Leaving school? Taking a gap year? Going to university? Then hopefully the following will be of interest. If you can recommend other sources of information for Jewish school-leavers and students, please drop a line to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  who would like to develop this article as part of Youth Matters; thanks.

The Union of Jewish Students is the only cross communal body, dedicated to the provision of meaningful Jewish experiences to Jewish students from all denominations and political views, as well as defending the rights of Jewish students on campus. UJS offers a wide range of opportunities in political, educational, cultural and leadership roles, empowering students to take up positions of responsibility, to advantage themselves and those around them. Visit www.ujs-online.co.uk for further information.

UJS Hillel has been uniquely dedicated to the support of Jewish students for over 50 years. It provides a network of facilities and infrastructures across the UK from residential accommodation, with amenities for non-residents, to a growing network of non-residential Jewish Student Centres.  In all its centres, students are able to enjoy a wide range of activities, explore their Jewish identity, or just be somewhere to meet other Jewish students. Visit www.ujshillel.co.uk for further information.

Deciding which University to go to can seem like a very daunting, complicated and stressful process, but, like anything in life, if you are well prepared the whole process will go far more smoothly. That is where the AJ6 Guide to Jewish Student Life comes in. For many of you, University will be the first time that you will be truly independent people. This means that you will be able to decide exactly where you want your religion to take you. Whatever strand of Judaism you feel comfortable with and however you want to live your life, it is important to know what the atmosphere is like at your prospective University and whether it is the right place for you. For further information and a copy of the Association of Jewish Sixthformers Guide to Jewish Student Life, visit www.aj6.org.

The Commonwealth Jewish Council has a variety of programmes available for anyone wishing to take between two months and one year off from their studies. Fancy spending five months on a leadership course? Both Machon and Megamot are programmes based in Israel, providing you with an informal education of Israel, its history and its culture, whilst giving you the most memorable five months of your life. Although Jerusalem is the focal point of the programme, particpants travel the country, exploring and learning as they go. If that does not take your fancy, how about spending three months in India, South Africa or Canada? CJC can organise a placement in a Commonwealth country, where you will work within the Jewish community. This will give you a wonderful opportunity to live in and explore another country, whilst on your gap year. Visit www.cjc.org.uk for further information.