to set you up with work experience, travel the globe or volunteer, there are countless opportunities available that can help you to prepare for your course and gain a deeper understanding of your subject. By deferring your place and reserving your student accommodation at Bailrigg Student Living, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and secure place to live when you start university without worrying. So why not take the plunge and start planning your gap year today? The possibilities are endless!
Getting Ready to Start University After a Gap Year
As your gap year comes to an end, give yourself time to prepare for university life. You don’t need to do everything at once, but a little planning can make the transition feel easier.
You could:
check your university emails regularly
confirm your start date and course information
organise your student finance
sort your accommodation
make a basic packing list
refresh your subject knowledge
join official university or accommodation groups
plan your budget for the first term
If you’ve chosen Lancaster student housing with Bailrigg Student Living, you can also start thinking about how you want your new room to feel. A few familiar items, practical kitchen basics and cosy touches can help your student accommodation feel like home quickly.
