i’ve been on the combined pill since i was 16, now 23 and i’ve taken the pill almost continuously for the last 3 years with no proper breaks. i’m interested in coming off the pill so i just wanted to know when i’d need to start using other contraceptives, would it be after i finish my 7 day break week so on day 8? and could i potentially ovulate right away?

You lose protection immediately when stopping the pill. The break week protection is only in instances where you start the next pack. It basically delays your opportunity to ovulate. It's best to start using other methods such as condoms now to get used to them as you go off the pill.

Yes you could ovulate right away on the 8th day and sperm can theoretically survive in your body 5-7 days so you should start using condoms on your last active pill/when you begin your break week.

Are you planning on using birth control again in the near future? Because it is not recommended to come off unless it’s for at least a full 12 months. It is also good to know your body will need time to regulate once you come off, and it is possible you experience withdrawal effects for 9-12 months. You can ovulate as soon as you become unprotected. You should use condoms starting your last active pill. However: I tend to give people the advice to start using condoms during the entire last strip to get back in the habit of using a barrier method.