gap year or not

Hi guys i’m extremely conflicted on whether to take a gap year in 2025 or not. i really want to go on a 3 month minimum trip in my gap year after i earn some money at the start of my gap year and travel heaps. However i’m afraid i’m going to lose all my friends, everyone is going to move from my small town to melbourne, and i’m going to get depressed and lonely in a town that i don’t really enjoy that much. And i feel like i need a change in surroundings desperately so uni would be great. I’m also looking to study med which will take 7+ years so think going to uni to not waste a year (even tho it of course wouldn’t be waste) would be great Any advice?