Patrick's advice on taking a gap year
11 April 2022
Hi everyone, I’m Patrick and I’m studying a Bachelor of Game Design and Development at Macquarie. I wanted to talk with you all today about gap years.
A gap year is a year of break from studying students can take either before starting or during uni. During this time, students can engage in activities such as travelling the world, working full time, or even volunteering. The possibilities are endless!
There are many reasons why students choose to take a gap year. It all comes down to you, your current situation, and whether you think it will be beneficial for you in the long run.
Before deciding to take a gap year, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. While gap years do provide the opportunity for you to take time off, you must also consider whether:
- It is the right time
- You can afford to support yourself (especially doing things like travelling the world)
- It will disrupt your momentum and hinder your studies.
While it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding, there may be some unexpected situations in life that require you to take time away from university.
If this ever happens to you, or if you’re currently considering a gap year, the Macquarie University student website provides more details on how you can properly apply for a leave of absence or to defer your studies.