How to save money during your gap year in the UK?

Whether you’re a local or an international student taking a gap year in the UK, stepping away from studies can be an exciting and refreshing decision.

From travelling and volunteering to gaining work experience or focusing on personal growth, a gap year can take many forms but one thing remains common: managing your expenses.

If done wisely, students can end up saving money during their gap years and in this guide we will explore practical tips to make the most of your gap year.   

1. Start with a clear financial plan

A successful gap year starts with a realistic budget. Outline your expected expenses such as travel, accommodation, insurance, daily living costs and compare them with your current income or savings. You may also want to factor in one-off costs like flights or visa fees (if travelling abroad).

Tip: Use budgeting tools like Emma or Monzo to track your expenses while away.

2. Reassess your living arrangements

A gap year often means you will most probably not live full-time at your accommodation. If you’re renting privately or staying in student halls, review your contract terms carefully. Some landlords or housing offices allow subletting or mid-contract termination, which could help cut down your biggest expense that is the rent.

However, even if you leave your accommodation, you may not want to carry or ship your belongings back and forth. That’s where having a reliable self storage solution becomes essential.

3. Use self storage units to avoid double costs

Transporting your belongings home can be time consuming and expensive. Instead, using a self storage unit provides a flexible and cost effective option to keep your items secure while you’re away.

At Pickfords, we offer student-friendly storage options across the UK. Whether you’re away for a few weeks or several months, our solutions give you the flexibility to store only what you need without paying for unnecessary space.

We offer:

• Container and traditional self storage for quick access
• Drive up self storage for longer-term needs
• Free collection available in Horsham, Edinburgh, and Manchester

Our student self storage units starts from £18 per week and is a convenient and flexible to reduce your living costs without compromising on convenience or security.

4. Choose the right gap year activity

Once your accommodation and storage are sorted, it’s time to focus on your actual gap year plan. Common options include:

• Volunteering: Look for a UK based or international programmes with accommodation and meals covered.
• Internships or part-time work: Gain experience and earn while you take a break from full-time study.
• Skill development: Consider short courses, certifications or creative projects that align with your career goals.
• Travelling: If you’re travelling, look into working holiday visas, budget destinations or group tours designed for students. Australia offers work holiday visas and is a popular destination amongst Brits 

Whichever route you choose, make sure your gap year aligns with your long term personal and professional aspirations.

5. Sell the non-essential items

Before heading out for your gap year adventure, consider what you actually need to keep. Selling items like unused electronics, books or furniture can give you extra cash and lighten the load.

For the rest, Pickfords' self storage units offers secure and convenient storage facilities near every major university, so your essentials stay safe while you're away.

6. Think ahead: What will you need when you return?

Before leaving for your gap year, plan what you’ll need when you return, especially if you’re coming back to study or move to a new city. Will you need to re-rent student housing? Will you need your belongings delivered to a different location?

Pickfords' makes the return easier too. With flexible contract options and nationwide coverage, we can arrange delivery of your belongings directly to your new accommodation.

7. Group together with friends

If you're planning your gap year alongside flatmates and coursemates, teaming up can help reduce multiple costs.

• Share a storage unit: Splitting the cost of a self storage unit with friends means you all save, especially if you’re storing items from a shared flat. Just make sure to label your items clearly and agree on access responsibilities.
• Coordinate travel plans: If you're heading to the same cities or countries, booking flights or accommodation together can unlock group discounts and reduce travel costs.
• Split essentials: Whether it’s temporary accommodation, packing supplies or short-term transport rentals, combining efforts with friends can reduce duplication and save time.
• Pool knowledge and contacts: Someone in your group may know a trusted landlord, affordable internship opportunity or reliable moving service and thus sharing resources can make your gap year prep smoother and more cost-effective.

Taking a collective approach allows you to plan smarter, avoid unnecessary expenses, and support each other throughout the process.

8. Use your university resources

Many universities in the UK offer career counselling, volunteering networks and even scholarships for gap year initiatives. If you're unsure where to begin, reach out to your career services or international student office for recommendations.

9. Avoid last-minute bookings

Whether you're travelling across the UK or heading overseas, booking your flights, trains or accommodation well in advance can significantly cut costs. The same goes for booking your self storage unit early, especially during the peak moving periods like June to August.

At Pickfords, we’ve helped thousands of students across the UK manage their move with ease. Whether you need self storage for a few months or a year, our team is here to guide you through it.

Explore our affordable student self storage options today and make your gap year stress-free.