After years of school, the very thought of uni can seem like torture. Especially when you know you have to finish two years of VCE first. After all the homework, exams, stress and the pressure to keep up and hang in there, why would you want to put yourself through more of the same?
Well, you may have a point. Some people think that you need a break after so much studying. And others reckon you may as well just get out there and get a job. But the thing about uni is that you can take a break, you can work and you can still get the benefits of a uni degree.
Lots of people take a year off before starting uni. This is called a ‘gap year’.
You can apply to defer a place at uni for a semester or a year. In order to do that, you need to check the rules for your particular course and uni. This kind of break can give you time to travel, work, and get a better sense of what you want to do with your life. Deferment can also help you establish yourself as ‘independent’ and hence eligible to receive Youth Allowance. Check out Centrelink at www.centrelink.gov.au for further information.
So, even if you need a break first, the option of going to uni is never closed to you- you just need to get yourself in!