Pilot16,
I did exactly what you are advocating, although almost 8 years ago now, when the rules werent quite so restrictive. I dont regret it for one second, I did my instructor rating and instructed through university and weekends / holidays and left uni with 1800 hrs, straight into a airline job.
The only difference in your position is that, realisticaly, youll need to do you IR in your GAP year too, and then keep in current. I didnt need to do mine until I left uni.
Cheers