At the start of my gap year, I struggled to think about what I should do with my time. I knew that there wasn’t any pressure for me to fill my time with a bunch of activities. However, I wanted to get something out of my gap year.  

So, what do you do with your gap year?

At the moment, I know it is hard to do a lot of activities because of lockdown restrictions. However, that shouldn’t stop you from at least making a start in planning. Certainly, if you’re planning on wanting to go traveling and earning some money. (You can even earn money now if you really wanted to) 

There are also certain things you can do now. For example volunteering, having time for yourself and friends and family (COVID safe). As well as thinking about what you want to get out of your life and how you are going to achieve those goals.

How do I do all of this?

Here are some websites that can help you with what you have planned; 

Planning on travelling – 

https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/how-to-do-a-gap-year-on-budget 

Want to volunteer – 

https://www.today.com/pages/volunteer-tips 

Getting a job – 

https://www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/14-job-hunting-tips 

Other useful links – 

  1. https://www.gapyear.com/plan 
  2. https://www.realgap.co.uk/gap-travel-advice/planning-gap-year  
  3. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/life/travel/gap-year/about-gap-years 

Why did I decide to go on a gap year and what have I been doing with my time?

I decided to go on a gap year because of COVID-19. Initially, I was going to get an apprenticeship with a film and television company. Now, I work with Platfform (which initially I started volunteering for at the start of lockdown). 

Since lockdown, I’ve also been doing other activities. For example, entering competitions that involve being in the creative sector. As well as making more time to do photography, learn languages and do sport.

By the end of the year, I would hopefully have travelled (based on lockdown restrictions), written film scripts and documentary ideas (and hopefully film those scripts as well). Also, gotten more experience within the film industry, working on actual film sets. I also want to spend more time with family and friends. 

Don’t forget that you can have time for yourself as well!

If you need help with scheduling your gap year go to the blog post called ‘Why is scheduling important, and easy!

Also, there are many apps that you can use to help with your scheduling, including ‘Calendar+’. Make sure you give the other resources a look to find other scheduling apps that may be helpful to you!