Bridging the Gap: How My Gap Year Eased the Transition to University Life

As a high school student, I could hardly wait for my graduation. I kept daydreaming of the day I would finally be off to university, starting an exhilarating new chapter of my life. However, the transitional period between school and university turned out to be more challenging than expected. Contrary to my naïve belief, I did not have everything figured out, and that was okay. As a student, school conveyed a sense of safety. Naturally, being thrown out of such a familiar structure in my life and released into the real world was disorienting. Thus, I decided to take a gap year to give myself time and space to adapt to this new stage in my life.

Personal Growth

After completing my IB Diploma at the International School in my hometown of Hanover in Germany, I applied for a voluntary social year at an art gallery called the Kestnergesellschaft and was luckily accepted. This decision allowed me to experience and gain realistic insights into the working world, hone valuable skills, learn to orient myself in a new environment, and socialize with various individuals from different professions, such as curators and artists. I was pushed out of my comfort zone by having to navigate unfamiliar situations, such as massive art exhibition opening events. The experiences I gained during my gap year helped me ease into change at university. I grew more confident. This aided me throughout my first year at UCL, especially during the initial weeks. I was able to overcome any hesitation about approaching people and start developing fresh friendships.

Newfound Independence

In addition to the personal growth I experienced, my gap year also allowed me to thrive within newfound independence, pushing me to take responsibility for myself. I started handling everyday tasks on my own, managed my schedule, travel plans, and sorted out my own paperwork. Developing this level of self-reliance has been crucial at university, especially when living in a massive city. I planned the move from Germany to the UK on my own, applied for a visa, figured out accommodation, insurance, and so on. In short, I felt prepared for London.

I lived near King’s Cross Station in central London for my first year of university. My course, Creative Arts and Humanities, was newly introduced last September, and lessons took place at UCL East campus. This meant I had to commute from Chancery Lane to Stratford. Having experienced morning and evening commutes during my gap year enabled me to get used to the hectic atmosphere at tube stations in London quite quickly. I felt comfortable exploring the city on my own and acquainting myself with new spaces.

Reigniting Academic Motivation

Learning to navigate the real world independently was a valuable lesson that my gap year taught me. Nevertheless, I believe that the most crucial aspect of this experience was time. I was burned out after graduating from high school and consistently overwhelmed with conflicting feelings. The excitement of newness is always accompanied by uncertainty. Taking a gap year granted me time and a break from academia. Despite feeling behind at times, watching my friends move on and start to study, it was the best thing I could have done. I was able to get to know myself better and what I truly wished to study. I rediscovered my love of literature and continued exploring my fascination with film. By the end of my gap year, I was certain that I wished to pursue a creative degree. The initial doubts I experienced after graduation about my educational interests were replaced by an eagerness to learn again. With a clear focus in mind, my academic motivation was reignited.

Concluding Thoughts

Taking a gap year was a pivotal decision and transformative period in my life, guiding me to where I am now. I am thankful for the positive impact it has made, allowing me to grow and develop as a person, thus easing the transition to university life. For those of you who have taken a gap year after high school, rest assured that this experience will serve as a strong foundation for your time at university. It has given you the chance to step back, reflect, and prepare yourself to tackle the challenges ahead. Ultimately, your gap year will provide you with the mindset and skillset to successfully transition to university life.