By Alice Benjamin, Second Year, Politics and International Relations
With a new academic year approaching and first year friendships blossoming, gap years are always a hot topic. But, does reminiscing on past travels serve as a friendly icebreaker, or simply reinforce the blatant wealth gap amongst students?
Having been in first year twice after deciding to change course, I experienced my first Freshers’ Week straight from school and my second one full of tales of traversing Thailand. It was absolutely worth taking the leap. Nevertheless, between exchanges of missed flights and full moon parties, are the students who cannot relate socially ostracised?
Bristol’s student population is made up of nearly 40 per cent privately educated students, a hugely disproportionate minority given that just 7 per cent of the nation falls into this category. Approximately, 26 per cent of students at Bristol University chose to take a year out.
I'm left wondering whether taking a gap year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a trust-funded ‘rite of passage.’
Remarks such as ‘You didn't take a gap year?’ or ‘You haven't done the Ha Giang Loop?’ can feel exclusionary, whether it be unintentionally or not. They reinforce the divide between those who could afford a gap year, and those who couldn't, whilst revealing the out-of-touch attitudes some students at the university have. A year abroad can be enormously expensive. Not all of us can live by the mantra, ‘The memories last forever, money comes back.’
I didn't consider a gap year until I started a course I wasn’t enjoying. Friendless and burnt out, I was set on leaving by Christmas. Upon my return to Bristol, I had a more positive outlook on the academic year.
The most important takeaways from my year out wasn't how many motorbikes I'd ridden, or tours I'd taken. It was how to feel more confident speaking to strangers. I wouldn't have otherwise developed this newfound bravery without pushing myself even further out of my comfort zone. Regardless, I have no regrets on how either first terms had went. It was all invaluable experience, where I learnt about myself academically and personally.
I'd highly recommend a gap year abroad, but I'd be lying if I said the experience was different from those who seem to have endless funds, in case something went wrong. I saved up, travelling on a budget, which meant I had to take a more conscious approach to travelling. Yet each risk looks a lot less terrifying when you know you can return to the comforting bosom of your parent's money.
Meg Stannett
If you can afford the travel costs, you most likely will not regret it. But, the truth is, gap years and private education go hand in hand, so we must stop pretending that a gap year is nearly mandatory.
The switch from ‘finding yourself’ to trying to find a seat in the library puts everyone on equal footing. Whether you went backpacking across Asia or not, fresher's anxiety is inevitable.
So I say, take that opportunity if you can – just keep in mind that the tales you return with are a privilege, not proof that you are more prepared for Bristol life than others.
Featured image: Epigram / Alice Benjamin
Do you think every student should take a gap year ?
