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“It looks amazing on your CV, and it’s a brilliant thing to do,” Griffiths said. “If you go for an interview, and it comes down to two people, the fundraiser will stand out.”

Izzy Jones, an Environmental Biology student at the University of Plymouth, did a 12-day coast-to-coast walk to raise money for her three-month trip to Belize and Guatemala.

“I knew someone at Barclays, a manager, so I had a chat with them and found out they had an allocated amount to give to charity every year,” Jones said. “In the end they agreed to match me pound for pound on what I raised. I did a lot of smaller events too like raffles and car boot sales. In total I got just over £3,500.”

Jones did the trip with Trekforce, who gave her a list of ideas for raising the money.

“There are so many options it’s actually quite overwhelming really. I do think how much you will raise though depends on where you come from and who you know,” she said.

“A useful tip I found was to get the local press involved. I came from a tiny town, which was really keen on any news. It would keep people’s interest going. It got people writing in to say they wanted to give money. You have to keep friends and family in the loop too, mine were very generous at Christmas,” Jones continued.

You could also look to charitable organisations to help you find funds. Rotary International, Round Table, and Lions Club International are business clubs who will help fund gap years. Find your local branch and explain the situation.

“Focus and find out what money is available to you, and where you’re likely to get it,” Griffiths said. “I regularly see students raising £3,000-£4,000 through these initiatives. If you’re doing something of benefit or value, you will get the support. I genuinely believe that millions of pounds are out there which are not taken by students each year,” he said.

Raising money in small amounts can seem demoralising, but it does build up. For example. a car washing business which cleans 10 cars a week at £3 a time makes £120 a month, and over £1,500 in a year.

“The secret is not to try and get full funding from Mars or Nike, but to get £100 here, £100 there, and build it up slowly,” Griffiths said. “You only need ten friends to sponsor you a tenner for shaving your head and you have £100.”

Harry Harris, a Journalism student at Bournemouth University, spent some of his gap year in Belize, after raising over £4,000 for the trip. He worked full-time in Debenhams for three and a half months as well as using his initiative to organise some events.

“I tried to think of some original things to do. I know a guy in Southend who owns a restaurant, so I asked him whether he could help me do a wine tasting night. We did it with a meal, and he let me keep the profits, giving me £600,” Harris said.

“Another friend of the family has yachts in the Royal Yacht Club in London, so I organised a race for local businessmen. We got eight yachts for the day, which was a good advertisement for this company, and very good for me – I got over £1,000,” he continued.

Gap years can cost as much or as little as you want, whether it is volunteering or travelling. If you are going on a supported placement, a funding target will be given to you by the company you are going with.

If you plan to travel independently, you need to work out your budget in advance, taking into account flights, accommodation, insurance, food and recreation.

The opportunities to raise the money you will need for a gap year are there, so don’t take out a loan for your travels. Student money worries are sufficient in today’s world without adding further debts into the mix.

A gap year is feasible for all students - all you need is the commitment and determination to raise the money.

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