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Gap year checklist
Exciting adventures with new friends in exotic places sounds an idyllic scenario. And with more and more young people taking a gap year before starting their university degree, QS Top Universities has some helpful hints to ensure happy and healthy globetrotting.
Some basics of all you need to know when you’re setting out on your gap year… and all you need to pack!
Pack light! Remember when you’re on your gap year, you will have to carry all of your treasured possessions with you so the less you have of them the better. You are unlikely to go anywhere with a backpack that requires a dinner jacket or a cocktail dress. Instead, comfortable and practical clothing is more suitable. Anything else you may need can usually be picked up for much cheaper while you are away.
- The only exception is perhaps footwear - some flip-flops, trainers and a pair of smarter shoes or sandals should cover you for all eventualities. You may also want to consider hiking boots if you plan on any trekking expeditions.
- Always keep a close eye on your possessions, especially at airports or terminals. Never leave your luggage unattended or with a stranger and never carry any items over a border for anyone else.
- While you may be having the time of your life on your gap year, remember to keep in contact with those waiting for you back home. Emails, international calling cards and pay-as-you-go sim cards are all great ways of not only reassuring your loved ones you are safe and sound, but also sharing your experiences, making everyone back home very envious.
- Remember you are a guest in someone else’s country so always dress and behave appropriately. This may mean not sunbathing topless or wearing shorts, mini skirts or showing bare shoulders. Be aware of religious dress codes like covering your head, shoulders or bare legs or removing your shoes before entering temples.
- Make an effort to learn some key words or phrases of the language; they are useful and always appreciated.
Before you leave on your gap year, make sure you have all the important documents and details in order:
- Make sure your passport is valid until well after you plan to return home. You never know, you may just want to stay longer than you expected! Also, check entry requirements of countries you are travelling to. Some may require your passport to be valid for 6 or 12 months beyond your date of entry.
- Make sure you have all the correct visas for the countries you intend to travel to. For some places this can be a lengthy process that must be done before you arrive in the country, so plan well in advance. QS Top Universities has some visa advice to begin with: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/
- Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers you for all the adventures you may get into; skiing, bungee jumping, white water rafting etc…
- Make several photocopies of your passport, visa documents, travel documents (tickets) and insurance policies. Leave one with someone at home, take a copy with you (but keep it somewhere other than with the original items) and if possible scan and email copies of all your important documents to yourself. If your bags should get lost or stolen it is always helpful to have a copy of these available.
- Give a copy of your contact details and itinerary to someone at home and phone or email them with regular updates if your travel plans change.
Staying healthy while you are away on your gap year can make the difference between a great trip and a terrible one. Tales of ‘Delhi Belly’ make an amusing anecdote years later, but are usually best avoided if possible.
- Make sure you have all the requisite medical jabs and tablets before you embark on your trip. This may involve vaccination injections or malaria tablets, which you need to get well before you start your trip. Check with your doctor at least six weeks before you leave home. If possible, get an official record of all your immunisations and carry it with your passport. Some countries will demand proof of vaccinations and clean health before crossing the border.
Student Survival Guide