I don't know what an academic year gap is.

Set up housekeeping with the love of your life and both of you work like dogs to keep it together and get through school. I've known plenty of people who've done this and it is when you're young you have the energy to do it.

Or abide by mom and dad's rules and have them pay for your education.

I'd be inclined to abide by their rules, until I figured out how to fund myself and then I'd go do what I wanted.