Help regarding offers.

Current UCL/Imperial/Kings/LSE type undergrad in my second year. Fucked up on my applications for BBs/EBs but have managed to get an offer for an IB analyst at a boutique firm for a placement year after 2 ACs for the same firm. My uni doesn't typically allow people from my course (Econ) to take placement years unless you get a note from your GP saying your mental health is fucked (Mine is for various reasons).

Spoke to my departments admin team and they said that I would likely be allowed to defer a year and be allowed to intern / work during it - got this in writing on email.

Was wondering if I should take the placement year as I have nothing lined up. Was wondering if anyone has done something similar - what was your experience? Did you lose your uni friends, did this help your recruiting for full time roles? My ultimate goal is to end up at an EB after graduation.

A little about the firm I can give without revealing too much. 30-40 MM/LMM deals a year. They have an office outside of London and that's where my offer is, (it is near my parents house so can move back).

Is this worth doing over missing out on 1 year with friends at uni etc?

I know it may seem stupid to ask "should I do this" but would want to hear what you guys think.

My only other option is to send out emails to boutique firms and network. I managed to get an HF internship first year thru this so I think I might be able to do this again but not sure.

I have till Monday 18th to decide if I should to do this.