COVID related - gap year after year 2 pros and cons

[jewel1968]

Some of DS's uni friends are taking a gap year having finished yr 2. This is because of the uncertainty around how their final year will be taught - online Vs face 2 face. DS is pondering if he should consider it.

He was relatively comfortable doing online learning but it was only for a few months. I can think of pros but wondered what the cons are. Grateful for your insights.

What would he actually do with the year? And what if his university is still using the 'autumn term 2020' method of delivering its teaching come September 2021?

What does he spend the year doing? Jobs are likely to be hard to find and travel restricted. I'm actually suprised the unis would happily allow it too, aside from for those in genuine need due to health etc.

*What does he plan on spending the year doing

Well he is a bit vague but mentioned getting a job. I did suggest that was going to be a challenge but to be fair he is quite resourceful. I did wonder if his friends had particular challenges that might mean a gap year is essential. My worry is that he would lose the ability to study, plus he would not know anyone in the next year group. I also agree that a year might not change anything much.

If he gets a relevant job it'll put him in a really good position to find work when he does graduate. Think of it as a sandwich year or a year in employment rather than a gap year!

What subject is he doing? If it is a stem one, then I would assume there will be labs, workshops etc. If it is a more essay based subject e.g. history, English, then I would assume a lot will be online.

Thanks. He has decided against it so will continue on for another year. It will be a mix of online and face to face.