So You Didn't Make University This Year

By Author: David James
Total Articles: 4762
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Well take a year out and have a 'staycation'!

With the numbers of university students not making clearing on the rise this year, if you are one of them you need to think of some way to spend your year in a constructive manner, before reapplying next year. Of course if you are lucky enough to be in possession of a large amount of money: backpacking around the world would be lovely. For the rest of us however, here is a list of fabulous ways you can spend your year, by having a staycation!

You could go for the simple option and take a year at college before going to University, whether you develop a new trait such as acting, or a language. Applying to a local college is a simple and easy way to spend a year. With the plus that you still remain in education. It works really well for anyone interested in undergoing an arts degree, because it offers a whole year where you can develop and build up your portfolio before heading to university.

Of course there is always the chance of learning a language abroad. You can easily get to France very cheaply, and although it isn't technically a 'staycation' it is simple ...
... to move there for a few months, get a job, with a salary high enough to pay the rent and your bills, and before you know it, you will be almost fluent. It is a quick and simple way to learn a language and you'll never be too far from home.

Or you could always get a job in this country, doing anything really to build up your money. However it would make a great improvement if the work was mildly related to what you want to do in your later life. An example would be if you would like to go into Veterinary, then it would make sense to get a job related somewhat to that field. Even if it is only working in a Zoo, it will still look great on your Personal Statement as you apply to different universities.

Also if you are lucky enough to not need any money to sustain you for a year, then a bit of volunteering will always look good. You are aiming to build up skills and ideas that will help to make you stand out on your CV and your Personal Statement. There is also a great amount of charity work you can do in your local region if you're not looking to travel abroad, and anything you can do to make yourself stand out from all the other university applicants is a great idea.

There is of course always the option of going straight into a job or a career. Often after a break people realise that university is not what they want, so if you want to go straight into employment then you can simply travel down to your local job centre or search online.

However you look at it, having a year out is sure to be beneficial in many ways, and a staycation could definitely be the way to go. Quick, easy and cheap, it will help you to build up your skills without having to spend a lot of money.
About Author:
David James writes for the online novelty gifts retailer Find Me A Gift, home to the relaunched Big Trak retro toy.