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University crisis causing gap year frenzy

with 50,000 students missing out on university places this year, nearly half of those are set to take a gap year

UK - August 24, 2009

Almost 25,000 additional students are set to take a gap year this summer due to a lack of university places, predicts Generator Hostels.

Figures out this week[1] have revealed that many school leavers will be missing out on starting their degrees this year. With rising unemployment figures and a gloomy job market, more young people will be considering a gap year following this year’s A-level results.

Executive quote

With almost one in five 16 to 24 year olds currently unemployed,[2] the future is not looking bright for Britain’s youth. “Without the safety net of university, many young people will be turning to a gap year in order to escape the current financial crisis. Jobs are scarce and universities are unable to accommodate them. As long as they are making the most of their time, by adding skills to their CV, a year out may appear to be a sensible option,” said Eric Van Dijk, managing director at Generator Hostels.

“Our experience and market research figures indicate that we are set to see a huge influx of gap year students this year – with additional numbers set to rise by as much as 25,000,” added Van Dijk.

About the company

About Generator Hostels (www.generatorhostels.com)

Generator Hostels is one of the leading backpacker destinations worldwide.

With hostels located in both central London and Berlin, Generator Hostels has over 1600 beds and attracts 40,000 visitors from around the world each month.

Offering guests everything they need to stay entertained, each hostel has a bar and travel desk where visitors can get free advice and book excursions. Additional facilities include luxury female dorms, en-suite rooms (in Berlin), single sex dorms as well as free bed linen and an all you-can-eat breakfast included in the price.

For the latest news from Generator Hostels please visit: Lewis Wire

You can follow Generator Hostels on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace

Contact details

For further press information and photography please contact:
Angela Workman at LEWIS, the PR agency
Tel: +44 (0)161 457 2050
Fax: +44 (0)161 457 2051
Email: emailvision@lewispr.com

Supporting materials

NOTES TO EDITORS

Gap year tips

Based on its experience of hosting 480,000 backpackers every year, Europe’s leading hostel group has put together five top tips on what to consider before backpackers decide to take that gap year decision.

1. Do the maths

Budget properly - it’s not just about the flights, make sure you have done your research and know how much it will cost to live on an average day.

Check out visa costs by visiting www.fco.gov.uk and find the best travel deals along with money saving tips online, try sites such as travelsupermarket.com and tripadvisor.co.uk.

2. Keeping in touch…

Overseas calls can be costly so look at the best ways to keep in touch, whether it be email, Facebook or phonecards.

Providing your phone is web enabled, you can chat to those back home cheaply over Skype, just visit an Internet café or anywhere with a wireless connection.

3. Get CV savvy

Voluntary schemes can be a great way of seeing the world, enhancing your CV and making a difference – think about what skills you want to be able to demonstrate when making your choice.

Alternatively work your way around the world gaining valuable experience along the way. Sites like www.workpermit.com can help you apply for the relevant visas.

4. Do your research

Establish a rough itinerary before you go – helping to secure cheaper and possibly more flexible flight deals and the best budget accommodation.

Swotting up on the laws and culture of your destination will also stop you from standing out for the wrong reasons or even ending up in jail.

5. Practical packing

Don’t take too much but do remember the essentials - have you packed and photocopied your passport, bought a map, camera and a padlock for your bag? What about a first-aid kit, medicines and dry soap to do your washing?

[1] UCAS, Latest university application figures show 9.7% rise, July 2009

[2] Office for National Statistics, labour market statistics for August 2009

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