Working while at university

One of the things students have to deal with when they start university is time management, including options for part-time work that fits around your studies.

This is especially difficult for students who are on courses with lots of contact hours, where you'll be spending lots of time in the university. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure you are studying enough but also have time to socialise!

When we come to university, lots of us believe that we will not have time to do any part-time work around our studies. While it is true that working too much can affect your studying and social life, for many students it is unrealistic to expect to live off student finance alone. Fortunately, there are several opportunities to earn money both on and off campus – and these hours can be flexible so you can choose to work when you are able to do so.

Here are a few tips.

1. Advance planning really is the key here! University timetables are available several weeks and even months in advance, so you will know when your days off are. This is brilliant as it gives you to time to plan around lectures.
2. Before starting university, it is also a good idea to write a CV so you can start applying for jobs at the earliest opportunity.
3. The Employment Bureau on campus is also a fantastic source if perhaps you are new to the area and need a bit of guidance. You may find that contracted hours and days each week suit you better, or if you are on a course with placements for example a zero-hour contract may be better. This is all down to your individual circumstances.

A part-time job has many benefits aside from the extra money it brings in. It can be a reference for a full-time job when you finish university, and it also looks great on your CV because it demonstrates good time management with balancing your studies and work. Depending on your course, where you work may also have opportunities for you when you finish university.

To summarise, it is possible to work part-time and still enjoy university life and perform well academically.