When Deniz Ronayne, 22, missed out on his grades for the University of Birmingham, he didn’t know what to do. “I was just floundering,” he says. “So I ended up getting a job in a restaurant.”

Ronayne, who now studies history and politics at Queen’s University Belfast, says working for a year meant he saved money and rethought his uni choices. Looking back, it was the best decision he’s ever made. “I love being in Belfast and it was nice to earn money and get a sense of what life is like outside of school. It was like a little taster of what is to come after uni, budgeting and keeping yourself afloat.”

Sheffield Hallam student, Megan Coupe, agrees. With money tight at uni, she says that not only did a year out allow her to save up, but as someone who is very close to her family, it gave her time to feel “ready to be independent”.

According to Ucas, approximately 30,000 students each year choose to defer entry. Many do so for personal reasons such as family circumstances, illness or needing time to mature and increase motivation. Others want to get relevant experience or earn money. Some may have missed out on their grades, while others might not feel 100% about their course and want to wait another year to consider their options. If the time isn’t right for you, don’t panic.

Some universities even view it as an asset to take a year out. “Generally, I think it’s a really good idea,” says Delyth Chambers, director of student recruitment at the University of Warwick. “Young people mature a lot during their year out.” TR

Barney Terrington, 20, is going to study geography at Manchester Metropolitan University

When I finished school I felt so excited to have a year’s break after so much academic work. I just wanted to live my life, earn some money, explore the world and have fun. I had originally wanted to go to Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to study geography after my year out, but I got into Sheffield to study urban planning. I accepted the place as I thought it was a better uni, assuming it was the right thing to do.

After working and travelling, I went to Sheffield and straight away I knew it wasn’t for me. The first time I went there was in the car driving up and I just felt so unprepared. Most people carry on but I just thought there is no way I’m going to do this. I wasn’t enjoying my time and so, within weeks, I left and had to take another year out. I’ve spent the last nine months working in building construction and I’ve learned how to use tools and earned money, but most of all I’ve gained perspective.

In September, I’m starting the original course at MMU. I’ve been able to visit and think about what it would be like to live in the city and I’ve met people who are already there. These are all factors I didn’t think about the first time around. I’m much more focused now and I feel really excited about starting. TR

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Farris Simmons. Photograph: Ophelia Wynne/Guardian

Farris Simmons, 21, went through clearing in 2018 to study content, media and film production

I was uncomfortable from the start at my other university. I felt I didn’t fit, and that the city didn’t suit me. I had an interview for a part-time job at Waitrose, but the atmosphere seemed so constricted. I didn’t do any freshers’ stuff – I was just unhappy.

As soon as I made my decision to leave, I looked up vacancies and applied to MetFilm School, London through clearing. I didn’t know then, but this was the last day I could have got on the course. I emailed and heard back within the hour. They were really supportive and told me what I needed to do. There were hitches with some paperwork, but it didn’t stop me.

I’ve found this course really fun and interactive, and the teaching is supportive. It’s very inclusive – everyone gets an opportunity to contribute and no one gets left behind. I’ve just finished a project I’m really proud of – a short documentary on homelessness. I’m not very talkative but everyone is friendly. I preferred to sort out my own accommodation as it made sense financially.

I had my doubts about going to uni, but now I’m here, I’m staying – I’m gaining a lot more than I expected. In clearing, I’d say don’t be afraid to ask questions and be persistent – don’t wait for people to message you back; you have to get on to the phone and chase. You need to weigh up the pros and cons and work out what’s right – not just stay on a course because you’re there. HP