5 Ways Uni Is Different When You Start After A Gap Year (Or Two)

So you’ve been away from the books for a while – you might have been on a well-earned mid-degree break or planning on a return to study after some time spent in the workforce.

Well, tackling your higher education after a little time away from the books can actually be beneficial. Here’s how.

#1 You Actually Go In Knowing What You Want To Do

After some time out in the world, you’ll have a much better idea of what you like, what you don’t, and what you want out of life.

Maybe you’ve already started working in the field you thought you wanted to pursue… and realised that, actually, it isn’t for you. Maybe strolling through a bunch of European museums left you with a hankering to study the classics, or perhaps you’ve figured out you’re actually more into the idea of a practical, hands-on degree like Podiatry.

Or maybe you’ll stay on the same path you always planned on, only with confidence in the fact that you’re right where you need to be. Either way, it’s good clarity to have.

---

#2 You Reap The Rewards Of Maturity

You do a lot of growing up between the ages of 18 and 25. So you’ve had precious space to mature and ensure that when you do decide to tackle it, you’ll be a little older, a little wiser and far more prepared to handle whatever your degree throws at you.

And the more mature you are, the more you’ll appreciate uni. You’ll have a bigger appetite to learn, greater appreciation for the opportunity you’re being given, and you’ll be ready to really apply yourself to study (hello, that’s why mature-aged students are always the first ones with their hands up).

---

#3 You’re Better With Money

There’s no two ways about it: students are a notoriously broke category of people. You probably won’t be rolling in cash while you’re getting your degree, so going in knowing how to manage money will put you in seriously good stead for surviving the ride.

Did you travel? Well you’d know how to budget! You saved for that trip overseas – and carefully made your money last until you got home – you’re much better at planning out the dollars then.

Likewise, if you’ve had time in the workforce before starting uni, you’ll have had time to sharpen your money skills and maybe even – gasp – save a bit to tide you over during your degree or retain your job part-time and start your degree.

---

#4 You’ll Get Better Grades (Seriously)

Students who take a gap year perform better at uni – it’s science. A study which followed the results of 904 Australian students across a range of academic backgrounds, found that those who defer a year after high school actually wind up with better marks than those who started straight after Year 12.

Researchers say that a break between school and higher education helps add momentum to your study, allowing you to sharpen your decision-making skills, broaden your competencies, and become more organised – all attributes that will help you at uni. You’re also likely to have gained more confidence, figured out how to stay cool under pressure, and picked up a greater understanding of the world around you. So, you’re actually more equipped to hit uni after a break. It’s a statistical fact.

---

#5 It’s Way More Enjoyable

So, if you’ve given yourself a breather – to work, travel, or do whatever you wanted to do – you’re going to enter uni feeling a lot more refreshed and ready to tackle your degree.

Basically, studying is a lot more enjoyable when you’re not burnt out or looking out the window with that should-I-have-gone-backpacking FOMO creeping in.

As the saying goes all roads lead to Rome. Or Newcastle. If you’re planning to return to study why not choose the University of Newcastle where you can enjoy a coastal location and laid-back lifestyle at a world-class uni. Why not give them a call or drop in and have a chat about your 2020 vision.

—

Visit the University of Newcastle website to find out more.

—

(Lead image: Brooke Cagle / Unsplash)